Category Archives: St. Anthony Community Hospital

Sean’s Story: From a Frightening Emergency to a Happy, Healthy Child

One frightening day, two-year-old Sean struggled to breathe.

An active, curious toddler, he suddenly couldn’t catch his breath. What started as concern quickly became urgent. His parents rushed him to St. Anthony Community Hospital, a member of WMCHealth, searching for answers and relief.

“He was struggling to breathe, really gasping for air,” his father, Rob, shared.

In the emergency department, the pediatric team moved quickly. Physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists worked together to assess Sean’s condition and begin treatment immediately — monitoring his breathing, stabilizing his oxygen levels, and providing comfort in a moment of fear.

For his parents, the experience was overwhelming. But the calm, focused care surrounding their son brought reassurance when they needed it most.

Soon, the treatment began to work. The child who arrived in distress became more alert. His breathing eased. Then came a moment his parents will never forget — Sean laughing, playing, and full of energy once again.

Today, Sean is a happy, active child, back to exploring the world around him.

His story is made possible by expert care and by supporters like you who help ensure that care is always close to home.

Make a gift today to help protect patients when every moment matters: wmchealth.org/sachdonate

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Erica’s Story: Care You Can Count On

Erica never expected a routine summer morning to turn into a frightening medical emergency — one that threatened the moments she treasures most with her family. When sharp abdominal pain jolted her awake, she feared the worst. Trusting her instincts, she turned to St. Anthony Community Hospital, a member of WMCHealth, where compassionate experts quickly diagnosed acute appendicitis and guided her through every step with reassurance and support. The very next morning, minimally invasive surgery through just three tiny incisions eased her pain and set her on a smooth path to recovery — back to healing, back to her family, and back to the life she loves. 

“From the moment I arrived, everyone — nurses, doctors, nurse practitioners, housekeepers, and dietitians — went above and beyond. They explained everything clearly, kept me comfortable, and made sure I was supported every step of the way. Having worked in hospitals for decades, I can say with certainty: the care I received at St. Anthony was extraordinary.”

Today, Erica is healthy, enjoying time with her family, and savoring the simple joys of  life — all thanks to the expert care teams and advanced technology supported by donors like you. 

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Mickey Hall: Making a Difference

“I like to say ‘thank you’ to my doctors and nurses by sending a donation to St. Anthony rather than just being treated and walking away. It doesn’t hurt my pocketbook, and I know that it makes a difference.”

Join Mickey and show your gratitude at Give.WMCHealth.org/SACH

Share your story at InfoBSCH@wmhealth.org

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Juan Lopez: Supporting for Women’s Health Services at St. Anthony

Breast cancer awareness and prevention are deeply personal to Juan Lopez. “I lost my mother to breast cancer, and I want other women and their families to know about getting screened for this disease,” he said. “I also want to keep my mother’s memory strong.”

As an officer of The Mustang Club of Orange County, Juan shared his idea for a breast cancer event, open to the public, with the other club officers, Steve Matola, Sidney Silverman Bayer and Tom Perillo. And five years ago, they began to host their Breast Cancer Awareness Car Cruise to benefit Women’s Health Services at St. Anthony Community Hospital.

Their message during the cruise is loud and clear: Be aware, get screened and support local healthcare.

“St. Anthony is my hospital. They do a really great job for people in Warwick and nearby communities, and they’re small enough to care about their patients as neighbors,” Juan said. “The hospital needs community support to continue to provide the best care possible, like having the newest mammography equipment. We’re happy to do our part as a club to help!”

If you are interested in hosting a community event — like The Mustang Club of Orange County — to benefit a specific department at St. Anthony Community Hospital, please contact us at InfoBSCH@wmhealth.org or 845.368.5151.

Join Juan and show your gratitude at Give.WMCHealth.org/SACH

Share your story at InfoBSCH@wmhealth.org

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Karen’s Story: Pure Gold

Karen Gauvin knows the ins and outs of great healthcare. She spent much of her career working in hospitals, sub-acute rehabilitation and home care. 

Her high regard for the staff at St. Anthony Community Hospital mostly comes from her father’s multiple inpatient stays there. “The staff are amazing,” Karen said, “I was impressed straight through all aspects of Dad’s care. He received excellent medical attention and was much loved.”

Karen now works in real estate in Warwick. The hospital is one of her selling points. “I always talk about St. Anthony; it is pure gold, right here in the heart of Warwick!”

Also a member of the hospital’s Foundation, Karen said that she hopes community members appreciate the importance of doing what they can – large or small – to support local healthcare. “We are a nonprofit that uses contributions to advance health services, and every contribution helps make a difference. I donate and serve on the Foundation because I am grateful, I want to give back and I want to do my part to make Warwick an even better community.”

Karen Gauvin is a Warwick resident, Bon Secours Warwick Health Foundation Board of Directors member, Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner, OUR HOUSE Real Estate Group, LLC.

Join Karen Gauvin and show your gratitude at Give.WMCHealth.org/SACH

Share your story at InfoBSCH@wmhealth.org

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Ron’s Story: We Support Local Healthcare

I have lived in Warwick since 1948. Of course, St. Anthony Community Hospital was a very different place at that time. But what has stayed the same is that it is always here for all of us. The staff knows what they’re doing and they do it well.

My wife Marge and I have donated to the hospital for many years. This is an extremely important local resource that uses contributions to support the healthcare it provides our community.

St. Anthony has been important to my family. My mom worked in the Medical Records Department in the 1950s. Over the years, we have received care at the hospital many times. Our two children were born there and my wife had major surgery there. When I became extremely ill, St. Anthony’s doctors ran extensive tests before they referred me elsewhere for specialized care. I was impressed — they knew what was beyond the purview of their expertise. They did everything right. 

Many years ago, I was on the Foundation Board of Directors and then served on the Hospital Board. It was inspiring to see how St. Anthony’s leaders and staff were committed to do their best for the town and the hospital. I know that commitment still holds true from everything we continue to see.

One of the best things a community can have is a hospital like ours. When we send our charitable gifts, we always request that they be used for the Warwick Healthcare Campus, since St. Anthony is part of a larger healthcare network. Marge and I are proud to make donations that help support our local hospital, and we thank others who do the same. We are lucky to have St. Anthony.

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Ron’s Story: We Support Local Healthcare

For Roger Vander Plaat, a 30-year resident of Warwick, knowing that St. Anthony Community Hospital has been there for him and his family has been a great comfort.

“Over the years, each of our family members has needed care at St. Anthony,” said Roger. The need was very urgent in some cases, and it was reassuring to know that well-trained, compassionate doctors and nurses, many of whom are our friends and neighbors, were there to provide care. As a husband and father, these situations required me to put my family in the hands of others—the staff at St. Anthony. Their kindness and concern have always proven to be exceptional.”

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Jim’s Story: Retired Teacher Back to Active Life After Hip Replacement Surgery at St. Anthony Community Hospital

Last summer, orthopedic surgeon John M. Hardcastle, MD, received a photo of his patient Jim McIntyre atop Mount Yale, a 14,200-foot mountain in Colorado. This was just four months after Dr. Hardcastle replaced the 67-year-old’s right hip at St. Anthony Community Hospital, in Warwick, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth).

McIntyre, a retired teacher, is active hiking mountains, climbing glaciers and sking. After experiencing severe hip pain, he consulted Dr. Hardcastle, who had been treating him for several years for osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease. “You’ll know when it’s time to replace your hip,” he had advised McIntyre. That time had come.

“Despite the pandemic,” says Dr. Hardcastle, “Jim was wise not to delay his care; many safeguards had been put into place to ensure patient safety.”

Shortly after waking from a minimally invasive procedure to replace his hip, McIntyre walked down a hallway with a physical therapist and a walker and then up and down a flight of stairs. “I was already in less pain than before I came in,” he recalls. “I felt better than I had in three years.”

“The staff at St. Anthony Community Hospital was tremendous,” he said. “Dr. Hardcastle is also an athlete, so he understands how important it is to get back to an active life. He’s a terrific human being and surgeon.”

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