Putnam Teen Honored for Work with Hospitalized Children

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — A Mahopac teenager is among five people and one not-for-profit group whose volunteer contributions to public health were honored by the Westchester County Board of Health. The board held its annual awards presentation April 5 at HRHCare Community Health in Peekskill.

“We are fortunate in Westchester that gifted and extraordinary people like these give their time and talents to improve the health of our community,” said Deputy County Executive Kevin J. Plunkett, who presented the winners with proclamations honoring their achievements on behalf of County Executive Robert P. Astorino. “Congratulations to the winners, to Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler, and her team at the health department, and to the members of the Westchester County Board of Health. Working together, they preserve, protect and promote the health of Westchester residents.”

Emily Gualdino, a ninth-grader from Mahopac, received a Public Health Honoree Award for her weekly visits and friendship to medically fragile children at the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center and John A. Coleman School, both in Yonkers.

Here's what the Board of Health had to say about her:

Emily Gualdino, a ninth grader at Mahopac High School, was recognized for promoting the health and well-being of children at the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center and John A. Coleman School, both in Yonkers.

From the time she was 10 years old, Emily was extremely empathetic and concerned for the health and well-being of others. On her own, she decided to donate her 10th birthday party gifts to hospitalized children. Discovering the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center in Yonkers by chance on a family drive, Emily became determined to help the medically fragile children there in any way possible. At first, she read stories to preschoolers and delighted the children with her violin playing. Emily made it her mission to visit each week, and for the past few years has been matched up with a young female patient. At first, Emily was paired up with a teenage patient with complex medical needs who depends on a mechanical ventilator to breathe. They shared laughs and bonded over their mutual interests. This year, Emily has befriended a younger girl.

Together, they participate in a weekly dance therapy group called the Groovy Girls and share a love of music.

Here are the other award winners:

Board president R. Steven Nakashima presented the 2017 Distinguished Public Health Service Award to John Gilleo, a lifelong Peekskill resident, for advocating on behalf of comprehensive mental health care for low-income residents and his leadership as a HRHCare Community Health board member. Gilleo also has served as president of the tenant’s associations for three affordable housing complexes in Peekskill.

“John Gilleo has a deep commitment to the success and well-being of our communities,” said Anne Kauffman Nolon, MPH, President and CEO of HRHCare, who nominated him. “As a HRHCare Community Health Board Member, he has provided valued insight to help guide our network of care during a time of great expansion.”

Nakashima presented the 2017 J.R. Tesone Youth Public Health Service award to Alicia McMillan, 16, of Rye, for her compassionate care and advocacy for children affected by cancer.

After helping a neighbor who was battling cancer by comforting and distracting her two young children, Alicia realized that children with cancer or who had a family member with the disease would welcome a personalized care package. Alicia contributed her allowance and babysitting money to develop Kids Care Kits, working with SOUL RYEDERS, a cancer care group based in Port Chester. Tapping her family’s contacts, Alicia held a tea party, karaoke and cocktail party fundraiser and raised more than $8,500 for several cancer-related charities. SOUL RYEDERS continues to offer the kits to families.

“Not only has Alicia helped on a personal level, but her kits will benefit children for years to come,” Nakashima said. “Alicia demonstrated compassion and generosity far beyond her years and leveraged her community connections to make her Kids Care Kits a reality. Her efforts are a shining example of how young people can make a difference.”

The Board also recognized three other Public Health Honorees:

Chloe Krugel, a 12th grader from Chappaqua, for promoting adolescent mental health through her volunteer work with the President’s Junior Leadership Council at Northern Westchester Hospital and for initiating a Mental Wellness Club at her high school;

Joe Rogot of New Rochelle, for transforming a rocky field at Ward Acres back into a flourishing community garden that yields produce served at Hope Community Soup Kitchen;

SPRYE, Inc., (Staying Put in Rye & Environs) a grass-roots group in Port Chester led by Betti Weimersheimer of Rye and a team of nearly 80 volunteers who help hundreds of seniors in Port Chester, Rye, Harrison and Rye Brook age in place at home by providing rides, handyman help, outings, and referrals.

“The Health Department is fortunate to have such capable partners working alongside us to promote public health in our communities,” said Amler. “We are especially grateful to not-for- profit groups and to our honorees, who enhance and support the work done by local organizations.”

PHOTO: Jacqueline Arista, 15, from the John Coleman School in Yonkers, with Emily Gualdino, 14 of Mahopac, Public Health Honoree/ Westchester County Board of Health