Sesame Street’s Bob McGrath to lead singing of 12,000th “Song of Love”
Bayside, NY – At first glance, Ronald Sterling seems like a typical 7-year old. He enjoys sports, video games, Spiderman, and hot dogs. However, a rare genetic disorder keeps Ronald from participating in most childhood activities. On Thursday, May 17, Songs of Love is going to raise his spirits when 15,000 children, led by Sesame Street’s Bob McGrath, will record a song at Shea Stadium written expressly for Ronald. The following day, a CD of the song will be presented to Ronald by Bob McGrath and Mr. Met at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children in Bayside, Queens, where Ronald receives ongoing care for his complex medical condition.
Ronald suffers from Wiskott Aldrich Syndrome, an immune deficiency disease that puts him at high risk for infection, respiratory problems, eczema, and excessive bleeding. Everyday activities, like going to school, are complicated for Ronald and he must be accompanied by a nurse when he is able attend. Since birth, St. Mary’s has been providing specialized inpatient and home care for Ronald and his older brother, who was also born with and later passed away from the disorder. Presently an inpatient at St. Mary’s, Ronald is receiving expert medical care and social activities.
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Founded in 1996, Songs of Love creates personalized, one-of-a-kind songs as a way of providing sick children with a source of inspiration, joy, and healing. The Songs of Love Foundation, the only one of its kind, has recruited over 350 talented artists nationwide who collaborate with more than 300 healthcare organizations to produce intimate musical portraits for chronically and terminally ill children and teens. Ronald’s song marks the 12,000 th Song of Love. For more information visit www.songsoflove.org or call 800-960-SONG.
