What makes Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital unique?

Its ability to deliver family-centered, compassionate care in an environment that doesn’t look, feel or smell like a hospital.  Proceeds from the Captains’ Party will benefit the Family Resource Center Program.

• Diversional, educational, and therapeutic programs—art, music and visit from the educators at the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk —that allows sick kids a chance just to be kids!
• Spanish/English reference materials and informational signage
• Internet access to all families to stay in touch with work, school and family members
• Hospital concierge to help families navigate the myriad of services within the medical center
• Parent to parent support and networking groups to share resources and provide emotional support
• Families in Need Discretionary Fund to provide emergency support for special medical equipment, transportation to and from Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital and meal vouchers during the pediatric patient’s hospitalization

A Few Reasons “Why” To Support Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital

Jason and Johnson- In November 2004, Jason got a viral infection that triggered a severe type of liver disease called Wilson’s Disease. He developed acute bleeding and jaundice that eventually led to liver failure. His mother asked her local doctor for the “best” doctor and hospital. She was referred to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, where doctors said Jason had only a few days to live without a transplant. After one week, an organ was found.  Following surgery at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, however, Jason’s body rejected the liver. On the verge of death, another organ was procured and successfully transplanted. With physical therapy and immunosuppressive drugs, Jason has been able to return to school and function normally.

Since the disease is an inherited condition, other members of the family were evaluated. Jason’s twin brother, Johnson, also had a severe form of the disease. With oral medication, he is doing extremely well and appears not to need a transplant.

Mara- Five-year-old Mara got sick on Halloween, 2005.  During the week, she began to display the symptoms of a viral infection. Mara’s mother took her to her local pediatrician, who diagnosed the croup and prescribed antibiotics. A few days later, however, Mara was in respiratory distress. The family’s community hospital transported Mara by helicopter to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Initially, doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong with her, and Mara spent several days in a drug induced coma. Finally, the diagnosis: A staph infection and toxic shock syndrome.

The doctors, according to her mother, Nikki, said there was very little chance of bringing Mara home. But by day 6, Mara’s vital signs began to show improvement.  Mara went home after 13 days and is a healthy, happy little girl today. “No adult would have survived this illness,” says her mother. “But the doctors at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital treated her so vigorously. They saved her life.”

EJ- The drama for the family unfolded suddenly one week in June when their energetic two-and-a-half-year-old little boy began acting lethargic and complaining of headaches and nausea. After rushing him to the emergency room at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, specialists found a potentially lethal brain aneurysm that needed an immediate three-hour surgery.

“The phenomenal doctors and other health care professionals at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center saved EJ’s life,” says his mother Roubi; “and their quick, accurate diagnosis of this very rare phenomenon got EJ the immediate care he needed”.    

The operation to repair the aneurysm was a success. “I don’t think he minded being in the hospital at all,” says his mom. “But it wasn’t just the environment that was so nurturing. The extraordinary doctors and nurses at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital got us through this traumatic time by providing truly compassionate, attentive care.”

Danny- Danny and his two siblings were all diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when they were less than 10 years old. For years, their mother, Peggy, felt hostage to the diabetes—amidst constant hospitalizations, the holidays, schools and the strict regiment were all daily challenges. “I was a nurse on a 24/7 schedule with no break,” she says.

Since Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital opened in 2004, Danny has been hospitalized three times. But thanks to the outpatient diabetes support and education programs that if offers, Peggy says diabetes no longer controls the family’s life. Rather, diabetes is a reason to live healthier lifestyles and to help others affected by this disease. “If it was not for the love and support of the staff at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, my children and I wouldn’t have gotten to the point where we are today—beginning to truly accept diabetes and not let it hold us back!” says Peggy. 

Thank you

For supporting

Sail4Kids….to benefit

Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital