Charlie DeGennaro

"Will they make fun of me?" "Will I have the experience that I want to have?" "Will I fit in? Will I have friends?" These are a few of the questions that Charlie asked himself before returning to Yorktown High School for his sophomore year in 2020. Last Friday, Charlie shared his story of rehabilitation following a transverse myelitis diagnosis and the strategies he used to cope with starting high school after he was discharged from Blythedale, with students from Mount Pleasant Blythedale. Once Charlie finished speaking, the students had an opportunity to ask their own questions: “Did people look at you differently, and how did you handle it?” "How do you advocate for yourself? How important is it? “How do you handle walking in a room where no one knows you?” The conversation was authentic and impactful, and as one teacher said, it helped each person feel a little less alone in their journeys, especially as many transition back to their own community schools. We’re so proud of how far Charlie has come and grateful for his vulnerability in sharing his story. And to the students who are feeling nervous about the upcoming school year, know that everyone at Blythedale is always in your corner. Charlie shared the quote that has helped him continue to move forward with hope and still does to this day: “If you believe you can, you will.”

We are so lucky to have hosted these two this summer at the Hospital! Charlie DeGennaro and Epiphany Spear held summer internships in the Strategic Communications and Development Departments. Both are pursuing degrees in Communications and Marketing and gained hands-on experience this summer helping to share the stories of our patients, families, and staff. We wish them the very best of luck in their future endeavors!

On Valentine’s Day in 2020, Charlie DeGennaro's life changed. He had been diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, completely paralyzed, and was admitted to Blythedale for comprehensive rehabilitation. Today, Charlie, his family, and the Yorktown community generously give back to Blythedale through their annual #CharlieStrong game, with all proceeds going to the Hospital. Hear from Charlie why he continues to give back. Join us in making life-changing care possible for every child who needs it and be the Blythedale Difference. 💜 #WhatsYourWhy

A huge heartfelt thank you to former patient Charlie DeGennaro, his family and Yorktown Varsity Basketball Coach Mark Pavella and the Yorktown community for their ongoing support! Once again, you went above and beyond to raise funds for Blythedale at the annual Charlie Strong basketball game. And ICYMI: Hear Charlie’s full story on our podcast: Blythedale.org/podcast

From rock bottom to a renewed perspective on life, this episode is a powerful reminder to never take the “ordinary” for granted. “I seriously appreciate everything that I’m able to do now… even just to go to class. The normal stuff you don’t think twice about. It’s really a blessing.” When life can change in an instant, gratitude becomes everything. ⚠️ Did you miss our most recent episode of #JourneysOfHope? 🏩 🎙️ Catch up now with Charlie, and his mom Jill, and hear how resilience can reshape the way we see each day. blythedale.org/journeys-hope… #ICYMI #Podcast #Gratitude #Resilience #BlythedaleStrong

"Every win was a good win." Even when everything changed in an instant. Charlie’s journey from a healthy teen playing basketball to facing transverse myelitis is a powerful reminder of life’s unpredictability. His story teaches us the importance of hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges. 👇 👂 🎙️ Listen and Watch our new #JourneysOfHope episode: blythedale.org/journeys-hope… #Hope #OvercomingObstacles #Podcast

“Blythedale makes miracles happen.” That’s what a former patient now shares with kids and families just beginning their journey. After facing challenges that once felt overwhelming, Charlie and his family found strength, progress, and hope, guided every step of the way by the doctors, nurses, and therapists who never gave up on them. Charlie's message today: trust the process, trust the people, and believe in what’s possible. 👂🎙️ Tune in to hear Charlie and his mom's powerful story when the full episode drops on Wednesday. ‼️ In the meantime, catch up on our #JourneysOfHope podcast: blythedale.org/podcast