St. Mary’s Kids & Staff Attend Game Day at Nassau Coliseum Courtesy of a Good Samaritan

Chris Savino Donates 40 Islander Tickets So Patients and Staff Could Cheer on Players on Game Day

On January 17th, patients and staff of St. Mary’s Hospital for Children cheered from the bleachers at Nassau Coliseum as they watched the NY Islanders take on the NJ Devils, courtesy of Chris Savino, a good Samaritan from the community who wanted to give back to some very special kids who touched his heart.

Chris, a supporter of St. Mary’s Hospital for Children, one of the region’s premier providers of post-acute pediatric care for children with special needs, donated 40 tickets so patients and staff could experience the excitement of game day and cheer on Islander players.

To top off the trip, as an additional surprise, St. Mary’s kids were also invited to a special luncheon where they had the opportunity to hang out with the famous Ice Girls and NY Islanders mascot, Sparky the Dragon.

The enthusiasm was overwhelming when St. Mary’s kids learned they were going to visit their favorite NY hockey team. St. Mary’s kids and NY Islander players have a long-standing history together as the players visit with patients and their families every holiday, distributing toys and gifts. The yearly tradition has become a favorite past-time for kids and staff whom all look forward to meeting these NY heroes.

The NY Islanders always welcome an opportunity to hang out with their special friends at the hospital as they help uplift the spirits of all patients, some of whom may not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy the holiday season and join in the festivities.

After learning about St. Mary’s kids and the groundbreaking programs and services at St. Mary’s that help them through their recovery, Chris was inspired to support the hospital and bring a little joy to patients.

Following hospitalizations in acute care facilities for complications from premature birth, illness, and injury, or when special services are needed, children and their families come to St. Mary’s to receive exceptional medical care and learn how to manage their condition. While some children are wheelchair bound and find it difficult to do the everyday things we often take for granted, others are relearning to walk, talk or eat. St. Mary’s is often referred to as the “rest of the story” in pediatric care, helping children grow, heal, and thrive.

Having the opportunity to attend Hockey games and meet athletes, are only some of the many things St. Mary’s kids would not otherwise experience if it weren’t for the generosity of St. Mary’s supporters, like Chris.

St. Mary’s kids and staff are grateful for Chris’s gift and thank him for creating happy memories for the children of St. Mary’s Hospital for Children.