Left-Right: Angels On The Bay Vice President and Executive Director Cookie M. Kurtz; RUMC President and CEO, Daniel J. Messina, PhD, MPA, FACHE; Dr. Santosh Parab; RUMC VP, Public Relations and Marketing, Alex Lutz; Angels On The Bay Secretary Cathy Burns; and RUMC VP for Development, Joseph Burt.
RUMC receives over $22,000 donation from Queens based organization for its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Richmond University Medical Center was of the beneficiaries to receive support from the Queens based organization Angels On The Bay during the organization’s annual gala on October 15. The donation will go to supporting critical care services provided in RUMC’s Wayne Zenna Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Angels on the Bay provided $22,815 to RUMC this year.
Based in Howard Beach, Queens, Angels on the Bay was founded over 20 years ago by Frank Russo, Jr., businessman and owner of Russo’s On the Bay catering hall. Its mission is to support programs and facilities that provide quality health care and services to children. RUMC has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Angels on the Bay. This year, the organization is being recognized at RUMC’s annual gala on November 1 for its generous support over the years.
“I would like to thank Angels on the Bay from the bottom of my heart for their generous donation,” RUMC’s Chief of Neonatology, Santosh Parab, MD, FAAP, said. “Because of their kindness and generosity, we will be able to continue bringing hope, comfort, and vital resources to the tiniest and most vulnerable newborns as well as their families. I am grateful to everyone from Angels On The Bay, particularly Mr. Frank Russo and family, for making such a meaningful difference in the lives of the families we care for on Staten Island.”
RUMC’s Wayne Zenna Neonatal Intensive Care Unit has one of the highest survival rates in the country at 997 newborns out over every 1,000 admitted to the NICU. As a certified Level III NICU, RUMC provides comprehensive and high-tech critical care for premature newborns, including those born before 32 weeks gestation and/or with complex medical and surgical conditions. The unit’s neonatologists have cared for and “graduated” NICU infants weighing as little as 1 pound. The unit has a full range of pediatric medical subspecialists, advanced respiratory support such as ventilators, the capabilities to perform minor procedures, and innovative imaging services.
The NICU is currently in the opening phases of a full renovation designed to meet the increasing need for its services. The $5.6 million project will expand the existing footprint of the 5,600 sq. ft. unit and includes 18 new private care bays for newborns, a renovated nursing station, fully equipped isolation room, and new, more spacious waiting area for families. The project is anticipated to be completed by late next year or early 2027.
Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC), is a not-for-profit healthcare provider serving the ethnically diverse community of Staten Island and its neighbors. We provide premier-quality patient care through a full spectrum of emergent, acute, primary, behavioral health and educational services. We do this in an environment that promotes the highest satisfaction among patients, families, physicians and staff. For more information call 1-718-818-1234 or visit www.rumcsi.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
