Miracle Child Returns Home

Gunshot Survivor John Henry Romano Grand Marshall of June 10 Walk for St. Mary’s Kids

BAYSIDE, NY, May 22, 2007 – To recognize the courage and comeback of 10-year old gunshot victim John Henry Romano, St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children has named him the Grand Marshall of the upcoming Walk for St. Mary’s Kids at Flushing Meadows Corona Park on June 10, 2007. The Walk will be followed by a Family Fun Day at the Park’s Playground for All Children, providing a full-day event to raise support for children who face serious medical challenges.

John Henry Romano was recently released after a miraculous recovery at St. Mary’s. After being shot in a botched robbery attempt at his cousin’s home, John Henry was rushed to an acute care hospital for extensive eye and brain surgery. His condition stabilized, but he lost his eye and was rendered partially paralyzed. He was then brought to St. Mary’s Hospital for Children for intensive rehabilitation.

His recovery is miraculous.” said Brian Connolly, John Henry’s physical therapist, “When he first came to St. Mary’s all he could do was lie on the floor and roll himself onto one side.” Within a short period of time, John Henry progressed to climbing stairs and then walking without an assistive device. “At first he would challenge you. But once he realized that the exercises were going to make him healthy again, he was determined to keep working until he got it.”

Five months later John Henry was able to walk out the doors of St. Mary’s on his own and into the role of Grand Marshall for the Walk for St. Mary’s Kids. He returned home to his parents and two sisters in March, and is now back in school and receiving ongoing physical therapy from St. Mary’s Home Care program.

Join us to support the children in our community who face serious medical challenges everyday. The Walk will be held on Sunday, June 10, 2007 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Flushing, NY at the Playground for All Children. Registration begins at 8:30 am, the Walk at 10:00 am, followed by the Family Fun Day at 11:00 am, featuring a visit from Mr. Met and hands-on activities by the Queens Zoo, Queens Botanical Gardens, US Tennis Association, New York Hall of Science, and much more.

The Walk for St. Mary’s Kids has generated considerable corporate support including sponsorships from Commerce Bank, Aon Risk Services, Cord Meyer Development, FedEx Kinkos, Frank Crystal & Company, Glacéau, TimesLedger Newspapers, Twin Park Fitness, and US Foodservice. This year’s presenting sponsor is SCS Astoria Energy Foundation. For more information, call 718-281-8890 or visit our website.