Non Profit Seeking Volunteer Host Families

Aydin Lorenzo Cumatzil Tun, a five-year-old, playful boy received donated, life-changing surgery at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in late January. Dr. Silvio Podda and Dr. Richard Anderson performed the successful surgery on his frontal nasal encelphlocele. During his stay, Aydin is being hosted by Nick and Jackie Alectoridis, a long-time Volunteer Host Family from Clifton, NJ.

Aydin is one of hundreds of children that HTCNJ has brought to the Garden State to receive free surgical care since 1981. These brave children make the journey without their parents and travel with volunteer escorts to seek medical treatment and a brighter future.

While Aydin was able to achieve his dream, there are dozens of other children from developing countries seeking medical care in the United States. While local hospitals and surgeons have committed to donate their services, HTCNJ is actively seeking Volunteer Host Families to open their home and hearts to children while they undergo medical treatment.

“Hosting a sick child from another country means that your family has the privilege of partaking in a miracle that dramatically improves the life of a child,” said a Volunteer Host Family.

To learn more about HTCNJ and becoming a Volunteer Host Family please visit our website at htcnj.org and/or contact Denise Malsky at 973-949-5034.