#USA #New York #Pediatric Care #R Baby Foundation #COPE Foundation

Celebrating Hope and Healing: Cirquetacular Gala in NYC

On October 21, 2026, the renowned R Baby Foundation, in partnership with the COPE Foundation, will host the Cirquetacular Gala in New York City. This event marks an extraordinary milestone—20 years of impactful strides in pediatric emergency care. It aims to bring together community leaders, supporters, and advocates who are committed to ensuring that every child in America has access to the emergency care they deserve.

A Celebration of Progress

The gala will take place at Capitale, a beautiful venue that sets the perfect backdrop for this important occasion. Attendees can expect an evening filled with meaningful connections, live performances, and opportunities to support our vital cause. The event honors families who have undergone unimaginable loss while fueling the national conversation about pediatric emergency preparedness.

Phyllis Rabinowitz, Co-Founder of the R Baby Foundation, poignantly expresses, "No parent should walk into an emergency room and walk out without their child. Understanding that prepared care was absent is a heartbreaking truth that we hope to change." Her words highlight the importance of raising awareness about the silent crisis affecting countless families across the country.

A Grim Reality

Each year, approximately 2,100 children die in emergency rooms that are unprepared to treat them. Alarmingly, 83% of U.S. emergency departments lack the training, protocols, and equipment necessary to handle pediatric emergencies, despite 30 million visits each year. These statistics illustrate an urgent need for systemic change in medical care, particularly concerning vulnerable populations like children.

In 2006, Rebecca Rabinowitz, just nine days old, tragically passed away in an unprepared facility. Her family's profound loss propelled them to create R Baby Foundation, which has since worked tirelessly for change. Over the past two decades, the Foundation has trained over 6,500 physicians, raised $18 million, and positively impacted the lives of more than 1 million children each year.

Advocacy for Change

R Baby Foundation's efforts have not gone unnoticed. Legislative changes have taken shape, with Texas, Florida, and Utah enacting laws that mandate pediatric emergency readiness standards. This evolution serves as a testament to what can be achieved through advocacy and grassroots action, fueling hopes for nationwide standards through the Babies' and Children's Emergency Care Act (BECA).

Supporting Families in Grief

COPE Foundation, co-host of the event, was founded to provide holistic support to families experiencing loss. Lillian Julien, founder of COPE, shares, "At COPE, we stand alongside families who have suffered the loss of a child—families like the Rabinowitz's. When we combine the mission of preparedness with grief support, we can change the narrative surrounding child loss."

With programs like Camp COPE NY and bereavement support groups, COPE provides compassionate services aimed at helping families heal. In 2024 alone, COPE supported over 500 families, indicating a growing community with urgent needs.

A Call to Action

As the Cirquetacular Gala approaches, it serves as a reminder of the work still needed to protect children and families. Andrew Rabinowitz, Co-Founder of R Baby Foundation, declares, "This event is not just a celebration of our achievements but a renewed commitment to the mission. Every child deserves access to a prepared emergency room, and we will not rest until that becomes a reality."

The night will not only commemorate lives lost but also celebrate those saved by innovative emergency care. Guests will have the opportunity to support both the R Baby Foundation and COPE Foundation through fundraising efforts during the event.

For further details regarding sponsorships, media queries, or to engage with representatives from both foundations, reach out to Jessica Buono at Pitch Parlor PR via email at [email protected] or phone at (732) 740-5751.

Conclusion

The Cirquetacular Gala promises to be an impactful evening, shining a light on pediatric emergency care and celebrating the strength of families navigating grief. We invite you to join this crucial cause and help us make a difference in the lives of children across America.