Santa And His Elves Bring Holiday Joy To Medically Fragile Children With Help From Empress Emergency Medical Services

Top Quote Empress Emergency Medical Services and the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center, which located to Yonkers this year, combine their passion to help by creating a one of a kind toy drive. The event took place Friday, December 21st, and elevated the spirits 137 wonderful children. End Quote
  • (1888PressRelease) December 28, 2012 - Yonkers, New York - Santa and his elves arrive, the excitement and joy of the children is palpable. Each one is handed a wrapped gift with a smile and hug. As they tear into the paper they find each present is exactly what they asked for and just for them, it is easy to forget that they are in a long term medical care facility.

    This wonderfully emotional scene took place at the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center. The event is one of many this important organization puts on for its young patients.

    "We have created a warm environment. The space was designed and built for the children," said Lisa B. Poskanzer, Administrator of the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center, "We strive to be less institutionalized…our kids live here. They don't get to go home for the holidays or sit on Santa's lap. We celebrate all holidays and even make some up!"

    While the care and passion for helping these children is evident in everything they do, another group got involved that is equally as resolute in helping, Empress Emergency Medical Services, one of the leading medical transport companies in New York State.

    Most toy drives depend on the kindness of the public, but those at Empress EMS took things a step further, showing that everyone in the company had generosity to spare.

    "We wanted to do something for these children," Matthew Minerva, Vice President of Empress said of the event, "Seton provided us with a list of the 137 children and what each of them wanted for Christmas. Everyone picked a child and purchased what they asked Santa for. It felt like we became a part of their family and they became a part of ours."

    The employees at Empress EMS shopped, wrapped and delivered the presents. This level of compassion is what has helped Empress EMS become a leader in the industry.

    "We have served the residents and facilities of Yonkers for the last 27 years," adds Minerva, "… [and when] Elizabeth Seton relocated this year to Yonkers... we knew it would be a great partnership."

    One thing is certain, while the children at Seton are not aware of the work and dedication that went into making this event possible, they have no doubt that many people care for them and their families.

    "For some kids this is the only gift they will receive," said Poskanzer, "Our kids are kids, they don't know that they have all these complex medical conditions. We love them and we care for them."

    About Empress Emergency Medical Services

    For 27 years Empress has been serving Residents and Facilities of Yonkers in Emergency and non-emergency transportation including 9-1-1 response as well as education and training. For more information about Empress please visit www.empressems.com

    About the Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center
    Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center, located in Yonkers, New York was founded in 1987 by the Sisters of Charity of New York. The Pediatric Center provides expert nursing and rehabilitation to some 350 children and adolescents per year, including residents of its 137-bed facility and clients of a growing home care program. Children come to Elizabeth Seton Pediatric Center with serious medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, premature birth complications, congenital heart disease, chronic lung disease, chromosome disorders, metabolic disorders, respiratory disorders, muscular and neurological diseases, and immunodeficiency syndromes. The majority stays a year or more, receiving comprehensive health care, rehabilitation, and special education.

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