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The one-mile walk and day of family activities directly supports the hospital's mission to provide children in the Hudson Valley and beyond with life-changing and lifesaving care. This year, three former patients have been named as Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital “Ambassadors” for the walk and will lead the crowds on May 7.
Zechia, a Beacon resident, was 12 months old when she was diagnosed with a life-threatening diaphragmatic hernia, which is an abnormal opening in the muscle between the chest and abdomen. At age two, she was rushed to Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in respiratory distress. Due to the hernia, her lower abdominal organs had moved into her chest, making her unable to breathe properly. Surgeons at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital used minimally invasive techniques to repair the opening and return her organs to the correct location. Zechia quickly recovered, and thanks to the advanced care she received, is now a healthy six year old in first grade. An avid dancer, Zechia is a fixture at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital events.
To support one of the many teams at the Go the Distance Walk and Family Fun Day, or to start a team of your own, click here. Participants can stay up-to-date on event news and share their event-day experiences via social media by using the hashtag #GoTheDistance.
Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital is located on the Valhalla campus of WMCHealth at 100 Woods Road in Valhalla. The walk will be held rain or shine. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. An array of family fun activities and carnival games will continue until noon.
