Monthly Archives: May 2025

HealthAlliance Hospital Celebrates Physician and Community Champions at HealthAlliance Hospital Honors Event

L to R: Keri Decker, Senior Manager, Operations and Jamal Mahdavian, MD, President of the Medical Staff at HealthAlliance Hospital

HealthAlliance Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, honored a notable physician and outstanding community leaders at its HealthAlliance Hospital Honors event on May 1st.

Jamal Mahdavian, MD, President of the Medical Staff at HealthAlliance Hospital, was presented with the Physician Exemplar award. The 5 Spellman and 5 SMC Unit Nurses were presented with Care Champion awards, and Supporting Friends of HealthAlliance (SFOHA) was presented with the Community Champion award. The Beverly Finnegan Legacy Award, honoring the enduring legacy of Beverly Finnegan (whose generosity and dedication enriched our community) was presented in memory of Beverly Finnegan.

This year’s HealthAlliance Honors event was held at the Diamond Mills Hotel in Saugerties, NY. Proceeds benefited Advanced Surgical Services at HealthAlliance Hospital and the HealthAlliance Foundation.

“This year’s honorees were a truly wonderful group,” said Mary Ann Hildebrandt, Chair of the HealthAlliance Hospital Foundation. “HealthAlliance Hospital has been fortunate to benefit from Dr. Mahdavian’s longstanding passion for surgery and healthcare. We are so proud of the 5 Spellman and 5 SMC Unit Nurses who provide outstanding care to HealthAlliance patients every day. Supporting Friends of HealthAlliance have gone above and beyond in their work for the hospital for 100 years, and we were honored to remember Beverly Finnegan and all she did for the community. Congratulations to everyone who was honored at this year’s event.”

For more than 20 years, Dr. Mahdavian has provided medical services to the community as a surgeon. He has served as Vice Chair of Surgery, Chief of Surgery, Vice President of the Medical Staff, and most recently as President of the Medical Staff at HealthAlliance Hospital. His longstanding generosity and service have inspired countless others.

Thank you to all who attended and supported HealthAlliance Honors. To learn more and help advance healthcare at HealthAlliance Hospital, please visit Foundations of WMCHealth or call 914-493-2575.

Care That Feels Like Family: Finding Comfort, Care and Connection After 97 Years of Independence

When 97-year-old Jennie took a serious fall, her daughter, Theresa, was not sure where to turn for help. A caseworker’s recommendation led them to St. Josephs Place, where expert nursing care, personal touches and peace of mind became part of their daily routine.

“I realized how important philanthropy is when my mom needed this level of care,” Theresa says. “Donations make it possible for families like mine to have access to incredible staff, resources and a place that truly feels like home. Giving to St. Josephs Place is about ensuring that every resident receives the dignity and care they deserve.”

With compassionate staff, Theresa’s support—and a few home-cooked favorites—Jennie is healing, smiling and staying strong. Your gift helps ensure more families experience expert care when they need it most.

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New Life Begins with Compassionate Care

When Stefanie, 29 weeks pregnant, slipped and fell just steps from St. Anthony Community Hospital, she experienced firsthand the calm, expert care that defines this Warwick institution. Over the next few weeks—and multiple visits—her care team remained by her side through every twist and turn, ultimately helping deliver her healthy son, Keegan.

“We are so fortunate to have world-class care right here in Warwick,” Stefanie shares. “St. Anthony Community Hospital is a cornerstone of what makes this area special. The care I received during such a vulnerable time showed me how much they value each patient. Donor gifts help ensure that our community always has access to the highest quality care and technology when it’s needed most.”

Today, Stefanie is a proud mom of two and a dedicated community leader, thankful for the world-class care she received close to home. Your support makes it possible for others to receive the same life-saving care when it matters most.

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A Second Chance for John: Life-Saving Cardiac Care

When John began experiencing sudden chest pain, he trusted his instincts and headed to Good Samaritan Hospital. Within moments, the cardiac team identified severe blockages—requiring triple bypass surgery. Thanks to the skilled and compassionate care he received, John is now back home with his wife and four children, deeply grateful for the team that saved his life.

“There is nothing more important than knowing high-quality care is close to home,” John states. “I am living proof of that and here today because of the incredible team at Good Samaritan Hospital. I am truly grateful.”

Today, he is committed to giving back, knowing firsthand the impact of expert care close to home—and for the donors who make this care possible.

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A New Beginning for Autumn: A Family’s Journey to Hope

Spring is a time of renewal, and for new parents Nicole and Rob, the birth of their daughter, Autumn, was meant to be just that—a joyful milestone. But when Autumn was born with a rare condition and began having seizures, their world turned upside down. Rushed to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, Autumn spent 40 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, undergoing three emergency surgeries.

“Philanthropy is so important in making sure that life-saving treatments are available for all children,” Nicole shares. “I cannot put into words how grateful we are for the care we received and for the donors who make this level of care possible.”

Today, thanks to the expert care of the hospital’s specialists, Autumn is thriving—reaching new milestones and bringing joy to her family. Your support helps ensure every child has the opportunity to grow, heal and thrive with access to high-quality care, close to home, when it matters most.

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Hope for James: A Baby’s Recovery and a Family’s Gratitude

When baby James became seriously ill with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), his mother trusted her instincts and rushed him to MidHudson Regional Hospital. There, compassionate caregivers and expert pediatric care helped James through a frightening diagnosis and gave his family the greatest gift—hope.

“Raising a family teaches you that nothing is more important than the health of your children,” Devyn shares. “Philanthropy ensures that all families have access to the highest quality care and we are incredibly grateful to the donors who make this level of care possible. I saw the impact firsthand and cannot imagine where we would be without it.”

Today, James is thriving, and his parents are forever grateful to those who made his healing possible. Your support helps ensure every child has access to high-quality care, close to home, when it matters most.

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From Collapse to Comeback: How HealthAlliance Saved Paul’s Life

When Paul collapsed after a hockey game, quick-thinking responders and the expert team at HealthAlliance Hospital saved his life. He had suffered a massive heart attack known as a “widowmaker,” requiring emergency surgery in the hospital’s advanced Cardiac Catheterization Lab. Just five days later, Paul was back home—and back on the path to health. Today, this military veteran embraces a healthier future, thanks to the care he received.

“A healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups can save your life and, if ever the unexpected happens, a highly skilled and rapid-response emergency care team is just as critical,” Paul emphasizes. “I’m incredibly grateful for the donors who make it possible for our community to have access to both preventive care and world-class cardiac treatment.”

Your support ensures more patients like Paul have access to life-saving cardiac treatment, right when it’s needed most.

Please give to HealthAlliance Hospital today!

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Lucy’s Story: A Nurse Becomes the Patient—and Finds the Life-saving Care She Once Gave Others

For more than 30 years, Lucy dedicated her life to nursing. But when a sudden cardiac emergency left her fighting for her life, it was her turn to be cared for. After arriving at Margaretville Hospital and later being transferred to Westchester Medical Center, Lucy’s condition worsened—and only a heart transplant could save her. In a remarkable turn of events, a perfect donor heart became available within two days.

“As a nurse, I always valued high-quality care, but experiencing it firsthand gave me a whole new perspective,” Lucy shares. “Everything—the best surgeons using advanced technology, the expert hands that guided my recovery and the compassionate team who never left my side—is possible thanks to donor support. These investments in patient care saved my life, and they will save countless others.”

Today, Lucy is recovering, filled with deep gratitude for the skilled hands and compassionate hearts that never left her side. Your gift supports patients like Lucy and the new Critical Care Tower that will shape the future of advanced care.

Please give to Westchester Medical Center today!

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