On Sunday, May 17th, St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children raised over $175K to support New York’s most medically fragile children at their 20th annual “Big Hearts Walk for St. Mary’s Kids” at Crocheron Park in Bayside. The event attracted hundreds of New Yorkers who participated in the walk, followed by family fun activities, including carnival games, a magician, face painting, raffles, arts & crafts and more.
This year’s event honored Lynne Koufakis, a member of the New York State Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council and a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities, and Eileen Alvarez, an experienced pediatric nurse at St. Mary’s. These honorees have both made immeasurable contributions to St. Mary’s over the past several years, going above and beyond to serve and advocate for medically fragile children and their families.
“ Each generous contribution at this year’s Big Hearts Walk helps St. Mary’s to expand access to specialized care and improve the lives of the patients who depend on us,” said Sean Lally, President and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children. “It brings our team so much joy to see the Bayside community come together with such enthusiasm to support medically fragile kids and their families and we are very grateful for everyone who showed up.”
As the only center for pediatric long-term and rehabilitative care in New York City, St. Mary’s has served New York’s children for more than 150 years. St. Mary’s provides a continuum of care to children with medically complex conditions through an inpatient hospital facility in Bayside Queens, as well as home care services and community programs. More than 90 percent of patients at St. Mary’s require a level of care that exceeds what their families can afford and what Medicaid is able to cover.
Some pictures from the event:
