Nathaniel arrived at St. Mary’s on a cold New York day in February 2023, after his mother made the difficult decision to transition him from home to the hospital.
The demands of caring for Nathaniel, who faced a constellation of health challenges—cerebral palsy, chronic respiratory failure, Sandifer syndrome, and more—had grown too great to manage alone.
But St. Mary’s became more than a medical facility; it became a second home. Nathaniel, nonverbal and non-ambulatory, found comfort and a rhythm in the structured support—and the compassionate care—of his unit, where he attends P23, a specialized educational program tailored to his needs. Though he can’t speak, his presence is always powerful—his eyes curious, his spirit shining through. Though the path hasn’t been easy, Nathaniel’s journey is marked by love and unwavering hope. His long-term plan is to remain at St. Mary’s, where he can continue receiving the care he requires and the education he deserves.
And for Nathaniel’s mom—a steadfast advocate and loving guardian—St. Mary’s offers a variety of programs and services that ensure our kids’ families and loved ones also receive the encouragement, reassurance, and emotional support they need.
