Fareri Family Pledges $5M to Support Construction of Critical Care Tower

Long-time BCW Members John and Brenda Fareri, whose support for the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) has been instrumental in the growth of the Network, have pledged a $5 million gift to support the construction of Westchester Medical Center’s newest patient tower. In recognition of their support, the building (formerly referred to as the Critical Care Tower) will now be known as the Brenda Fareri Pavilion.

In a ceremony held Wednesday at BCW Member Westchester Medical Center, John and Brenda Fareri were recognized for their generosity by Network leadership, including WMCHealth’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, David Lubarsky, MD; Zubeen Shroff, Board Chair, Westchester County Health Care Corporation; and Michael D. Israel, former WMCHealth President and Chief Executive Officer.

Currently under construction, the $220 million, five-story Brenda Fareri Pavilion will span 162,000 square feet and house 128 private, state-of-the-art patient rooms—all equipped with the latest and most advanced medical technologies for intensive care. When complete, the Brenda Fareri Pavilion will facilitate the conversion of Westchester Medical Center’s entire inpatient service to all-private rooms, enhancing patient privacy and comfort.

The Fareri family played a major role in the development of WMCHealth’s Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, named after their daughter Maria, who passed away at the age of 13, 30 years ago. Today, the hospital is an advanced care pediatrics center, treating thousands of critically ill and injured children annually.

“This dedication is a testament to the Fareri family’s extraordinary generosity, and the profound impact Brenda and the family have had on the well-being of our patients and the overall health of our entire community,” said Dr. Lubarsky. “The Brenda Fareri Pavilion will not only advance our mission to provide world-class medical care but also stand as a lasting symbol of the Fareri family’s unwavering commitment to healthcare excellence in our area. Their support ensures that countless individuals will receive the highest quality of care in a state-of-the-art facility.”

“Today, as we gather to celebrate this next step—the expansion of critical care services—we see another opportunity to ensure that patients of all ages receive the very best medical care when they need it most. Just as Maria’s legacy helped build a hospital that has cared for thousands of children, this new tower will elevate the care we provide for the most critically ill patients in our region,” said John Fareri.

“Thanks to the Fareri family’s visionary commitment to advanced pediatric care, WMCHealth’s Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital has been delivering exceptional care for two decades. Now, everyone who steps into the Brenda Fareri Pavilion will witness the Fareri family’s steadfast dedication to improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing patient experiences,” said Shroff, who is also Trustee of the Westchester Medical Center Foundation. “Their enduring support continues to inspire us and propel our mission forward.”

“Thank you to the Fareri family for caring so much for the children in our community … you are an inspiration and honored to know your goodness and generosity.  Maria Ferrari Children’s Hospital is so important to families in the region, creating the best health care possible for children in a wonderful, supportive environment for all,” said BCW President & CEO Marsha Gordon.