Northwell Health Walk raises record $1.14 million

This year’s Northwell Health Walk was a major success, raising a record $1.14 million after more than 6,000 people came together at five locations across Long Island, Westchester, and Staten Island.

Supporters including patients, families, community members and Northwell employees joined walks at Jones Beach and in Port Jefferson, Riverhead, Westchester and Staten Island last month to raise funds for initiatives such as women’s health, cancer care, and pediatric mental health programs at Northwell hospitals in their respective communities.

The combined walks set a record for the second year in a row, achieving a new high in both fundraising and attendance since the event began in 2010.

“The Northwell Health Walk is a testament to the unwavering support of thousands of people in our communities who believe in our commitment to advancing compassionate, quality health care,” said Brian T. Lally, senior vice president and chief development officer for Northwell Health. “They inspire us and elevate our ability to meet the physical and mental health needs of all New Yorkers.”

Northwell nurse Megan Rasiak, of Franklin Square, joined the Jones Beach Walk in gratitude for the expert care she received while giving birth at Katz Women’s Hospital at North Shore University Hospital. After experiencing labor complications, she received an emergency C-section, and delivered a healthy baby girl, Stella, in July 2022. Megan Rasiak would return to Katz Women’s Hospital days later, to be treated for clots in her lungs.

In the following weeks, she reconnected with the hospital, which helped her connect with support for postpartum anxiety and depression.

“I am so grateful for the amazing care I received. It would have been easy for doctors to dismiss me as an overtired mom, but they listened and took my concerns seriously,” said Rasiak, who has found solace in running and recently ran in the NYC United Airlines Half Marathon as part of Team Northwell. “New moms need support both physically and mentally, and I want my daughter to grow up knowing that taking care of her mental health is important.”

Since its inception, the Northwell Health Walk has raised more than $8 million and supports Northwell’s Outpacing the Impossible campaign, a comprehensive $1.4 billion fundraising effort aimed at improving hospitals and clinical programs, accelerating research, and funding endowment.

To learn more about the Northwell Health Walk, visit: northwellhealthwalk.com