Kindergartener Leads the Way at “Go the Distance Walk and Family Fun Day”

Thousands of participants, made up of local families and community groups, took part in the 12th annual “Go the Distance Walk and Family Fun Day,” benefitting Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a Member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) that provides the highest level of care to the region’s most critically ill and injured children.

The walk’s Grand Marshal, Eli Whittaker, age 5, represented the more than 20,000 local children cared for at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital each year. Born at 24 weeks at just over one pound and having battled a host of life-threatening medical issues, Eli is a former patient who is now thriving, healthy and ready for first grade—a prime example of “going the distance” in the spirit of the day.

Co-hosted by radio personalities Mike Bennett and Kacey Morabito Grean of the “Mike & Kacey in the Morning” radio show, the walk around the WMCHealth campus featured a DJ and family-friendly games and activities.

 

Pictured: Eli Whittaker, along with his friends and family, led thousands of walkers.