Press Release
March 12th, 2006

Documentary on the Founders of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children Awarded Emmy®

New York, NY…. On Sunday, March 12th, the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences awarded an Emmy® for Outstanding Achievement in Writing to The Hidden Life, a documentary about the Sisters of Saint Mary, the first Episcopal religious sisterhood founded in the United States.

Dr. Burton Grebin, was the driving force behind the creation of this film and co-produced it with Suzy Shechtman. According to Mother Miriam, “if it weren’t for Burt and his expansion of the Sisters’ vision of care for the children, this film would never have been made.” Suzy Shechtman added, “…this really is his baby. Without him, I would never have been able to gain the Sisters’ trust, and write such a compelling story.”

Formed in 1865, the Sisters of St. Mary live separated from the material values of society. The Sisters wear full habits and follow a vowed life of poverty, chastity and obedience. Despite all precedent, and due almost entirely to the negotiation and influence of Dr. Grebin, the Sisters broke their 140-year tradition of silence to allow the creation of The Hidden Life, a documentary about their Order, their beliefs, and their lives.

Throughout their history, the Sisters traveled the world to aid the underprivileged, with one of their earliest achievements being the establishment of St. Mary’s Free Hospital for Children in 1870. Run by sisters who were nurses, the 12-bed hospital in Manhattan on West 34th Street and 10th Avenue became a place for chronically ill children who had been deserted by their parents.

The Sisters built the first part of St. Mary’s Hospital on the current Bayside, New York, location in 1950 as a quiet place to care for children suffering from rheumatic fever, polio and TB. Over time, this concept had served its time and needed updating. Through Dr. Grebin’s strong leadership, tireless work and innovative vision, the hospital has evolved into the broad-reaching healthcare system we know today, caring for over 3000 medically-challenged children on any given day through inpatient and community-based programs.

Anyone interested in viewing The Hidden Life should contact Dan Clark, Director of Business Development, at Ext. 8932.

Congratulations to Dr. Grebin and Suzy Shechtman for this remarkable film, and for receiving the recognition it deserves.