Category Archives: Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital

Livy’s Story: A Life-Saving Breakthrough Gives a Child Her Future Back

At just 7 years old, Livy was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia — a rare condition that left her body unable to produce the blood cells she needed to survive.

Almost overnight, her life changed. School, dance, and time with friends were replaced with hospital stays and an urgent search for a bone marrow donor.

“As a parent, you never expect to hear words like that about your child,” her mother, Jessica, shared. “Our only focus was saving her life.”

At Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of WMCHealth, Livy’s care team refused to accept limited options. When no donor match was found, they turned to an innovative clinical trial — using her mother as a donor to give her a chance at life.

During her recovery, Livy developed a life-threatening viral infection while her immune system was still rebuilding. Her physicians acted quickly, using advanced cellular therapy to help her body fight back.

“They didn’t just treat Livy,” Jessica said. “They fought for her.”

After a long year, Livy regained her strength and returned to the life she loves.

Today, she is thriving — filling her days with art, dance, and dreams for the future.

Her story is made possible by innovation, expertise, and donors like you.

Make a gift today to help deliver life-saving care to children who need it most: wmchealth.org/mfchdonate

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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Miracle Marcos

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

In June of 2021, what should have been a joyful moment for Mailyn quickly turned into a fight for survival. Her son Marcos was born full-term at Good Samaritan Hospital after an emergency C-section, while Mailyn herself suffered severe hemorrhaging and had to be rushed to Westchester Medical Center. As doctors worked to save her, baby Marcos was struggling too. Suspected of meconium aspiration, he was transferred to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital—but during the transfer, he went into distress and stopped breathing. In a matter of hours, this new family was facing unimaginable uncertainty.

When Mailyn woke from surgery the next day, she was met with devastating news: Marcos’ condition was dire. His care team, led by Dr. Melanie Leong, explained that he needed ECMO—a life-saving treatment that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs. For six long days, Marcos remained on ECMO, supported by machines and a team of experts who refused to give up on him. Every moment was critical, every decision vital. Because of the extraordinary skill, compassion, and dedication of the NICU staff, Marcos began to recover. After 21 days in the hospital, he was finally strong enough to go home.

Today, Marcos is a thriving, joyful four-year-old who is not only meeting milestones—but exceeding them. Mailyn calls him her miracle, and she credits the team at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital for saving his life. 

Stories like Marcos’s are only possible through donor support. Your generosity helps ensure that life-saving care, advanced technology, and compassionate teams are there for families when they need them most.

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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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:

Miracle Marcos

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

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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:

Miracle Marcos

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

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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:

Miracle Marcos

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

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More inspirational stories from MidHudson Regional Hospital:

Jessica’s Story: Mom and Twins Survive High-Risk Pregnancy and Premature Birth and are Now Thriving

Jessica Franjul-Pena is grateful for the care she and her twins, Ethan Lorenzo and Katalina, received at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network.

Because Jessica conceived through in vitro fertilization, she was monitored closely from the start of her pregnancy. When she was eighteen weeks pregnant, Jessica was diagnosed with chronic hypertension. She was immediately referred to a maternal medicine specialist at Westchester Medical Center. Ultrasound monitoring also later revealed that one of the twins was not thriving as she should have been, and doctors decided to watch the babies even more closely.  

“I had great doctors,’’ said Jessica. “They were really on top of my case, monitoring me and the babies every step of the way.”

Thirty-three weeks into her pregnancy, Jessica’s doctors discovered her liver enzymes were dangerously high. She had developed superimposed preeclampsia, putting both her and the babies at risk. At that point, her medical team decided it would be safest to induce labor even though the babies would be premature. The twins were born on December 21, 2023 and were sent to the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Ethan spent 11 days in the NICU and Katalina spent 24 days there.  

“The NICU experience was amazing. Everyone was always so kind. It’s such a difficult job but they always remained friendly and helpful. There’s a lot to learn in caring for a preemie. They teach you so much,” Jessica said.

Now, Jessica, Ethan Lorenzo, and Katalina are all doing well.

Please give to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital or Westchester Medical Center today!

DONATE NOW TO MARIA FARERI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

DONATE NOW TO WESTCHESTER MEDICAL CENTER

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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More inspirational stories from Westchester Medical Center:

The Coxes’ Story: Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital Helps Couple Manage Son’s Epilepsy

Adam and Ali Cox are grateful for the expertise of doctors in the Pediatric Neurology department at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network. Doctors at the hospital diagnosed their son Christopher with epilepsy and helped the family to manage this serious condition.

Christopher had his first seizure at age one, but others followed and got progressively worse until Drs. Philip Overby and Steven Wolf stepped in. After Christopher’s first seizure, doctors prepared the Coxes by giving them the training and strategies they needed to help Christopher if, and when, a second seizure came. Through vigilance, medication and education, 4-year-old Christopher’s epilepsy is under control. The Coxes are now dedicated to helping educate families like themselves- parents of the more than 470,000 children under the age of 14 in the United States who have Epilepsy.

“To the Pediatric Neurology Department at Maria Fareri – THANK YOU!! You never know when someone may need your help. Children with Epilepsy are some of the most vulnerable, and how wonderful it is to know, especially as a parent of a child with Epilepsy, that there are people who are ready, willing, and able to help. If you are in a position to provide a donation, I could not think of a better cause,” said Adam Cox.

Please give to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital today!

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More inspirational stories from Maria Fareri Childrens Hospital:

Miracle Marcos

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

Read More

Chloe and Contessa Gee

Chloe and Contessa’s Story: Life-Saving Heart Surgery for Yonkers Twins

Chloe and Contessa Gee of Yonkers underwent heart surgery in July of 2020 when they were two months old. Their mother, Saleena Gee, was just 23 weeks pregnant when she gave birth to the twin girls at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.

Weighing barely a pound, they were rushed to the Isaac and Naomi Kaplan Family Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (RNICU), where it was discovered that both had small holes in their hearts. Following surgery to close the holes using cardiac catheterization, the girls began thriving and went home two months later.

Saleena thanked the doctors and nurses for giving her daughters, now two, the chance to grow up.  She said with speech and occupational therapy, the girls are now happy and healthy toddlers.

“I feel really blessed that Chloe and Contessa received world-class care at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital,” she says. “Our care team supported us through every hurdle and the girls are thriving today.”

Please give to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital today!

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More inspirational stories from Maria Fareri Childrens Hospital:

Miracle Marcos

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

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Kaylee’s Story: Newburgh Family Happy with Treatment of Three-Year-Old Daughter at MidHudson Regional Hospital

Megan Mata of Newburgh and her husband Gerardo were concerned when their three-and-a-half-year-old daughter Kaylee was having difficulty breathing. They tried saline treatments with a nebulizer, but when Kaylee’s breathing continued to get worse, they took her to the Maria Fareri Children’s Services at MidHudson Regional Hospital.

“I was super impressed,” said Megan, a second-grade teacher in Newburgh schools. “They took her back immediately and were very attentive.” Megan said that doctors recognized that Kaylee was having an asthmatic reaction, and even though she had never had asthma, the shortness of breath was triggered by seasonal allergies. She said Kaylee was admitted and received treatments every two hours.

“We got the best care, honestly. The triage nurse and the respiratory therapist were amazing with Kaylee,’’ said Megan. “Kaylee even asked ‘Can we go back because that place is epic!’ ” 

Now when Kaylee has a coughing episode, Megan and her husband, know just what to do. “The education aspect was really important,’’ Megan said. She said her family will definitely come back to Maria Fareri Children’s Services at MidHudson Regional Hospital again if Kaylee or her new baby brother Jason are ill.

Please give to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital today!

Donate Now

More inspirational stories from Maria Fareri Childrens Hospital:

Miracle Marcos

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

Read More