Night of Heroes

Far Rockaway, New York, May 19, 2021 — Last night, St. John’s Episcopal Hospital (SJEH) hosted its Night of Heroes—a grand event that served as both a celebration and reflection of the hard work and resilience of the hospital’s dedicated Team Members.

The Night of Heroes event included celebrity guest emcee Dion Flynn; music from the Hearts of Praise Choir; projections of images onto the hospital’s façade; an Art-Strings Ensemble; a fireworks display; special remarks from elected officials; a blessing and reflection from The Right Reverend Lawrence C. Provenzano, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island and Chairman of the Episcopal Health Services Board of Trustees; and Jerry Walsh, St. John’s Chief Executive Officer.

Additionally, Team Members of St. John’s paid tribute to more than 85 family members who lost their lives to COVID-19 by reading their names and lighting candles in their honor.

Several members of the surrounding communities also stopped by to show their support.

“Our Team Members selflessly helped our patients when little was known about COVID-19 and how it spreads, and they continue to provide excellent care in our quest to defeat this devastating virus,” said Jerry Walsh, Chief Executive Officer. “We recognize the hard work of our Team Members and appreciate all that they do in support of our patients.”

St. John’s Episcopal Hospital is the only hospital located on the Rockaway, Queens Peninsula which is home to more than 130,000 residents. Far Rockaway saw the second highest COVID-19 death rate in New York City during the peak of the pandemic. The hospital plays a critical role in servicing the healthcare needs of the communities it serves, and has helped heal countless individuals inflicted with COVID-19.