Patients in St. Mary’s Pediatric Day Healthcare Program Coordinate a Bake Sale to Help Raise Funds
Young patients of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children are opening up their hearts to reach out to families in Haiti in the wake of the devastating tragedy that shattered the livelihoods of over 3 million people in the capital of Port-au-Prince.
Children and young adults in St. Mary’s Pediatric Day Healthcare Program (PDHC) coordinated a bake sale to help raise funds for residents of Haiti who have lost their homes, belongings, and family members due to a horrendous earthquake that ripped through the Caribbean island, leaving behind only the remnants of a country in mayhem.
The children of St. Mary’s, some of the most seriously ill and injured children in the New York metro region, know all to well about the much needed support following a tragedy as they themselves are coping with chronic illnesses, serious injuries, and complex medical conditions, some of which has left them wheelchair bound, unable to speak, eat, or lead a normal life.
Just as they have come to St. Mary’s to heal, grow, and receive physical and emotional support to help them recover, they are eager to reach out to help others in their own time of turmoil.
Day by day, as they watched the unfolding events in Haiti, St. Mary’s kids, ranging from ages 3-25 years old, combined their creative ideas and skills to come up with a fitting plan to show their support for their fellow comrades overseas.
St. Mary’s is a national leader in pediatric post-acute care for children with special healthcare needs. St. Mary’s PDHC program provides therapeutic and medical after-school, weekend, and summer camp programs for children and young adults who have cognitive and physical disabilities. The program encourages independence and teaches participants to build basic life skills. The Haiti fundraising event is just one of many special events patients are part of planning and participating in.
