Family foundations fund teen lounge at Cooper

Teenagers who end up being treated at the Children's Regional Hospital at Cooper University Hospital in Camden will soon have more than just a bedroom TV to keep entertained.

A $30,000 grant from the Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation and the Ravitz Family Foundation will support the creation of a teen lounge for patients at the Children's Regional Hospital at Cooper.

"We are thrilled to accept this generous grant," Robyn Harvey, senior director of patient care services, said in a statement. "This grant will enable us to create a safe, fun and interactive environment suitable for our adolescent patients."

The teen center will be furnished with computers, large screen TV, gaming and entertainment center, and other items dedicated for children 12 years of age and older.

The grant will also pay for 100 "Teen Kits" — nylon backpacks filled with games and activities for adolescent patients.

Cooper treats about 600 teenagers each year, said Meaghan Haugh, spokeswoman for the Cooper Foundation, the hospital's charitable arm.

The Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation (ARVF) was established in 2002 in memory of Alicia Rose DiNatale, who died when she was 17 years old from a rare form of cancer. Throughout her hospitalization at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Alicia and her parents, Mario and Gisele DiNatale, found there was little for teens to do to escape the rigors of their treatment.

The Voorhees-based foundation is dedicated to bringing hope, comfort, and entertainment to inpatient children faced with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. The family has helped fund dozens of teen centers at hospital across the country.

Based in Cherry Hill, the Ravitz Family Foundation's mission is to "aid children and families in need." The Ravitz family owns and operates five ShopRite stores in Burlington and Camden Counties.