Yonkers Woman To Run In NYC Marathon For WMCHealth

From Westchester Medical Center Health Network

Sarah Vaithilingam of Yonkers is part of a special group of Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) employees who have trained for months to complete a 26.2 mile race of a lifetime at the TCS New York City Marathon. On November 4 they will run for their patients and their co-workers and support WMCHealth facilities across the Hudson Valley.

“Each year, a dedicated team of WMCHealth workforce members spends months training for the TCS New York City Marathon in support of the hospitals and patients they serve,” said Michael D. Israel, President and CEO, Westchester Medical Center Health Network. “Fueled by a commitment to their patients and encouraging health and wellness in the communities where they live and work, these runners are going the distance to make a difference on November 4, with the support of our network and their patients behind them.’’

Donations collected for each runner’s efforts will support essential programs and services in the local and regional hospitals the runners represent. Contributions can be made by visiting wmchealth.org/marathon.

Here’s a closer look at Yonkers resident Sarah Vaithilingam who will “Go the Distance to Make a Difference” on Nov. 4.

Sarah Vaithilingam, MD, Behavioral Health Center

Hailing from Canada, Sarah Vaithilingam has already done more than her share to give back to her new country. A resident physician at WMCHealth’s Behavioral Health Center for the past two years and currently a Yonkers resident, Sarah says she will be running on behalf of her patients, particularly the children. She knows that the stigma of mental illness adds to the difficulty of treatment. She says she hopes that the funds she will raise can continue the work she has done to reverse that stigma and give children at the Behavioral Health Center a safe place where they can be accepted.

“The marathon is a platform to raise awareness about the quality of the psychiatry program at Westchester Medical Center and to represent a marginalized community," she said. "While I have run small races -- including 5Ks, 10Ks and half-marathons -- and play on soccer teams, the New York City Marathon is the ultimate accomplishment. As a Canadian, it will be a real honor to give back to the community that has embraced and supported me throughout my residency. I couldn't imagine running this marathon for a better cause than to provide support and awareness to patients served by our department.”