December 29 2022

In the self-giving of a mother's love is where Erin O'Malley found her calling.

Erin's oldest son, Aiden, pictured far left, was born with Menkes disease, an extremely rare, neurodegenerative disorder that affects virtually every system of the body.

Being Aiden's mom has influenced Erin's life in countless ways. "Your eyes are opened by having a child like Aiden and you learn to respect human life at every level of functioning," she said.

As Aiden began his educational journey at Elizabeth Seton Children's School in White Plains, Erin embarked on her own path to leave her job as a medical transcriptionist and become a respiratory therapist.

"After spending so much time in hospital settings and being so involved in his care, I knew I wanted to be hands-on in the medical field," said Erin. "It was very important to me to be able to provide the care that parents would be comfortable with and have them know that their child is being treated with love and respect."

Upon graduating from our school's preschool program, Aiden then enrolled in Elizabeth Seton Children's Center's on-site school in Yonkers.

Erin and Aiden instantly knew it was the right match … for both of them!

Today, Erin provides compassionate care to the residents of the children's center as our Respiratory Therapy Supervisor and Aiden, now 14, continues to reach new heights alongside his peers at school with the loving support of his mom who is always nearby. "I've always been in awe of the possibilities and miracles that Elizabeth Seton Children's gives," Erin said. "I knew I was going to work at Seton!"

"I was placed on this path in life and was given things I would've never thought I could handle and, through the grace of God, I was blessed with the strength to handle them. And for as long as I can, I will give that strength to others," Erin affirmed.