As the leaves change and cooler days arrive, autumn is the perfect time to check in on your health and fall back into healthy habits!
A few simple steps can help you stay healthy this autumn:
Get your flu shot and all recommended vaccinations
Stay active outdoors in the crisp weather
Fuel your body with seasonal, nutrient-rich foods
Prioritize rest as the days grow shorter
Because of your support, WMCHealth can continue to offer compassionate care that keeps our community healthy through every season. Your partnership ensures that families in our region have access to the care they need — right when they need it.
This fall, we celebrate not only the season of change, but also the steadfast generosity of donors like you. Thank you for helping us turn every season into a season of wellness!
Possible Starts Here: WMCHealth Launches Campaign for New Critical Care Tower
We are thrilled to announce the public launch of Westchester Medical Center’s $25 million Possible Starts Here capital campaign to help build the Brenda Fareri Pavilion — a five-story, 162,000-square-foot critical care tower that will redefine life-saving care for the Hudson Valley. We are deeply grateful to all who attended the campaign launch event on September 25, the topping off ceremony on October 17 and all who showed their support for this transformational project.
Currently under construction on the Valhalla campus, the Brenda Fareri Pavilion will be a 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, our 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 of the Pavilion is expected to be completed in 2026.
The Possible Starts Here campaign has already raised an inspiring $23 million, thanks to the generosity of the Fareri Family and significant contributions from many other supporters across our network. As construction continues on our Valhalla campus, we invite the entire Hudson Valley community to help us bring this vision to life. To learn more or make a gift, visit wmchealth.org/criticalcaretower or call 914-493-2575.
NYC Marathon: Team WMCHealth in the Final Stretch
The countdown is on! The 2025 TCS New York City Marathon is set for November 2, and our incredible team of WMCHealth runners is in the final stretch of training — and fundraising. This year, Adam Cox, Juan Trias, Otto Palao, Justin Williams, Jeanne Marie Kolka, Kelly Peach, Rachel Cross, Marc Stepper, Victor Stevens, and Nabeel Ahmed are lacing up to take on 26.2 miles, all to support the hospitals of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network.
Since 2016, Team WMCHealth has raised nearly $500,000. Last year, the team raised an amazing $59,000 — and this year, they’re aiming even higher! Every step they take helps advance WMCHealth’s mission of providing exceptional care to all throughout the Hudson Valley. Visit wmchealth.org/marathon to learn more about each runner’s motivation and their connection to WMCHealth hospitals across the region. Let’s cheer them on as they hit the pavement for a powerful cause!
WMCHealth depends on community support to continue delivering vital healthcare services throughout the Hudson Valley. Whether you want to give directly, volunteer, celebrate a milestone, or engage your business, here are meaningful ways to help, this fall and beyond:
GIVE: Make a donation in any amount, at any time! Visit our website 24/7 to make a secure gift to the hospital of your choice. You can make a one-time gift or even set up a recurring donation.
GIVE IN KIND: You can also give in-kind gifts to help our patients feel their best! Our generous donors have given us so many wonderful items, from toys to personal care items to blankets and more. Reach out to the Foundations to learn more.
VISIT US: Come take a tour of any of our hospitals! We’d be happy to show you around.
VOLUNTEER: We welcome volunteers for a wide range of opportunities.
PARTNER: Your business or employer can work with WMCHealth to help support our hospitals. Explore sponsorship opportunities, matching gifts, and corporate giving.
FUNDRAISE: Host an event, set up an online fundraiser among friends/family, or get creative with community challenges.
CELEBRATE: Use birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or other events to support a cause: invite contributions in lieu of gifts or donate part of event proceeds — or come to one of our fun fundraising events!
PLAN: Include WMCHealth in your future giving through planned gifts. Options include legacy giving, bequests, or other planned giving vehicles, ensuring long-term impact and leaving a lasting legacy.
You can email us at Foundation@WMCHealth.org or call us at 914-493-2575 to learn more about these opportunities.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Fern Goldblatt
In 2024, Fern Goldblatt walked into Westchester Medical Center’s same-day cardiac clinic after experiencing concerning symptoms. Within hours, her life changed. Doctors discovered she had suffered a sudden heart attack and she was rushed into emergency surgery.
Thanks to the speed, skill, and coordination of the cardiac team, Fern survived.
“Because of their quick action and extraordinary care, I’m here today,” she says. “I will always be grateful.”
That gratitude has turned into action. Fern now proudly supports Westchester Medical Center, giving back to the hospital that saved her life. In addition to generously supporting the Westchester Medical Center Foundation, she hosts pizza parties for the cardiac floor, delivers holiday treats, and regularly visits the staff she now calls family. For her, giving back isn’t just a gesture — it’s a promise.
“I’m living proof that what happens inside Westchester Medical Center saves lives,” Fern says. “This place and these people mean the world to me.”
Fern is one of thousands of patients whose lives have been changed — and saved — by the dedicated care teams at Westchester Medical Center. Her story is a powerful reminder of why community support matters — and how every act of generosity helps ensure others get the same chance she did.
WITH GRATITUDE
Lemonade Stand Fundraisers Benefit Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
This summer, two grateful young patients turned their appreciation into action by hosting lemonade stand fundraisers for Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Layla, who is 10 years old, raised over $1,000 through her cheerful "Laughter & Lemonade" stand. Kendall, age 8, also rallied her community, raising funds to support the hospital that cared for her. We are so thankful for their generosity, creativity, and inspiring entrepreneurial spirit.
Grateful Patient Aaliyah Donates Period Products to Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital recently received a gift of Awesomeliyou period underwear from founder and grateful patient Aaliyah, age 16! Aaliyah designed the leakproof underwear and became a patent holder for the product at just 13 years old. This generous donation will be distributed to patients throughout the children's hospital, advancing Aaliyah's mission to make period products accessible and more manageable for people of all ages. We are grateful to Aaliyah for her thoughtful gift for children receiving care at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital.
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital Ambassador, Livy, meets the Jonas Brothers
Thanks to our partners at Children’s Miracle Network, 12-year-old Livy recently had the unforgettable experience of meeting the Jonas Brothers at their concert. Livy was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia at age 7, a rare condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells. Today, she’s thriving thanks to a clinical trial and a life-saving bone marrow transplant from her mother. We’re so grateful to Children’s Miracle Network and the Jonas Brothers for making special moments like this possible for our patients.
Spirit Halloween Celebrates with Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
On October 15, staff from Spirit Halloween visited Maria Fareri Children's Hospital to paint pumpkins and distribute costumes, decorations, and crafts to the children receiving care. Each year, through their Spirit of Children initiative, Spirit Halloween raises funds to support Child Life Services at the hospital. We are so grateful to Spirit Halloween for bringing the magic of Halloween to Maria Fareri Children's Hospital year-round!
On October 19, Fairfield University students welcomed Piper, a patient from Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, and her family to campus for the annual Stagathon Pumpkin Painting and Trick-or-Treating event. The celebration featured festive activities, including "reverse trick-or-treating," where Stagathon members visited classmates’ dorms to hand out candy in exchange for donations. The event raised over $450 in support of the hospital’s mission.
MVP Health Care Gives Back to Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
On October 2, MVP Health Care staff visited the children's hospital and created over 150 Halloween-themed craft kits for kiddos receiving care. The kits, filled with fun and festive toys, books, and craft supplies, helps bring the Halloween spirit to patients who are unable to celebrate in traditional ways. MVP's visit brought smiles to both children and hospital staff, showcasing the impact of community support.
RECENT EVENTS
Celebrating Healthcare Excellence at MidHudson Regional Hospital Honors
On September 27, MidHudson Regional Hospital leadership, staff, Foundation Board members, community leaders, and healthcare partners gathered at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park for the annual MidHudson Regional Hospital Honors event. Presented by the Herbert H. Redl Family Foundation and Michael Fleischer & Michael Dupree, the evening celebrated outstanding individuals and organizations making a difference in healthcare across the region. The Physician Exemplar Award was given to Dr. Lorraine Nardi, Nephrology Specialist and Internist at Premier Medical Group; the Community Champion Award to Hudson Valley Hospice; the Care Champions Award to the Behavioral Health Nursing Team at MidHudson Regional Hospital; and the inaugural Heart of Healing Award was given posthumously to Emil Panichi for his lasting legacy.
Guests enjoyed a beautiful evening at the Culinary Institute, featuring a delicious dinner, inspiring remarks, and a lively paddle raise that raised over $80,000 in support of the expansion of the Herb and Sue Ann Redl Pediatric Emergency Room. Thanks to the generosity of attendees and sponsors, the campaign moved closer to its goal, ensuring that children and families throughout the Hudson Valley will have access to expanded, state-of-the-art emergency care. The MidHudson Regional Hospital Honors continues to be a vital occasion to recognize exceptional care and foster community commitment to health and wellness in our region.
It’s not too late to support this meaningful cause — gifts can be made online at wmchealth.org/honorsmhrh or by calling 914.493.2575.
On August 25, Westchester Country Club in Rye was the setting for a fantastic day of golf. The event supported WMCHealth’s commitment to the critical and advanced care needs of the Hudson Valley as the Brenda Fareri Pavilion continues to rise on the Westchester Medical Center campus. We are so grateful to all our golfers, sponsors, and all who supported this event!
Good Samaritan Hospital Golf & Pickleball Invitational
On September 8, the greens and courts at Paramount Country Club in New City came alive as golf and pickleball players united for a day of friendly competition and community spirit in support of Good Samaritan Hospital. A heartfelt thank you to the players and generous sponsors who made this event such a success!
St. Anthony Community Hospital and Bon Secours Community Hospital Host Fall Golf Classic
On September 17, St. Anthony Community Hospital and Bon Secours Community Hospital hosted the Fall Golf Classic at Great Gorge Golf Club in Vernon Township, NJ. The event featured an exciting round of golf, a 50/50 and tricky tray raffle, and the crowd-favorite Plinko Drinko putting contest — all helping to raise critical funds in support of surgical services at both hospitals. Thanks to our generous golfers, supporters, and sponsors, the Fall Golf Classic continues to strengthen our hospitals and make a lasting impact in the community.
Margaretville Hospital Attends the Cauliflower Festival
On September 20, Margaretville Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop, Foundation and Hospital Board members, staff, and volunteers proudly took part in the 21st annual Margaretville Cauliflower Festival. Celebrating the region’s rich agricultural heritage, the event featured a lively car show, tractor parade, and even the crowning of a Cauliflower Queen. Our clinicians offered hands-on training in blood pressure monitoring, pulse oximetry, and Opioid overdose reversal trainings, while distributing a specially designed cauliflower-themed coloring book to engage the community. Recently, the hospital welcomed to campus The Hubb, a social service satellite hub that provides support with food stamps, Medicaid, and a variety of resources making Margaretville Hospital a true one-stop resource center.
Mustang Club of Orange County Hosts Breast Cancer Awareness Car Cruise
On October 11, members of the Mustang Club of Orange County got together for a special car cruise featuring music, a 50/50 raffle, and Tricky Tray raffle, all in support of Women's Health Services at St. Anthony Community Hospital. Thank you to everyone who came out to this event!
UPCOMING EVENTS
AcuPINKture
October
Hudson Valley Integrated Medicine
300 E. Route 59, Suite 112, Nanuet
Hudson Valley Integrated Medicine will be hosting their annual AcuPINKture fundraiser this October, featuring a raffle with prizes like a one-hour massage, restaurant and Amazon gift cards, and more — all to support breast cancer patients. Visit Hudson Valley Integrated Medicine’s office at 300 E. Route 59, Suite 112, Nanuet or check out HudsonValleyIntegratedMedicine.com and follow Hudson Valley Integrated Medicine on Facebook and Instagram for details!
Spirit Halloween Makes Hospitals Less Scary for Kids
Halloween season is upon us and our friends at Spirit Halloween are offering a coupon for 10% off your purchase to help get you in the Halloween spirit! Our friends at Spirit Halloween will be donating a portion of sales to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital this year. Since 2006, Spirit Halloween has helped support Child Life Services at children’s hospitals throughout the country, making children’s medical journeys more fun and less scary.
ShopRite Hosts Annual Fundraiser for Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
Sunday, November 9 - Saturday, November 22
Stop into your local ShopRite this November and round up to support kiddos receiving care at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital! With your support, ShopRite has raised nearly $3 million for Maria Fareri Children's Hospital over the last 21 years.
21st Annual WHUD Radiothon for the Kids Cared For at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital
Wednesday, Nov. 19 – Friday, Nov. 21
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital Lobby
Valhalla, NY
Tune into 100.7 WHUD to hear inspiring stories of hope and healing from Maria Fareri Children's Hospital.
Subaru Shares the Love with Maria Fareri Children's Hospital
Thursday, November 20 - Friday, January 2
Subaru White Plains The Premier Collection
258 East Main Street, Elmsford, NY
This holiday season, when you purchase a Subaru at Subaru White Plains and choose Maria Fareri Children's Hospital as your charity, Subaru will donate $500 to the hospital. Additionally, for every service visit that includes an oil change, Subaru donates $5. For more information, visit SubaruWhitePlains.com.
Rotary Club of Croton Turkey Trot for a Healthy Heart
Thursday, November 27, 9 am (8:30 am registration)
Spencer Field, 10 Gerstein Street, Croton-on-Hudson
The Rotary Club of Croton is hosting their annual Turkey Trot event benefitting Maria Fareri Children's Hospital. To learn more and purchase tickets or lawn signs for the one-mile family fun run, visit WMCHealth.org/TurkeyTrot
St. Anthony Community Hospital
Winding Through Warwick
Maria Fareri Children's Hospital Holiday Toy Drive
Now through Saturday, December 13
Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital is celebrating its 21st Annual Holiday Toy Drive, bringing joy to young patients and their families during the holidays and beyond. To view our Amazon Wish List, see the types of toys we’re collecting, and find drop-off dates, please visit WMCHealth.org/HTD.
You can have a long-lasting impact by incorporating planned giving into your estate plans. A gift to support WMCHealth can help provide important healthcare to those who need it, now and in the future.
