Weill Medical College is joining with the Hospital in observing Dec. 11 as a "Day of Unity" in recognition of the remarkable efforts of Medical Center staff, volunteers and departments who came together as one during the Sept. 11th disaster and its aftermath to provide care to victims of the disaster, their families and rescue workers.
Staff and volunteers are invited to participate in one of five "Day of Unity" sessions that will be held in the Cayuga Room of the Hospital Cafeteria (7 a.m.–8 a.m.; 9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.; 12 p.m.–1 p.m.; 3 p.m.–4 p.m.; and 5:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.). Each hour-long session will begin with a few words from Dr. Antonio Gotto, dean of the Medical College; Dr. Herbert Pardes, president and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital; or Dr. Michael Berman, executive vice president and director of the Hospital.
A special part of the observance will be the sharing of "Day of Unity" stories from staff and volunteers, who are being asked to share their individual stories of preparedness, strength and unity by putting their thoughts on a "Day of Unity" form, which is available in the Weill Cornell Human Resources Department (Olin Hall, Room 211) and the Hospital's Human Resources Department (Payson House, 3rd floor). In addition, staff may share any e-mails, letters or cards of support and encouragement that they received in connection with the disaster.
Completed "Day of Unity" forms should be faxed to Jill Harris at (212) 746-8634 by Nov. 16.
A selection of stories will be presented during each of the "Day of Unity" sessions. In addition, a book of stories will be prepared and dedicated to the memory of the three Hospital emergency services staff who were lost in the disaster, Keith Fairben, Mario Santoro and James Pappageorge.