Bayside-based St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children held its third annual prom for young adults in its Medical Day Healthcare Program on Friday, June 20.
The event was a festive evening of dancing, music and celebration at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach.
The prom, made possible through a $30,000 grant from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, featured a live DJ, a photo booth, dessert tables and an inclusive atmosphere for patients living with cognitive and physical disabilities. The event was designed to provide a milestone experience for individuals who often miss traditional rites of passage due to medical challenges.
“Many of the young adults in our Medical Day Healthcare Program have never had the opportunity to attend a prom, which made this celebration particularly meaningful for them and their families,” said Dr. Edwin Simpser, president and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children. “Moments like these remind us why inclusive and compassionate care is so important.”
St. Mary’s Medical Day Healthcare Program serves children and young adults—up to age 30—who require long-term rehabilitative and therapeutic support. Beyond medical services, the program emphasizes socialization, life skills development and community integration to improve patients’ quality of life.
Friday’s prom is part of a broader commitment by St. Mary’s to support medically complex young people through both clinical and emotional care. St. Mary’s is the only pediatric post-acute care facility in New York City, offering a range of services including inpatient rehabilitation at its flagship hospital in Bayside, home care and community-based programs.
Founded in the 1870s, St. Mary’s has served New York’s most vulnerable children for more than 150 years. Today, more than 90% of its patients require care that exceeds what Medicaid or families alone can afford.
Friday’s event also underscored the importance of public and private partnerships in expanding access to joyful and enriching experiences for patients. In addition to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation’s support, Russo’s On The Bay donated space and services to help bring the celebration to life.
