Photos by Chris Marksbury, courtesy of Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center
Westchester Magazine and Eugene’s Diner help local kids thank their dedicated staff for keeping them safe.
In a bit of good news everyone can enjoy, Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center in Yonkers, the country’s largest residential care center for children with complex health issues, celebrated 100 days COVID-19-free last week. That’d be cause to celebrate enough, but the gseratitude and good vibes didn’t end there.
COVID-19 poses a critical danger to children with immunodeficiencies and other complex health issues. Recognizing this, the staff at Elizabeth Seton took drastic precautions to stop the spread of the disease through their facilities. Since March 17, not one of the center’s 169 resident children with multiple and varied chronic health issues has contracted any viral infection.
“I am so proud of our staff, children and families for their fortitude and faith during this difficult time,” says Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center CEO Pat Tursi. “The fact that we reached the 100-day milestone speaks to the extraordinary love and unrivaled excellence that our health care heroes demonstrate every day in the care of our 169 children. This day is possible because of tremendous sacrifice and commitment on the part of our staff members that will never be forgotten by our grateful families.”
As a way of saying thanks to their staff’s hard work, the facility set up a special appreciation day, including outdoor chalk art, signs, and special thanks from Westchester County Executive George Latimer, New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh, Yonkers Firefighters Local 628, and Empress Emergency Medical Services. Video messages were even sent in by Cardinal Timothy Dolan and New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins to play for the staff.
Of course, no celebration would be complete without a feast. Lunch was provided by Rooster’s Deli of White Plains, while Chef David DiBari of Eugene’s Diner & Bar teamed up with Westchester Magazine’s own Feeding the Front Lines initiative to provide a delicious hot dinner. (The Greco family even chipped in with cupcakes for dessert!)
“As we forge ahead in the new normal, Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center is more determined than ever to continue creating possibilities for our children and that starts, as always, with safety as our number-one priority. We will never waiver in that mission.”
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