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The Rockettes Entertain the Children of Mother Cabrini Specialty Hospital

11/27/2025 

On Wednesday, November 19, the NYC Area brought the holiday magic of the Rockettes and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular to children and young adults from Mother Cabrini Specialty Hospital, family, and staff. This was the first time in many years that a large group of Mother Cabrini residents, who have profound neurological impairments and other complex medical conditions, was able to attend an event like the Christmas Spectacular — and the NYC Area hopes this experience will provide a blueprint and inspiration for future similar events. 

The event was the brainchild of James Palazza, YOF, who arranged our visit with Radio City management, secured generous support from donors to underwrite the event, and worked tirelessly the last two months on the intricate logistics with ArchCare/Mother Cabrini administrators and Area Co-Chair Steve Bujno, KM. Our group of 34 included 12 residents; family members; MCH Staff; ArchCare CEO Scott LaRue, KM; and NYC Area members and volunteers. Each resident traveled from MCH to Radio City in their own Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle — each accompanied by a MCH staffer (and some with a family member). Outside Radio City, volunteer Jim Halpin arranged with the NYPD to secure front-of-the-theater unloading for our wheelchair vehicles. With that access, Jim and our other volunteers helped residents and staff out of the vehicles and escorted them safely through the holiday congestion into the theater. Once inside, the residents and all of our group enjoyed a very special treat, being warmly greeted by volunteer and former Rockette Kandice Halpin, who was on hand as part of the Rockettes’ 100th Anniversary celebration.

In the words of Toiyeuco Baker-Fann (Recreational Therapist at MCH for 25 years): “Your kindness has opened the door to an unforgettable experience—one filled with joy, wonder, and memories the residents will carry for a lifetime. Opportunities like this mean so much to our children and the workers. Your support goes far beyond a holiday outing; it brings excitement, inclusion, and the magic of the season to kids who often face unique challenges. We are truly grateful for your compassion and for making them feel so special.”

Special thanks and gratitude to: James Palazza, for spearheading this wonderful event; Radio City, for their gracious cooperation and providing tickets for our residents and staff; Cindy Citrone, for her warm, compassionate attention to the residents and for generously underwriting the cost of transportation, souvenirs and refreshments; Kandice and Jim Halpin for the kind and indispensable assistance described above; Sam Lombardo for donating the tickets for family members and volunteers; and to ArchCare and the staff at MCH for the incredible care and love they provide the children and young adults of Mother Cabrini Specialty Hospital.

Please click through the photos below (including some from The Good Newsroom) to see a slideshow from our visit to Radio City:

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