On August 11, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), recognized two extraordinary local children whose courage and resilience exemplify the strength of the hospital’s young patients. As part of a partnership with the New York Boulders, the children were introduced as Miracle Children Ambassadors for Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital during Boulders Junior Day.

Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital cares for children with some of the most serious illnesses and injuries from Rockland County and throughout the Hudson Valley, providing highly specialized pediatric care close to home. Irene Tsetsekos, Senior Vice President of Development at WMCHealth, joined the Boulders in welcoming Piper and Alex and celebrating their remarkable journeys.

Piper, 6, of Westchester County, has received care at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital since she was 21 months old for gastroparesis, a condition that affects the movement of food through the digestive system. Throughout her medical journey, Piper’s joyful personality and determination have remained constant. During her hospital stays, her outgoing nature even earned her the beloved nickname, “The Mayor.”

Alex, 15, of Rockland County, was involved in a serious bicycle accident with a dump truck on July 10, 2024. The accident resulted in life-threatening injuries, including a shattered pelvis and extensive trauma that required more than 20 surgeries at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Following months of treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation, Alex is walking again and preparing to begin 10th grade. His strength, determination, and resilience continue to inspire everyone around him.

As Miracle Children Ambassadors, Piper and Alex represent the many children and families whose lives have been touched by Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital and the dedicated physicians, nurses, specialists and staff who care for them.

Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital extends its appreciation to its supporters, including Children’s Miracle Network partners, dedicated staff, patients and families, whose generosity and commitment help children receive the care they need to heal, grow and thrive.

To learn more about Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, its Miracle Children and upcoming events, visit wmchealthgiving.org.

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Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) brought together healthcare professionals, first responders, patient survivors, community partners, donors, and supporters for Connected Through Care: Stronger Together, an inspiring evening celebrating the collaboration and compassion that define trauma care throughout the WMCHealth Network. Hosted on July 15, 2026, at Kanopi atop the Opus Hotel in White Plains, the event recognized the many individuals who play a vital role in a patient’s recovery journey — from EMS professionals and medical teams to families, caregivers, community partners, and the patients whose resilience inspires us all.

“Trauma care is about more than medicine,” said Dr. Kartik Prabhakaran, Chair, Department of Surgery, WMCHealth and Director, WMCHealth Trauma Consortium. “It is about bringing together everyone who plays a role in recovery. No one survives trauma alone, and every person involved helps make healing possible.”

Dr. David Lubarsky, President and Chief Executive Officer, WMCHealth, remarked, “Every day, individuals and families experience unexpected injuries that can forever change the course of their lives. At WMCHealth, we are committed to ensuring that patients throughout the Hudson Valley have access to exceptional, life-saving care when they need it most. Our patients remind us of the strength and determination that define the human spirit, and their stories continue to strengthen our commitment to our mission.”

As the only Level I Trauma Center for adults and children in the Hudson Valley, Westchester Medical Center provides advanced trauma services to nearly three million people across the region, working alongside first responders and healthcare partners to deliver care when every second matters.

During the event, Dr. David E. Asprinio, Director of Orthopedic Surgery, WMCHealth, was presented with the Physician Exemplar Award in recognition of his more than 25 years of leadership, innovation, and dedication to orthopedic trauma care. Dr. Asprinio has played a transformative role in expanding access to specialized orthopedic trauma care, strengthening services throughout the Hudson Valley, and mentoring the next generation of physicians. 

The evening’s most powerful moments came from the patients and families whose stories illustrated the life-changing impact of exceptional trauma care. Dr. Stephen Klass shared his wife Doreen Klass’ remarkable journey following a devastating pedestrian accident and the life-saving care she received from Dr. Asprinio and the Westchester Medical Center Trauma Team. Joel shared how surviving a catastrophic car accident inspired him to pursue a career in medicine. Yarmine Jimenez shared her family’s journey of hope and healing after she fell off a train platform while 26 weeks pregnant, resulting in a ruptured uterus, emergency delivery, and specialized NICU care for her son, Logan.

WMCHealth is grateful to all event sponsors, corporate partners, donors, and supporters whose generosity made Stronger Together possible. Their commitment ensures that trauma teams across our network have the resources needed to provide exceptional, life-saving care to patients and families throughout the Hudson Valley. Together, patients, caregivers, first responders, and supporters demonstrated the powerful message at the heart of the evening: we are stronger together.

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Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital recently celebrated the official naming of The Premier Collection Pediatric Emergency Department during a special dedication ceremony recognizing the extraordinary generosity of The Coughlin Family, Subaru White Plains, and The Premier Collection.

Hospital leadership, Foundation trustees, donors, physicians, and community members gathered to commemorate the milestone, which reflects a shared commitment to ensuring children throughout the Hudson Valley continue to receive exceptional emergency care close to home.

“Every day, children arrive at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital facing medical emergencies, and within moments they are surrounded by a team of highly skilled pediatric specialists dedicated to providing lifesaving care,” said David Lubarsky, MD, MBA, President and CEO of WMCHealth. “Behind every visit is a child, a family, and a moment when nothing matters more than knowing expert pediatric care is available. We are deeply grateful to The Coughlin Family, Subaru White Plains, and The Premier Collection for their remarkable generosity and commitment to the children and families we serve.”

During the ceremony, Ivan Miller, MD, Chair of Emergency Medicine for WMCHealth, spoke about the vital role philanthropy plays in strengthening pediatric emergency care.

“When a child arrives in the Pediatric Emergency Department, families are often frightened and searching for answers,” said Dr. Miller. “Support like this strengthens our ability to provide expert, compassionate care for thousands of children each year. This is philanthropy at its very best—community leaders investing in healthier futures for children they may never meet, but whose lives will be better because they cared.”

Jeremy Abramson, Trustee of the Westchester Medical Center Foundation and a leader within The Premier Collection, highlighted the longstanding partnership between the organizations.

“This recognition is about far more than a name on a wall,” Abramson said. “It represents a shared commitment to our community and to the children and families who rely on Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital every day. We are honored that The Premier Collection and the Coughlin Family can help support the extraordinary physicians, nurses, and staff who provide hope, healing, and comfort during life’s most difficult moments.”

Sean Coughlin, President of The Premier Collection, joined members of the Coughlin Family and WMCHealth leadership for the official unveiling of the naming recognition. This meaningful investment reflects The Premier Collection’s longstanding commitment to the health and well-being of the community and will have a lasting impact on pediatric emergency care for generations to come. Their generosity helps ensure that Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital remains a place where children receive world-class care, close to home, during life’s most critical moments.

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Golfers, sponsors, and community supporters gathered under sunny skies at Wiltwyck Golf Club for the 44th Annual Michael B. Finnegan Golf Classic, raising critical support for cancer care services at HealthAlliance Hospital, a member of the WMCHealth Network.

The sold-out event honored the legacy of Michael B. Finnegan, whose belief in the power of community continues to inspire generations of supporters. More than a day on the golf course, the annual tournament serves as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when a community comes together to improve the health and well-being of its neighbors.

“This event continues to honor Michael Finnegan’s remarkable spirit,” said Elissa Chessari, Executive Director for the Northern Region of WMCHealth. “He understood that when people unite around a common purpose, incredible things can happen. Today is about more than golf—it’s about driving hope, healing, and progress for patients and families throughout our region.”

Proceeds from this year’s event will support cancer programming and services at HealthAlliance Hospital, helping expand access to high-quality, compassionate cancer care throughout the Hudson Valley.

The impact of donor support is already being felt across the community. Thanks to funds raised through last year’s Golf Classic, HealthAlliance Hospital recently unveiled a new state-of-the-art mammography system, enhancing early detection capabilities, improving patient comfort, and providing more women with access to life-saving breast cancer screenings regardless of their financial circumstances.

Looking ahead, WMCHealth continues to strengthen cancer care services in Kingston and across the Hudson Valley by expanding oncology programs, recruiting new specialists, and investing in comprehensive care close to home.

We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the event’s sponsors, volunteers, committee members, and participants, whose commitment continues to strengthen cancer care and improve outcomes for patients and families across the Hudson Valley. Their support ensures that compassionate, high-quality care remains accessible close to home, where it is needed most.

It’s not too late to make a meaningful impact. To support cancer care at HealthAlliance Hospital, visit wmchealth.org/mbfgc.

View photo gallery: https://wmchealthgiving.org/events/44th-annual-michael-b-finnegan-golf-classic/

The Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) Foundation welcomed community leaders, philanthropists, corporate partners, physicians, and supporters to the 2026 WMCHealth Gala on May 30 at Westchester Country Club. The inspiring evening celebrated visionary leadership while raising critical support for the new Brenda Fareri Pavilion, the state-of-the-art critical care tower currently rising at Westchester Medical Center.

Guests gathered for an evening of celebration, connection, and philanthropy in support of the Westchester Medical Center Foundation and its mission to advance care across the Hudson Valley.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of two transformative leaders whose dedication has helped shape the future of healthcare throughout the region: Michael D. Israel, former President and Chief Executive Officer of WMCHealth, and Dr. Renee Garrick, former Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of WMCHealth.

Throughout their distinguished careers, Israel and Dr. Garrick played instrumental roles in expanding WMCHealth’s regional network, improving access to advanced medical care, championing patient-centered innovation, and strengthening healthcare services for communities across the Hudson Valley. Their enduring leadership has left a lasting impact on the health system and continues to inspire future generations of healthcare professionals.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for this extraordinary evening,” said Dr. David Lubarsky, President and CEO of WMCHealth. “The generosity of our donors, sponsors, and community partners brings us one step closer to realizing the vision of the Brenda Fareri Pavilion and ensuring that patients throughout our region have access to world-class critical care for generations to come.”

The Foundation also recognized its generous event sponsors, whose leadership and philanthropic commitment helped make the Gala a tremendous success. Their support plays a vital role in advancing lifesaving care, innovative programs, and the continued growth of WMCHealth’s nationally recognized services.

Proceeds from the Gala support the Brenda Fareri Pavilion, a transformative new critical care tower that will expand access to advanced, life-saving care and enhance the patient experience through modern technology, private patient rooms, and specialized treatment spaces.

Those who were unable to attend the Gala can still support this important initiative. Donations may be made by visiting wmchealth.org/gala, helping WMCHealth continue its mission to transform healthcare and build a healthier future for the Hudson Valley and beyond.

View photo gallery: https://wmchealthgiving.org/events/wmchealth-network-gala-2026/

Westchester Medical Center Health Network has received a $2 million philanthropic commitment from Everest Family Foundation (EFF) to establish the Everest Scholars Program, a landmark initiative to cultivate the next generation of physician-leaders dedicated to serving rural and underserved communities.

The gift was celebrated at a special reception during WMCHealth’s Departments of Medicine and Neurology Research Day on May 13, 2026, at the Taylor Conference Center in Valhalla, bringing together clinicians, researchers, and medical educators.

Founded in honor of Dr. Edwin A.D. Everest and led by Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Michael Everest and Chairwoman Mrs. Agata Everest, EFF has grown into one of the nation’s leading philanthropic forces in graduate medical education and academic research. Guided by the principle of being “Part of the Cure,” the Foundation’s research portfolio spans internal medicine, neurology, psychiatry, cardiology, oncology, and public health, with a special dedication to cardiac and diabetes research in tribute to Dr. Edwin Everest’s legacy.

“My father believed that medicine is a calling, not a privilege. The Everest Scholars Program honors that belief by investing in physicians who choose to go where the need is greatest, to the rural and underserved communities that too often go without. We are proud to partner with Westchester Medical Center, an institution that shares our conviction that excellent care should reach every patient, regardless of where they live.” – Dr. Michael Everest, Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Everest Family Foundation

Everest Scholars are physician-researchers selected for their commitment to evidence-based practice, academic excellence, and medical education in underserved settings. Through mentorship, expanded post-graduate opportunities, and active scholarly engagement at WMCHealth, Scholars will Scholars will strengthen the Graduate Medical Education system and elevate care for the communities WMCHealth serves.

The sixth annual Margaretville Hospital CATCH (Community Art to Community Health) Art Auction has concluded as a sold-out success, bringing together local residents, artists, and benefactors to support regional healthcare. Held in benefit of the Margaretville Health Foundation and vital primary care services at Margaretville Hospital—a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth)—the inspiring evening attracted more than 100 enthusiastic guests.

The community-driven fundraiser successfully showcased and sold nearly 65 pieces of artwork. These unique pieces were generously donated by talented local artists, capturing and bringing the vibrant spirit of the Catskills to life for an important regional cause. Organizers expressed deep gratitude to attendees and contributors, noting that the collective generosity displayed will directly help advance access to compassionate, high-quality healthcare throughout the region.

The event’s financial and organizational achievement was heavily bolstered by its 2026 event sponsors, led by Avant-Garde Sponsor M-FIBER. Significant backing was also provided by Sculptural Sponsors Suzanne Greene and John Kelly, ALTA, Phoenicia Diner, Richard A. Siegel and Polly de Mille, Whritner Builders, and Sluiter. Additional regional support came from Abstract Sponsors including Bear Architects, Coldwell Banker, Diana Mason, and the Mountain Eagle, alongside key 2026 WMCHealth Corporate Sponsors like Boston Children’s Health Physicians, DeCicco & Sons, Empress, and TD Bank.

While the live celebration has concluded, community members looking to make a meaningful difference can still view the official event catalog, browse the online photo gallery, or contribute directly by making a gift today.  Donate here: Donate to Margaretville Hospital’s CATCH Art Auction 2026

View photo gallery here: Margaretville Hospital CATCH 2026 – WMCHealth Giving

Thank you to our partners at Shop Rite and their customers, who raised $94,891 for Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital during its Spring campaign for the hospital. The proceeds came from customer donations during a two-week period in February. 

Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital is the advanced pediatric center for New York’s Hudson Valley region, caring for the community’s most seriously ill and injured children. The 144-bed hospital is home to the Hudson Valley’s only Level I pediatric trauma and burn care programs, pediatric intensive care unit, and regional neonatal intensive care unit (Level IV).

Good Samaritan Hospital celebrated its 39th Annual Spring Ball on April 19. More than 300 guests attended to support the hospital.

It was a truly special evening filled with energy, generosity, and a shared commitment to advancing exceptional care.

Congratulations to honorees: Mitchell C. Fraiman, MD, Chief of Urology, recipient of the Sister Joseph Rita Award for Medical Excellence; The Critical Care Nursing Team, recognized as Care Champions, and Geanette Katz, Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation Board Member, recipient of the Harold J. Peterson Community Service Award.

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Representatives from the Westchester Parks Foundation came to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), to present proceeds from a community fundraiser at Westchester’s 2025 Winter Wonderland holiday event. More than $12,000 raised will support the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy program at the hospital. 

Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital’s advanced pediatric services includes heart care, such as fetal cardiology, electrophysiology and cardiac surgery; neurology, neurosurgery and other pediatric neurosciences; hematology and oncology care; organ transplantation (liver, kidney); critical care; emergency care; general surgery and many other pediatric subspecialties. Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital is also home to the area’s only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Level I pediatric trauma and burn care programs and Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.  For more information visit MariaFareriChildrens.org or to support our pediatric programs and services, visit WMCHealthgiving.org.