St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children will hold its annual Big Hearts Walk at Crocheron Park in Bayside on Sunday, May 18, at 10 a.m., raising critical funds to support children with medically complex conditions.
The charity walk-a-thon, a spring tradition in Queens, helps fund healthcare services for patients at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children. The hospital is one of only a few pediatric post-acute care facilities in the country dedicated to children with serious medical needs. It provides intensive rehabilitation, specialized medical care, and education services for young patients recovering from illness, injury, or surgery.
This year’s Big Hearts Walk will also honor two individuals for their outstanding contributions to the St. Mary’s community: Kirstin Callahan Austin, vice president of Helms Auto Group, and Claire Mahon, lead therapeutic activities assistant at St. Mary’s.
Austin, a Bayside resident, has been deeply involved in community philanthropy. Under her leadership, Helms Brothers has donated more than $125,000 to support St. Mary’s since 1990, including sponsorships for the 2024 and 2025 Big Hearts Walks.
Mahon, who began her career at St. Mary’s as a student intern in 2014, now leads the therapeutic activities team. Throughout her decade of service, she has worked across several programs, helping to create enriching experiences that foster physical and emotional healing for St. Mary’s young patients.
“Kirstin and Claire embody the heart and spirit of the St. Mary’s community,” said Dr. Edwin Simpser, president and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children. “Through Kirstin’s decades of unwavering philanthropic support and Claire’s hands-on dedication to our patients, we are honored to celebrate their contributions as this year’s Big Hearts Walk honorees. We invite the entire community to join us in walking to support our incredible patients.”
Hundreds of supporters turned out for last year’s Big Hearts Walk, filling Crocheron Park with music, games, and community spirit.
In addition to the walk itself, this year’s event will feature family-friendly festivities, including live music, carnival games, arts and crafts, and more. On-site registration opens at 9 a.m., with a registration fee of $25 for adults and $5 for children. Participants can also register online in advance through the St. Mary’s website.
