Steven Lansman, M.D., Ph.D. to be recognized at popular event celebrating women’s heart health and supporting WMCHealth cardiac programs 

Steven Lansman M.D., Ph.D, who was instrumental in the growth of Westchester Medical Center’s renowned heart transplant program, will be honored when Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) holds its signature women’s heart health event on February 26.

With a new name and new energy, Heart Night Out (formerly Girls’ Night Out) will celebrate heart patients and their healthcare providers and share their inspiring stories in support of cardiac services at WMCHealth. 

CBS-TV News anchor Mary Calvi will emcee the event on Thursday, February 26 at 5:30 pm at DeCicco & Sons in Sleepy Hollow, NY. The event will feature a buffet, raffles, vendors and more. Calvi is an Emmy award-winning journalist who serves as anchor for CBS2 News This Morning, CBS2 News at Noon, and anchor for Inside Edition Weekend. 

Heart Night Out aims to raise awareness about the importance of heart health, particularly for women whose symptoms may differ from those experienced by men. February is Heart Health Awareness Month. Heart disease remains the number one killer of women in the United States, causing 1 in 3 deaths or approximately one every minute, according to the American Heart Association. 

This year’s honoree Dr. Lansman is Director of the Department of Surgery at Westchester Medical Center (WMC). Dr. Lansman was instrumental in building Westchester Medical Center’s Cardiac Transplant Program and introduced the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) at bedside among other advances in cardiac care at Westchester Medical Center. 

Dr. Lansman joined the faculty of New York Medical College as professor of surgery and the staff of WMC as chief of cardiothoracic surgery in 2005. As chief, he was instrumental in obtaining state and federal authorization to begin the cardiac transplant program at WMC and helped to establish the mechanical assist device program at WMC. He has been published in 150 peer-reviewed publications and mentors junior faculty, residents and students at New York Medical College.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the WMCHealth Heart and Vascular Institute, which offers a wide range of cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery and vascular surgery services – including heart failure and heart transplantation, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and many more – to Hudson Valley residents. 

To learn more about sponsorships for the event or to purchase tickets or make a donation, visit wmchealthgiving.org. Tickets can be purchased here.

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!

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

VALHALLA, N.Y. (December, 2025) – The 21^st 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.

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!

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.

A special group of Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) employees, patients, and family members ran the TCS New York City Marathon on November 2 in support of WMCHealth hospitals across the Hudson Valley. The team’s 10 members were all motivated by their own special stories.

Adam Cox, father of six-year-old Christopher, is running for the third year in support of Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital’s pediatric neurology department. Christopher has been under the care of Maria Fareri since he was two years old and was first diagnosed with epilepsy. Cox said he did not expect to run the 26.2 miles again, but fate intervened.

“This sequel was unexpected. I did not intend to make a habit of running 26.2 miles, but then again, I did not anticipate the wonderful experience of being part of the amazing community that is the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. And, this year our family once again found ourselves in need of their care and support,’’ said Cox. 

Otto Rene Palao Lopez ran to show his gratitude. Palao Lopez donated his kidney to his 23-year-old son, Otto Jr., who needed a transplant. He praised healthcare professionals at Westchester Medical Center for their compassion and skill. 

“WMCHealth team were like angels in our transplant process,’’ he said. “We are very grateful to God and to this professional team. Running changed my life, and I want to celebrate this miracle by running the New York Marathon.’’

Kelly Peach, a hospital social worker, said she wanted to support WMCHealth for all it does to help families afford medical care. Kelly, who said she is turning 55 this year, said she is running her first marathon for a cause she believes in. 

“I have seen a lot of changes take place in our healthcare system, and one thing I do notice is that it is harder for individuals and families to have access to affordable healthcare,’’ said Peach. She added, “Everyone deserves healthcare coverage, and this is a good cause, so I’d appreciate your support.’’

Other team members in this year’s race were: 

Justin Williams
Jeanne Marie Kolka
Rachel Cross
Marc Stepper
Victor Stevens
Nabeel Ahmed
Juan Trias

Those wishing to support the WMCHealth team can still make their pledges at wmchealth.org/marathon

WMCHealth first started sponsoring a team in the NYC Marathon in 2016, and runners have raised a total of $417,432 for the hospital during that time.

Valhalla, N.Y., October 17, 2025 — Westchester Medical Center, the flagship of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), today held a topping off ceremony to mark an important phase in the construction of its new, state-of-the-art critical care tower that will redefine life-saving care for the Hudson Valley and beyond.

To celebrate the completion of the steel framework, dignitaries, donors, hospital leaders, and staff gathered at Westchester Medical Center for the lifting of the steel beam that was placed atop the five-story structure. 

“Today, we celebrate a milestone — the placement of the final steel beam — marking not just the end of one phase, but the beginning of the next,’’ said David Lubarsky, MD, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of WMCHealth.  “At this medical center, we deliver the most advanced, complex care in Westchester County serving more patients than all other health systems combined. This new ICU tower builds on that foundation, reflecting our role as the region’s destination for the most complex care.”

He added, “I want to express my deep gratitude to those whose vision and commitment made this possible: To our patients for continually choosing us to provide our care; Westchester County and the Westchester County Local Development Corporation, The Fareri family, our physicians, leadership team, and staff, our elected officials and our trustees and community partners. This beam symbolizes a collective achievement — the realization of a vision that will define the future of healthcare across our region.”

Currently under construction on the Valhalla campus, the Brenda Fareri Pavilion will be a 162,000-square-foot hub of advanced critical care medicine. Designed for the highest levels of complexity, the Pavilion will feature ICU-capable rooms and flexible, surge-ready spaces to respond to public health emergencies. It will also support world-class patient care programs, including advanced neurosurgery through the region’s most comprehensive Neuroscience ICU and the Hudson Valley’s only Comprehensive Stroke Center. In addition, the Pavilion will enhance a nationally recognized Cardiac Surgery Program, ranked among the top 50 in the United States for patient outcomes, and our Medical-Surgical ICU, ensuring that patients requiring the most advanced care have access to the very best resources and expertise. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026.

After some final signatures were placed on the beam, construction workers lifted it into place eliciting applause and cheers from the audience.  An evergreen was attached to the beam along with the American flag as part of a longstanding custom.

A topping-off ceremony is traditionally held when a building under construction reaches its full height, and the top beam is added. The ceremony dates back more than 1,000 years to when the Vikings would hoist an evergreen tree to the ridge pole in celebration of a completed building.

In addition to Dr. Lubarsky, dignitaries at today’s ceremony were: John and Brenda Fareri, whose family pledged a $5 million gift to support the construction; Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins; Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Vedat Gashi; NY State Assemblymembers MaryJane Shimsky, Steve Otis and Dana Levenberg.

The Brenda Fareri Pavilion will cement Westchester Medical Center’s role as the epicenter of advanced medicine in the Hudson Valley. Together with Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, Westchester Medical Center operates the region’s only American College of Surgeons-verified Level I trauma programs for both adults and children. In 2024 alone, Westchester Medical Center treated nearly 7,000 adult trauma patients, while Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital cared for more than 2,500 children, underscoring the urgent need for expanded critical care capacity.

Beyond healthcare, the Pavilion will also bring significant economic impact, generating millions of dollars for Westchester County through construction and permanent jobs. Additionally, the project will provide free space in the main hospital to offer patients all private rooms, advancing both care and comfort.

Last month WMCHealth announced the public launch of the $25 million “Possible Starts Here” capital campaign to complete construction of the critical care tower. Of the $25 million goal, WMCHealth celebrated several transformational commitments from philanthropists throughout the region.  Strong support has also been received from trustees, physicians, and employees across the network.

Community members are invited to help close the campaign and bring the Brenda Fareri Pavilion to life.
To learn more or make a gift, visit WMCHealth.org/CriticalCareTower or call 914-493-2575.

About 200 parents and their children who were cared for as premature babies at the Westchester Medical Center’s Maria Fareri Regional Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit (RNICU) returned for an emotional reunion with the doctors and nurses who cared for them.

30-year-old Marcus Mosley who spent 40 days in the NICU in 1995 and is about to enter a career as a neonatologist were among the former babies and their families will return to thank their caregivers.

Thanks to medical advances, premature babies born as early as 23-weeks are living and thriving, according to Dr. Edmund LaGamma, chief of neonatology at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center. Dr. LaGamma attended the reunion along with dozens of medical professionals who cared for babies and helped their families. 

Maria Fareri NICU treats more than 900 sick newborns annually, with over 20,000 sick neonates cared for in the past 40 years. This state designated Regional Perinatal Center NICU features 22,500 square feet of space for newborns and their families with a designated overnight care room for parents.

During construction of the Brenda Fareri Pavilion, ironworkers noticed young patients at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital watching  from their windows. Wanting to lift their spirits, the ironworkers wrote heartfelt notes across steel beams like “Get Well Soon,” “Stay Strong,” and “We Love You.”   

What started as a small gesture quickly grew into something much bigger: a reminder that kindness and compassion are as essential to healing as world-class care. This heartwarming story was featured on PIX11 News, highlighting how love and optimism are being built into the very foundation of the newest building rising on the Westchester Medical Center campus in Valhalla.

Support the Brenda Fareri Pavilion »

Recently, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital’s Donor Milk Bank faced a critical shortage—and our community is stepping up to help our smallest patients thrive! After putting out a call for donations on social media, dozens of mothers responded who were able to donate breast milk.

Donor breast milk can be lifesaving for premature and medically fragile newborns who are unable to receive milk from their own mothers. It protects against life-threatening infections, supports healthy development, and gives our tiniest patients the best possible start.

If you’re a healthy, lactating mother with extra milk, please consider becoming a donor. Your donation can make a world of difference for a newborn in need. You can also support the Donor Milk Bank by making a monetary donation, which will help ensure that we can continue to help our most vulnerable patients thrive.  Learn More and Support the Donor Milk Bank »