Nick Cannon Launches Poetry Book at St. Mary's

Celebrity entertainer, author, and St. Mary's Board Director Nick Cannon recently celebrated the launch of his new children’s book, “Neon Aliens Ate My Homework and Other Poems,” at St. Mary’s. The event was hosted by Z100’s Danielle Monaro, and brought out dozens of St. Mary’s Kids, and a large group of national and local media, to celebrate with Nick.

Published by Scholastic, the book covers a diverse range of kid-friendly topics and includes a number of illustrations created by Nick Cannon himself. The book also features illustrations by various acclaimed street artists including Queen Andrea (aka Andrea von Bujdoss), who was at the event. To the delight of St. Mary’s Kids, Queen Andrea invited the children to showcase their artistic talent by joining her in painting a large mural from a poem in the book entitled the “Wordsmith.”

Read more about the book launch on our website and in these news articles from NY Daily News, People Magazine and the Queens Courier. Watch Nick speak about his book and his love for St. Mary's on this Good Morning America clip. 

Get Ready to Walk for St. Mary's Kids!  

Get your sneakers ready. The Walk for St. Mary's Kids is almost here! Join us at Crocheron Park (Bayside) on Sunday May 31, 2015 to support St. Mary’s programs and services that help New York's sickest children live better, happier lives.  

 The Walk for St. Mary’s Kids gathers families, community leaders, businesses, and St. Mary’s staff to help raise funds and awareness for children with special needs while celebrating their amazing accomplishments. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of this great family event! Join us as a Walker, Team Leader, or Sponsor! Visit the Walk website to register today!

For more information, please contact Angela Sculti at 718-281-8817 or asculti@stmaryskids.org. Or call our Walk Hotline at 718-281-8797. Save the Date! May 31, 2015.

Heads Up! St. Mary's Shares Tips on Preventing Brain Injuries 

March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month and St. Mary’s is sharing information on ways to prevent Tramuatic Brain Injuries (TBI), a leading cause of death and disability in children and young adults.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Injury Prevention, the two age groups at greatest risk for TBI are 0-4 and 15-19. With this in mind, St. Mary’s is working to promote numerous preventative steps to help keep children safe, including concussion awareness, proper helmet and bike safety, and the effective use of seatbelts and car seats. (Did you know that St. Mary's offers free car seat fittings at our Bayside facility? Call 718-281-8571 for your appointment today!)

St. Mary's opened the first certified pediatric TBI program in NYC over twenty years ago, treating children from infancy to young adulthood with cognitive and physical disabilities related to an injury to the brain from an accident, illness, infection, cancer, or stroke. Today, the program has evolved into St. Mary's leading-edge Neuro Rehabilitation program. Read more on Neuro Rehab»

Volunteer Erin Pellegrino Receives UHF Award

Erin Pellegrino, one of St. Mary's incredible volunteers, was recently honored by the United Hospital Fund at the 22nd Annual Hospital Auxilian and Volunteer Achievement Awards. Erin was among 84 individuals recognized by UHF for outstanding volunteer commitment to New York area hospitals.

A high school student from The Mary Louis Academy, Erin has dedicated over 300 hours of volunteer service at St. Mary’s. She started volunteering at St. Mary’s two years ago, providing one-on-one attention to children with special needs and assisting recreational therapists with sensory-related activities.

"Erin’s commitment to St. Mary’s Kids is inspiring,” said Vivian Figueroa, Assistant Vice President and Inpatient Administrator at St. Mary’s. “Our children and staff enjoy her vibrant personality and her willingness to assist in duties great or small is exemplary. St. Mary’s truly appreciates the amazing work she does and we are proud of her recent achievement.”  

Congrats to Erin!