St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children, will hold its 7th Annual Walk for St. Mary’s Kids and Family Fun Day on Sunday, May 22 at Belmont Park in Elmont, NY, raising funds and awareness for children and families with special needs.
Thousands of patients, staff, families, business leaders, politicians, community members, jockeys and thoroughbred enthusiasts are expected. Some will walk to celebrate the accomplishments of St. Mary’s kids, others will walk in memory of a loved one, but everyone will walk to help St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children fulfill its mission -to continue improving the health and quality of life for children and families with special needs.
Twelve of St. Mary’s Kids have been named “Grand Marshals” to recognize their incredible rehabilitative and educational achievements. Four-year old Sophia from Queens has a rare congenital disorder that affects her joints and muscles. Sophia was brought to St. Mary’s where she began receiving intensive rehabilitation to help her manage her condition. With the help of St. Mary’s renowned doctors, therapists, and nurses, Sophia has made incredible progress.
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21-year-old Kurshawn from Brooklyn who has cerebral palsy has become stronger and gained confidence with his ability to participate in activities since receiving specialized medical care in St. Mary’s Pediatric Day Healthcare Young Adult Program. Five-year old Anna from Queens was brought to St. Mary’s at 8 months old after facing common complications associated with premature birth. Anna now resides in the toddler unit where she has many friends and has made significant medical and developmental gains. Five-year old Jacob from Brooklyn, four-year old Eric from Manhattan, ten-year old Kamya from the Bronx and 7-year old Aiden from Long Island – all remarkable kids who have made tremendous achievements at St. Mary’s, will help lead the ½-mile walk as the Walk Grand Marshals.
Director of Service Learning at Holy Cross High School, Michael Genovese, has been chosen as Honorary Grand Marshal for his ongoing dedication towards St. Mary’s Kids. For over 35 years, Mr. Genovese has encouraged his students to show exemplary leadership by actively supporting the programs and services at St. Mary’s.
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“We are very excited about our “Walk and Family Fun Day” and the amount of people from throughout Westchester, Rockland, Nassau, Suffolk, New York City and the five boroughs that are committed to raising money for St. Mary’s,” said President and CEO, Jeffrey K. Frerichs. We expect to raise $200,000 from this walk.”
The day will include The New York AutoFest Car Show at the St. Mary’s event site featuring hot rods, classics, customs and more. "We are especially proud to have been selected by St. Mary's to help them in this most worthy fundraiser," remarked New York AutoFest's Leo Cerruti. Also attending is J.D Sarantakos, of the hit TV series MINDFREAK and brother of magician Criss Angel. The NY AutoFest Car Show opens at 9:00 am and runs until 4:00 pm.
For all the pet lovers Rick Caran & Team Jilli Dog, the world’s only poker playing dog as featured on Animal Planet, will present tricks and provide training tips. Special guests will include Rescue Ink, the leather clad bikers who spend their free time rescuing abused and homeless pets – their TV show can be seen on the National Geographic Channel.
Free Family Fun Day activities include games, face painting, arts & crafts, live music, and many surprises for the entire family. Belmont Park will be hosting Pirate Day featuring pirate-themed inflatables, henna tattoo artists, pony rides, a petting zoo and much more. Family Fun Day activities start at 11:00 and run until 3:00 pm.
