At NYU Langone Medical Center, Dr. Achi Ludomirsky heals children’s hearts. In the ballroom of the Plaza on May 25, his patients had their turn to make his heart swell — as well as those of the nearly 500 guests.
Held in her mother’s arms, four-year-old Ella, who had heart surgery when she was four months old, told Dr. Ludomirsky, “Achi, you are my hero.”
Jillian Goldstone, 13, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, said, “I’m a dancer, a student, a volunteer, a friend, I’m all that I am because of the dedication and love of Dr. L.”
Clockwise from top right: Bill Cunningham on his ‘Evening Hours’ rounds for the New York Times, with Jill Rappaport; Matthew Geslin, Ben Gottesman, and Meg Geslin; Billie Tisch and Dr. Robert Grossman, the dean and ceo of the NYU Langone Medical Center; Ohad Ludomirsky, Dr. Achi Ludomirsky, and Thomas Tisch
It was clear that medical skills are a small part of what Dr. Ludomirsky — the director of pediatric cardiology at NYU, who began his medical career as a major and physician in the Israeli Defense Forces — offers to patients. As Jillian put it, “He talks about the importance of enjoying my life and being happy.”
The KiDS of NYU Foundation 2010 Springfling was all about enjoying life -- and doing good. The event raised more than $3 million to fund research into childhood illnesses and enhance pediatric care at NYU.
“We’re working hard on improving life on the 9th floor. It’s a slow but moving process,” said Alice Tisch, the chairman of the KiDS of NYU Foundation board.
Clockwise from top right: Dr. Achi Ludomirsky with Jillian Goldstone; Dr. Eugenie Doyle and Helane Brachfield-Colvin; Arie Kopelman and Joey Pearson; Alice Tisch and Trudy Gottesman
The event started with cocktails and continued in the ballroom for a dinner of Filet Mignon Seasoned with Herbes de Provence, followed by Dark Chocolate Dacquoise and Meyer Lemon Tarts for dessert. The smiles and spirits of children being cared for at NYU jumped out from photographs, artfully arranged on the tables as part of the décor.
Guests included Jody and John Arnhold; Judy and Jamie Dimon; Trudy and Robert Gottesman; Coco and Arie Kopelman; Patty Newburger, and Jill and Alan Rappoport.
In addition to Dr. Ludomirsky, the event honored Dr. Eugenie Doyle, a retired pediatric cardiologist who worked at NYU for more than 40 years. Mr. Dimon also participated in a tribute to Andrall E. Pearson, a longtime board member, for whom a Professorship in Pediatric Cardiology is being established.
Clockwise from top right: Dr. Monika Rutkowski, Dr. Eugenie Doyle, and Alice Tisch; Samantha Wechsler and Patty Newburger; a guest with Alan Rappaport; Judy and Jamie Dimon.
Pitching in on the fund-raising effort were several teenaged children of the foundation’s board members, who circulated among guests to solicit donations. Watching them with their clipboards in tow, there was a sense that everyone could do a bit more to help children who wind up in the hospital.
“Just remember that a little heart goes a long way,” Dr. Ludomirsky said.
Photo credit: Amanda Gordon
Amanda Gordon, best known as the New York Sun's society columnist, is
a freelance writer and photographer. Events at the Plaza hired
Amanda to chronicle events at the Plaza. She can be reached at
amanda.gordon@rocketmail.com.