
When Fern Goldblatt arrived at Westchester Medical Center’s same-day cardiac clinic, she never imagined her life would change within moments. A sudden heart attack left her in critical condition — but thanks to the speed, skill, and coordination of her care team, she survived.
Today, Fern calls herself a grateful patient. She delivers holiday treats, hosts pizza parties for the cardiac floor, and visits the staff she now calls family. Her gratitude runs deep — for the doctors and nurses who saved her life, and for the donors who make their work possible every day.
“I’ll never stop giving back, WMCHealth saved my life”.
— Fern Goldblatt, Patient, Heart Attack Survivor
Every year, more than 14,000 critically ill patients come to Westchester Medical Center — the region’s only Level I adult and pediatric trauma center. With ICUs operating at 90–95% capacity, the need for expanded, state-of-the-art care is urgent.
The Brenda Fareri Pavilion will meet this growing demand with 128 private ICU-capable rooms, specialized trauma, cardiac, neuro, and surgical ICUs, surge-ready design, and family-centered spaces.
This $220 million tower is already rising, with $195 million secured. Your support can close the final gap — ensuring that every patient has access to life-saving care when seconds count, and keeping world-class care close to home.
Please give to Westchester Medical Center today!
More inspirational stories from Westchester Medical Center:
Lucy’s Story: A Nurse Becomes the Patient—and Finds the Life-saving Care She Once Gave Others
Chris’s Story: An Ironworker Fights for His Life After a Catastrophic Fall and Today Serves As an Inspiration to All
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,…
Katherine’s Story: WMC Helps Woman Who Suffers Life-Threatening Aneurysm While in Greece
Katherine Tsetsekos is grateful for the miracle that returned her to her work and family…
Donna’s Story: Heart Surgery Results in Happy Ending for Aspiring Actress
Donna James had just retired from her job as an editorial assistant at New York…
Anna’s Story: Stamford Woman Grateful to WMC after Emerging from COVID-19 Coma
Anna Marie Giorgi fought her way back to life after COVID-19 left her in a…

Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson is a partner of Thompson & Bender. Founded in 1986, the agency is the region’s premier advertising and public relations firm. As a partner in the firm, Mrs. Bracken-Thompson is responsible for a wide variety of clients representing a broad spectrum of business sectors including Fortune 500 firms; banks and financial institutions; educational institutions; not-for-profits; hospitals and health care organizations; the travel and hospitality industry; food and beverage sector; senior residential living; commercial real estate developers; environmental and business organizations, among others.










Rocco J. Pucino III is the VP/Retail Banking Officer at Ulster Savings Bank’s Kingston headquarters. In Mr. Pucino’s new role, he will is responsible for overseeing and directing the Retail Banking area by providing guidance and support to the bank’s 15 branch locations.


