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WHUD Radiothon Raised More than $240,000 for Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital

100.7 WHUD Broadcast on November 19-21 featured families of patients at the children’s hospital

VALHALLA, N.Y. (December, 2025) – The 21st Annual Radiothon for the Kids raised more than $240,000 this year to support the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.

The three-day live broadcast from the lobby of the children’s hospital in Valhalla brought together former patients and their families who were interviewed live in the hospital’s lobby. Also interviewed were WMCHealth President and CEO David Lubarsky and Ericka Berman Rosenzweig, MD, Director of the Department of Pediatrics at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.

Among those sharing their stories at the event was 14-year-old Alex Padilla and his family. Alex was brought to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital after a bicycle accident with a dump truck in the summer of 2024. Suffering from a shattered pelvis and massive blood loss, Alex spent three months in the hospital undergoing 20 surgical procedures and overcoming serious complications. After slowly relearning how to sit, stand, and walk and undergoing months of additional rehab, Alex is walking again and is back in school as a ninth-grader at Clarkstown South.

All donations made during the event support the lifesaving and life-changing pediatric services offered by Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital to children in the Hudson Valley and beyond.

From neonatal intensive care to pediatric trauma and every emergency in between, the hospital provides world-class treatment to the region’s youngest patients.

“Every year, our listeners and advertising partners show up remarkably,” said WHUD’s Brand Manager Scotty Mac.  “The Radiothon is more than a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of hope, healing, and the strength of families across the Hudson Valley. The fact that our community has helped raise more than $6.5 million over two decades speaks volumes about how much people care about ensuring children get the life-saving care they deserve.”

Community members seeking to support the hospital’s advanced care mission, can still make donations by calling 1-877-335-5437 or visiting Donate to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. The Radiothon is an annual program of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.  Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital is a member of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Lifting High-Quality Acute Care to New Heights in Margaretville

Margaretville Hospital recently broke ground on a brand-new helipad, a vital investment for the community. This helipad will bring peace of mind to resident of Delaware County and the Catskills region, knowing that they have greater access to life-saving care when they need it most. This helipad will allow us to transfer patients needing higher-level care (when seconds truly matter!) directly to the hospital by helicopter. The new helipad reinforces our commitment to bringing the highest standards of care to every community we serve. We extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible donors and the entire Margaretville community for your generosity and steadfast support. You have turned this vision into a reality!

Janine’s Story: Care Meets Compassion

When Janine was sidelined by a persistent, unrelenting headache, she had no idea it would lead to a life-threatening emergency that put at risk the moments she cherishes most — meaningful days at work, family gatherings, and precious time with her one-year-old granddaughter. Thanks to the expert team at MidHudson Regional Hospital, a member of WMCHealth, advanced imaging quickly revealed a dangerous carotid artery dissection, and she was transferred to Westchester Medical Center for a minimally invasive procedure that repaired her artery and protected her life. 

“My doctor explained everything so thoroughly and made me feel completely safe during such a scary time. No stone was left unturned — the staff was knowledgeable, kind, and treated me like family. Within a few weeks, I was back at work and spending time with my family and granddaughter. They truly saved my life.”

Today, Janine is healthy and savoring every moment with her loved ones — all thanks to the expert clinicians and advanced technology supported by donors like you.

Please give to MidHudson Regional Hospital today!

Donate Now

More inspirational stories from MidHudson Regional Hospital:

Living Proof of What’s Possible: Alex’s Story of Courage and Recovery

When 14-year-old Alex was struck by a dump truck on a devastating biking accident, his life changed in an instant. Rushed to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital with life-threatening injuries, his long journey to recovery began under the care of a compassionate team and experts.

Today, Alex is walking again, back in school, and eager to embrace all that 9th grade has to offer. His family is filled with gratitude — for the doctors and nurses who saved his life, and for the donors who make their work possible every day.

“Watching my son fight to walk again was the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced, and I’m deeply grateful to the care team for their support and kindness.”
—Evelys Padilla, Mother of Trauma Warrior, Alex

Every year, thousands of children and adults like Alex find hope and healing at WMCHealth.

As the Hudson Valley’s only Level I pediatric trauma and burn center, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital provides critical care to our most vulnerable patients

The Brenda Fareri Pavilion is the next step in advancing care. This five-story tower will expand adult ICU capacity and support continued growth of pediatric programs, delivering leading-edge care for the region’s most critically ill and injured patients.

This $220 million tower is already rising, with $195 million secured. Your support can close the final gap and ensure every patient receives life-saving care when seconds count — keeping world-class care close to home and bringing the future of critical care to the Hudson Valley.

More inspirational stories from Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital:

Miracle Marcos

Marcos at age 4, alongside his parents, Mailyn and Marcos, and his neonatologist, Dr. Melanie…

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Ed’s Story: Healing Happens Here

Ed never expected a day at the Cauliflower Festival to turn into a life-threatening emergency. When he suddenly collapsed, his quick-thinking Margaretville Hospital colleagues stabilized him and arranged his transfer to HealthAlliance Hospital’s Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, where advanced care revealed a massive heart attack. A stent restored blood flow, and with the support of physical therapy at Margaretville Hospital, Ed regained strength, embraced a healthier lifestyle, and within days was back at work, stronger and healthier than he had felt in years.

“I wasn’t supposed to be here — but thanks to the incredible skill and compassion of my colleagues, nurses, doctors, and paramedics, I have a second chance at life. They treated me like family, not just a patient. After years of caring for others, it’s humbling to be cared for in the same way — and I’ll never forget it.”

Today, Ed is back to the life he loves — healthy, strong, and surrounded by family — thanks to the extraordinary care and generosity of donors like you.

More inspirational stories from Margaretville Hospital:

Laurel’s Story: Restoring Life, Renewing Hope

Repeated episodes of diverticulitis began to take a toll on Laurel’s health, she struggled to enjoy the life she loves — singing with friends, visiting family, and giving back to her community. When a particularly painful episode brought her to HealthAlliance Hospital, a member of WMCHealth, she was met by a compassionate team who guided her through every step and supported her throughout the process.

After reviewing her scans, her physician recommended surgery to finally end years of discomfort. From pre-op to recovery, every nurse, doctor, and staff member treated her with warmth and professionalism. Coordinated follow-up care and physical therapy helped Laurel regain her strength — giving her back the energy to embrace the moments that matter most. 

“If it weren’t for the incredible emergency department doctor and care team, I wouldn’t have known my options. Since surgery, I’ve never felt better — truly 100% again. They gave me back my life and the chance to enjoy the people, places, and moments I love in this beautiful community.”

Today, Laurel is healthier, stronger, and enjoying every moment again — all thanks to supporters like you who make life-changing care possible.

Please give to HealthAlliance Hospital today!

Donate Now

More inspirational stories from HealthAlliance Hospital:

Gary’s Story: Every Moment Matters

When Gary was suddenly struck by sharp abdominal pain, he had no idea it would lead to a medical emergency that threatened the life he loves — filled with time spent with his grandchildren, rounds of golf with friends, and peaceful walks on the beach. Thanks to the expert team at Good Samaritan Hospital, a member of WMCHealth, Gary received a swift diagnosis and minimally invasive surgery to remove his gallbladder. 

“The care team explained everything thoroughly and guided me every step of the way. I was home the same day and just two days later I was back at work easing into retirement. I can’t thank the care team enough — their support and the advanced technology helped me get back to the life I love, right where I want to be.”

Today, Gary is thriving and enjoying life again — all thanks to supporters like you who make exceptional care possible.

Donate now »

More inspirational stories from Good Samaritan Hospital:

Living Proof of What’s Possible: Fern’s Story of Survival and Gratitude

When Fern Goldblatt arrived at Westchester Medical Center’s same-day cardiac clinic, she never imagined her life would change within moments. A sudden heart attack left her in critical condition — but thanks to the speed, skill, and coordination of her care team, she survived.

Today, Fern calls herself a grateful patient. She delivers holiday treats, hosts pizza parties for the cardiac floor, and visits the staff she now calls family. Her gratitude runs deep — for the doctors and nurses who saved her life, and for the donors who make their work possible every day.

“I’ll never stop giving back, WMCHealth saved my life”.
— Fern Goldblatt, Patient, Heart Attack Survivor

Every year, more than 14,000 critically ill patients come to Westchester Medical Center — the region’s only Level I adult and pediatric trauma center. With ICUs operating at 90–95% capacity, the need for expanded, state-of-the-art care is urgent.

The Brenda Fareri Pavilion will meet this growing demand with 128 private ICU-capable rooms, specialized trauma, cardiac, neuro, and surgical ICUs, surge-ready design, and family-centered spaces.

This $220 million tower is already rising, with $195 million secured. Your support can close the final gap — ensuring that every patient has access to life-saving care when seconds count, and keeping world-class care close to home.

Please give to Westchester Medical Center today!

Donate Now

More inspirational stories from Westchester Medical Center:

Matt’s Story: Strength in Care

When a sudden surge of severe leg pain stopped Matt in his tracks, he never imagined it would become a medical emergency that threatened the life he loves — the work he takes pride in, volunteer roles he cherishes, and the time he spends with his family.

Thanks to the dedicated teams at Bon Secours Community Hospital, a member of WMCHealth, Matt received immediate evaluation and the urgent care he needed. Recognizing the severity of his condition, the team quickly arranged his transfer to Westchester Medical Center. There, advanced vascular specialists performed life-saving surgery that restored blood flow and gave Matt the chance to walk again.

“They made me feel like family. I’ve dedicated years to helping build these hospitals, never imagining I’d be the one needing their care.  I’ll always be grateful they were here to save my legs — and my life.”

Today, Matt is back on his feet and enjoying the moments that matter most — all thanks to supporters like you who ensure exceptional care is available close to home.

Join Matt and show your gratitude at Give.WMCHealth.org/BSCH.

Share your story at InfoBSCH@wmhealth.org.

More inspirational stories from Bon Secours:

5-Year-Old Piper Melzer from Cortlandt Manor Helps Light the Tree at Opening of Westchester’s Winter Wonderland 

Valhalla, NY (November 21,2025) – Westchester Parks Foundation kicked off the 2025 holiday season with the opening of Westchester’s Winter Wonderland at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla with a festive tree lighting. Five-year-old Piper Melzer of Cortlandt Manor, who has been bravely navigating gastroparesis and receiving ongoing care at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, served as the evening’s special tree lighter. Affectionately known as “The Mayor” for her outgoing spirit, Piper was joined by Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, representatives from the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, the Westchester Parks Foundation, and the Westchester County Parks Department.  Westchester Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru runs nightly through December 31, 2025. The Opening Night celebration was generously sponsored by Robison.