The roar of the crowd wasn’t just for a home run at Clover Stadium in Pomona on June 14. It was a wave of admiration for four extraordinary children who took center stage, not as baseball stars, but as shining examples of resilience and hope. Mackenzie, Christopher, Livy, and Charles, all former patients of Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a proud member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), were celebrated as the hospital’s newest ambassadors.

Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital is a beacon of hope for the most critically ill and injured children across the Hudson Valley. On this special day, the New York Boulders were honored to team up with the hospital to introduce these brave and inspiring young people. Irene Tsetsekos, Vice President of Development at WMCHealth, introduced the children.

Though unable to attend the game, 12-year-old Charles Noah of Westchester was recognized for his unwavering spirit. Charles battles severe and chronic asthma, leading to frequent hospital visits. Yet, his positive outlook consistently lifts the spirits of those around him.

The crowd then learned the incredible stories of the other three young ambassadors present:

Mackenzie, a vibrant 6-year-old from Putnam County, spent four months in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital after developing a rare and severe reaction to antibiotics called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). This devastating condition caused severe skin damage and required multiple surgeries. Today, Mackenzie is not just doing well, she’s thriving!

Next up was 6-year-old Christopher from Westchester County. Diagnosed with epilepsy at just two and a half years old, Christopher’s condition is now expertly managed thanks to the dedicated doctors at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. With specialized medication, seizures are a rarity for this happy young man.

Rounding out the group was 11-year-old Livy from Putnam County. Livy faced a challenging diagnosis of Severe Aplastic Anemia at age seven. She spent five months at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, undergoing an innovative clinical trial that utilized her mother’s engineered blood cells. Four years post-transplant, Livy is flourishing and is working towards her dreams of becoming an EMT when she grows up.

The journeys of these children are a powerful reminder of the incredible work done at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. The hospital extended its heartfelt gratitude to all its supporters, including Children’s Miracle Network Partners, dedicated staff, and the many patients and their families who attended.

A celebration of art and community spirit took center stage on May 17 as Margaretville Hospital hosted its Fifth Annual Art Auction, CATCH: Community Art to Community Health. Held in the MTC Community Room, the event united art lovers and hospital supporters in a successful effort to raise funds for the hospital’s primary care service expansion.

The evening featured a vibrant collection of artwork from acclaimed local artists, including Laura Taylor, Ron Macklin, Gary Mayer, Lisbeth Firmin, and Judith Lamb. Guests bid on 40 live auction pieces—ranging from paintings and mixed-media collages to ceramics.  Previews throughout the spring allowed attendees to view the artwork in advance; an additional 25 pieces were available in a silent online auction, allowing supporters from afar to participate. Guests also had the opportunity to purchase art notecard sets featuring works by the East Branch Delaware River Plein Air Painters.

The evening also featured live jazz music from pianist Loren Daniels, delicious food courtesy of caterer Connie Kearney, and sparkling beverages donated by Bear Maple Farms.

Sponsors of the event included Margaretville Telephone Company, Alta Log Homes, Hubbell Farms, Phoenicia Diner, Richard A. Siegel and Polly de Mille, Sluiter Agency, BEAR Architects, Catskill Chapel, Coldwell Banker Timberland, Delaware Bulldozing, Hawk + Hive, and The Mountain Eagle.

“The event’s success demonstrates our community’s deep commitment to strengthening local healthcare,” said Emilie Adams, Margaretville Hospital Board Chair. “The funds raised will help support WMCHealth’s strategic initiative to expand primary care services at Margaretville Hospital, including essential facility upgrades. This brings us one step closer to our vision of accessible care for all community members.”

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

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 1^st.

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.