Category Archives: Inspirational Stories

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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More inspirational stories from Bon Secours Community Hospital:

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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More inspirational stories from St. Anthony Community Hospital:

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.

More inspirational stories from Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital:

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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More inspirational stories from MidHudson Regional Hospital:

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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A Grateful Heart: Marissa, Amy, and Baby Rosalyn’s Journey

For moms Marissa and Amy of Orange County, their pregnancy journey took an unexpected turn far earlier than planned.

At just 26 weeks pregnant, Marissa began experiencing bleeding and contractions. Concerned, her doctor advised her to head to Westchester Medical Center immediately. One day shy of 27 weeks gestation, little Rosalyn made her entrance into the world—tiny, but mighty—at only 2 pounds, 2 ounces.

Born premature, Rosalyn’s lungs and liver still needed time to fully develop. She was immediately admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, where she spent the next 95 days growing stronger, one precious milestone at a time.

During this incredibly emotional and challenging period, Marissa and Amy found not only world-class medical care but also compassionate support that made all the difference.

“The NICU staff are phenomenal,” the moms shared. “They provided us with knowledgeable and competent care and support.”

While Rosalyn fought bravely in the NICU, Marissa and Amy were able to stay close by at the Ronald McDonald House, located right on the Westchester Medical Center campus. They spent 50 days there, finding comfort and community just steps away from their daughter.

Today, Rosalyn is home, thriving—and full of joy. She’ll be celebrating her first birthday in July, a milestone her family will never take for granted.

More inspirational stories from Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital:

Mackenzie’s Story: A Three-Year-Old Fights for Her Life with the Help of a Compassionate, Dedicated and Highly Skilled Care Team

Mackenzie continues to inspire everyone around her with joy that shines through her continued challenges that include loss of her sight and ongoing surgeries.

Three-year-old Mackenzie was prescribed antibiotics for a routine ear infection. No one could have imagined that this simple treatment would trigger a severe reaction, sending her to The Herb and Sue Ann Redl Pediatric Emergency Department at MidHudson Regional Hospital. As blisters and swelling rapidly spread across her tiny body, the team moved quickly to stabilize and comfort her. Mackenzie’s condition required more specialized care. She was transferred to WMCHealth’s Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, home to the region’s only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Doctors diagnosed Mackenzie with Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis — a rare and life-threatening disorder that affected not only her skin but also her mouth, throat and eyes. Mackenzie spent four months in the hospital bravely fighting for her life. Today, she is back home, with her six siblings and mother as she continues to captivate them with her infections smile, unstoppable spirit and love for singing and dancing. We hope you will consider making a gift to help ensure that children like Mackenzie receive life-saving care when they need it most. Please give to MidHudson Regional Hospital and Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital today!

Please give to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital or MidHudson Regional Hospital today!

DONATE NOW TO MARIA FARERI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

DONATE NOW TO MIDHUDSON REGIONAL HOSPITAL

More inspirational stories from Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital:

More inspirational stories from MidHudson Regional Hospital:

Critically Ill Patients Are Grateful for Airlift Transport When Minutes Matter in Reaching More Specialized Care

Unexpected health emergencies quickly turn our world upside down and access to the highest quality care is what matters most.

Margaretville Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network, is a life-saving resource for countless patients each year. “I am deeply grateful to the care teams at Margaretville Hospital and for airlift transport to Westchester Medical Center. Every minute mattered in getting me the care I needed so I could return home to my family,” said this grateful patient. By contributing to our Heliport Campaign, you can help us build a state-of-the-art heliport at Margaretville Hospital. Your generosity will ensure swift transport for patients requiring specialized acute care, including cases of trauma, brain injuries and cardiac emergencies. Please give to Margaretville Hospital today!

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