VALLEY STREAM, NY— Pearl Vilardi, a 95-year-old Elmont native and resident at the Orzac Center for Extended Care and Rehabilitation part of the North Shore-LIJ Health System . recently realized a life-long dream of meeting Mickey and Minnie Mouse, thanks to the caring efforts of the staff at Orzac.

Ms. Vilardi, elected president of the resident council and frequent bingo and exercise class attendee at the nursing facility, raised three children with her late husband, whom she married in 1937. Now a grandmother, her room is decorated with family photos, a Mickey Mouse bust, and now a giant Mickey balloon hand-delivered by the cartoon character himself.

“I used to go on so many trips, but never got to see Disney World like I always wanted,” said Ms. Vilardi. “I can’t explain how much of a surprise it was to see Mickey and Minnie come running in to give me hugs.” Orzac employees and friends applauded as she experienced a taste of Disney and received gifts including a set of pins and a photo album full of pictures for the day. “It was such an unexpected surprise; I was so happy. It was such a wonderful, wonderful day.”

Media Contact: Kristen Longo
516-465-2607/2600
klongo@nshs.edu