Local boy will lead walk for St. Mary’s Kids

A 10-year-old Far Rockaway boy, who was shot by robbers, partially paralyzed, and rehabilitated, will lead the annual Walk for St. Mary’s Kids this spring, hospital officials announced recently at their kickoff breakfast.
On Sunday, June 10 at 10 a.m., John Henry Romano will serve as the Walk’s Grand Marshal, leading an estimated 1,000 people for the half-mile trek through Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
However, eight months ago, Romano’s parents wondered if their son would ever walk again.
In September, burglars broke into the Long Island home of Romano’s cousin and shot Romano in the right eye, partially paralyzing him. After he was brought to St. Mary’s Healthcare System in Bayside, then 9-years-of-age, Romano underwent eye and brain surgery. He then had to learn to use a wheelchair, a cane, and finally to walk on his own again. Last month Romano was sent home from the hospital but continues to have physical therapy.
“Our family is thankful to St. Mary’s for helping to make John Henry healthy again. Between their experience and his hard work, he was able to walk out of the hospital all by himself,” said his mother Melissa Montalban.
Before the Walk next month, Romano and children with disabilities can play at the Playground for All Children, starting at 8:30 a.m. Located within Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the Playground, the only fully accessible one in Queens, is outfitted with swings, seesaws and slides adapted for disabled youngsters, so that all children can play together.
The Walk will also begin at the Playground, which is nearby to the intersection of Saultell and Corona Avenues, and participants can choose to get extra exercise by completing a three-mile walk which is also scheduled.
After the walk, Romano and other walkers will be able to participate in Family Fun Day in the park - a collaborative effort between the Parks Department, the Queens Museum of Art, the Queens Zoo, and the Queens Botanical Garden - scheduled to wrap up by 4 p.m. A number of hands-on activities will be available for kids in the park, and Mr. Met is scheduled to make an appearance.
“This great event will raise funds for children with special health needs,” said Dr. Burton Grebin, President and CEO of St. Mary’s.
For more information about the Walk, be sure to visit www.stmaryskids.org/walk.