Dix Hills Mom Donates Wedding Gifts to Hospital For Son & Others

Dix Hills resident Dawn Walsh is donating her time, voice and even her wedding gifts to her alma mater Stony Brook University in order to give children, including her own son, a chance at life.

Walsh, an attorney who practices law in Westbury, earned her bachelor’s degree at Stony Brook University, graduating with honors before earning her Juris Doctor at Hofstra University. But more importantly, she is connected to Stony Brook because of a special young man in her life: her son, Christopher.

When Christopher was born in 2001, he experienced a traumatic brain injury, one that left him permanently disabled – unable to walk, talk or live his life the way other children do. He requires a special room, a special bed, and around-the-clock nursing care. Christopher was born in another hospital but over the years has received treatment and care at Stony Brook Long Island Children’s Hospital.

Because she knows firsthand the range of emotions and concerns parents have when their child is sick, Walsh, who practices law in Westbury, devotes much of her spare time as their voice and their advocate. She serves on the Stony Brook Children’s planning committee, the family advisory board for the hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and the Partners in Care Council at Stony Brook University Hospital.

“My goal is to help parents, and Stony Brook Children’s hospital has always been willing to do whatever it takes to provide not only the best patient care but also the best family-centered care,” she said in a statement, adding that she understands the importance of fundraising. “Stony Brook needs resources so they can hire the best doctors and faculty and staff.”

Walsh used the occasion of her second wedding, held on New Year’s Eve 2011, to make a financial contribution of her own. Rather than bringing wedding gifts, guests were asked to give to Stony Brook Children’s – an endeavor that yielded almost $7,000.

“Christopher is comfortable and well-cared for,” she said. “When Frank (Loughlin) and I decided to get married, we knew we would get married at my house, where we could be close to Chris. I am so glad our wedding celebration gave us the opportunity to give back to Stony Brook – because of all they’ve given to me and to other parents.”