Kimberly and Tyler Hines of Commack, NY are rallying their friends, family and people in their community to support the 2015 Walk for St. Mary’s Kids, scheduled for Sunday, May 31st at Crocheron Park in Bayside, NY. The Hines Family is walking in honor of their baby daughter Penelope (Pennie) who receives specialized medical care from St. Mary’s.
After a difficult delivery, little Pennie arrived via C-section. After her birth, doctors noticed that she was having trouble breathing, she was immediately sent to the NICU where she was put on a ventilator. Doctors concluded that Pennie had a rare condition called Haddad’s syndrome—in which her brain doesn’t tell her body when to breath, the condition also affects a section of her bowels.
Pennie was transferred to St. Mary’s Hospital for Children to receive first-rate specialized care and respiratory therapy. Currently she has been weaned off the vent during waking hours, and can now breathe on her own while awake. Each day, Pennie gets stronger and is working on new milestones like sitting up, rolling over and eating food by mouth. Her progress has amazed her family, as well as the medical and therapist team at St. Mary’s.
“My daughter is the most amazing person I have ever known,” said Kimberly Hines. “St. Mary’s has been such an amazing support system for us during the tough beginning of her life. Without this hospital I know that our family would not be as competent as we are.”
“The beginning was so scary and full of worry and uncertainty, and though we do not have all of the answers yet, St. Mary’s has helped calm our anxieties and prepare us to bring our baby girl home. There is nothing more amazing than what they have accomplished with us.”
In honor of her remarkable progress, Pennie has been named a Grand Marshal for the 2015 Walk for St. Mary’s Kids. She and 5 other brave children will lead the Walk. To learn more, to register as a team, individual or virtual walker, or to support “Pennie’s Pride” please go to https://events.stmaryskids.org/walk2015. You may also contact 718-281-8890 or info@stmaryskids.org for additional information.
