May 29, 2026

Elizabeth Seton Children’s welcomed generous sponsors, supporters and community advocates to the New York Athletic Club in Pelham Manor on May 7, 2026 for its annual Cherish the Child luncheon.

The event raised an extraordinary $235,000 in support of Elizabeth Seton Children’s future young adult center – a first of its kind home designed to provide specialized care, support and opportunities for young adults with complex medical needs who have aged out of pediatric services.

One of the afternoon’s most powerful moments came from featured guest speaker, Colonel Christina Fanitzi, Regimental Tactical Officer at the US Military Academy at West Point, Mrs. New York America 2025 and 2025 New York Mother of the Year, who shared her personal experience raising her son, Christian, who lives with spina bifida. Speaking as a mother, wife and decorated Army officer, Colonel Fanitzi reflected on the urgent challenges families face when children with disabilities age out of pediatric care.

“[Aging out] refers to the crisis young adults will face when leaving coordinated pediatric care for a fragmented adult system. For my son, this involves losing specialized, team-based care, leading to reduced health, higher hospitalization risks and challenges in managing complex issues like urology and shunts,” Colonel Fanitizi said. “The young adult center is revolutionary and so very critical to changing the possibilities and perspective of lifelong and continuous care for those with disabilities.”

The young adult center is currently under construction with plans to open in early 2028. Elizabeth Seton Children’s encourages those who were unable to attend the luncheon to support the young adult center and it’s $22 million Capital Campaign by making a donation. To learn more, please visit our aging out crisis page.