The 7th Annual Walk for St. Mary's Kids & Family Fun Day on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at Belmont Park in Elmont, NY will attract thousands from the New York area who walk to honor the accomplishments of St. Mary's children, some of the region's most seriously ill and injured children battling complex medical and life-limiting conditions. New Hyde Park resident, Alejandro Senn, is one of the many children supporters will be walking for, helping to raise funds & awareness to help St. Mary's continue in its mission of improving the health and quality of life for thousands of children like Alejandro. Almost fours years ago Alejandro's world turned upside down. It was a regular day like any other, except that day, he would become the victim of a horrific car accident that left him in an induced coma, fighting for his life. Liliana Senn, her son Alejandro, and daughter Victoria, all set out to run a few errands. Alejandro was sitting in the front seat of the car when a truck barreled into their vehicle. Alejandro was hit on impact and received the worst injuries. His skull was fractured and he sustained severe head and pelvic injuries. Alejandro was treated at an acute care hospital where he was placed into an induced coma. A few weeks later, Alejandro was admitted to St. Mary's Hospital for Children, one of the nation's premiere providers of pediatric post-acute care where he received physical, occupational, and speech therapy in addition to other medical services. When Alejandro arrived at the hospital, he wondered if he would ever walk again. Staff members provided around-the-clock care and support for Alejandro and his family. "St. Mary's staff motivated Alejandro to meet his rehabilitative goals and inspired him to have a successful recovery," remembers Liliana. In less than 2 months, Alejandro relearned to walk and talk. He regained confidence and independence and was discharged home to rejoin his family and friends at school. Now a 6 foot tall Alejandro is an aspiring 11th grader at New Hyde Park Memorial High School and is a model citizen extending a helping hand to others in his community. He became a junior firefighter for the Garden City Park Fire Department, where he promises to protect and serve his community in the line of duty. Walkers will gather on Sunday, May 22nd, at Belmont Park to honor Alejandro's accomplishments and thousands of other patients like him who overcame their challenges and met their rehabilitative and educational goals. Excitement will be buzzing as the day will include family fun day activities including games, face painting, arts & crafts, pony rides, live entertainment, and lots of surprises for the entire family. Join friends, family, and supporters at the Walk for St. Mary's Kids and Family Fun Day. Walk for St. Mary's kids and come for all the fun! To sponsor, participate and learn more call 718-281-8817 or contact Angela Sculti at asculti@stmaryskids.org, or visit www.stmaryskids.org. About St. Mary's Healthcare System Today one in five children has a special healthcare need. St. Mary's provides intensive rehabilitation, specialized care, and education to 4,000 children each day in the New York Metropolitan region and beyond through our family-centered inpatient, home care, and community programs. A pediatric healthcare innovator, St. Mary's created the nation's first pediatric palliative care program, NY State's first long-term home healthcare program, and NYC's first certified traumatic brain injury program, as well as one of only nine interdisciplinary pediatric feeding disorder programs in the U.S. For more information, visit www.stmaryskids.org # # #