Breezy Point teen, born premature, donates $13K to LI’s Ronald McDonald House

Gabreilla Brennan, 14, from Breezy Point, visited Long Island’s Ronald McDonald House on Monday, March 9 to present a check for $13,000 in support of the nonprofit—a personal fundraising record for Brennan. As part of the visit, Brennan and her family also dropped off donated home care and essential wish list drive items, for families of sick and hospitalized children staying at the house.

“It makes me very happy. It’s what I think I was born to do, is help people,” Brennan said during the check presentation event. “They helped me and my family, so I think it’s right for me and my family to help them and help people who are going through the same thing.”  

Born in 2011 at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in Queens and weighing barely over a pound, Brennan required specialized care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where she spent the first 10 weeks of her life due to her premature birth. During her stay, her parents were able to stay nearby at the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park, which allowed them to remain close to their newborn daughter.

Turning her experience into a mission of gratitude, Brennan has raised funds totaling more than $23,000 and donated supplies to support families staying at the Ronald McDonald House for the last three years.

“Fourteen years later, the tremendous passion the Brennans have for our mission and for what we do, having experienced it so closely, is what’s remarkable about their story,” said Matt Campo, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities NY Metro. “We love seeing kids help kids.”

The funds will go towards the operation of the New Hyde Park house, providing free lodging, meals and hospitality for the families of sick and hospitalized children.