Nancy Reagan Remembered

With the passing of former first lady Nancy Reagan last Saturday, March 5, and the flags at half-mast in tribute, the Manhasset community remembered her visit on Dec. 19, 1983. The Reagans had brought back two sick children, 7-year-old Ahn Ji Sook and 4-year-old Lee Kil Woo, from South Korea to have open heart surgery at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn.
The first lady made two visits to St. Francis Hospital to demonstrate her deep interest in the cardiac treatment of needy children worldwide and the Rotary Gift of Life program.
On Oct. 4, 1988, the Nancy Reagan Hall in the Thomas F. Casey Pavilion was dedicated in her honor. The event commemorated the first lady’s visit and acknowledged the encouragement she has provided in advancing the cause of a greater St. Francis Hospital. Manhasset resident Elvie Castano was presented to the first lady.
The Gift of Life organization is still helping children all over the world. The Great Neck-based humanitarian organization has partnered with St. Francis Hospital for four decades in providing life-saving cardiac procedures to more than 250 children from 29 countries. Its mission drew worldwide attention because of Reagan’s actions.
“We couldn’t have made such a big impact on all of these children’s lives without our strong partnership with St. Francis Hospital,” said Robbie Donno, founder of the Gift of Life. ”What began with one child from Uganda has grown into a global effort to help children from around the world.”
For more information on the Gift of Life, visit the website at www.giftoflifeinternational.org.