STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Talk about a full-circle moment!
Four months after taking her very first breaths at Staten Island University Hospital’s new Gruppuso Family Women and Newborn Center, baby Elianna Elizabeth Cerrati returned—and once again, she stole the show.
Born on May 19 at 7:50 a.m. to Staten Island natives Kristen and Gerardo Cerrati, Elianna weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces, and measured 19.3 inches long.
Her arrival marked a milestone for both her family and the hospital: Elianna was the very first baby delivered in the newly opened state-of-the-art facility.
Under the expert care of Dr. Christopher LaPorta, OB-GYN with Northwell Health Physician Partners, Elianna’s birth represented not just a personal joy for her family but the beginning of a new chapter in maternal and newborn care on Staten Island.
On Sept. 18, the Cerratis brought their daughter back to the center—not as patients, but as guests—to thank the medical team that safely delivered her into the world.
Their heartwarming reunion was filled with hugs, smiles, and plenty of “oohs” and “aahs” as staff marveled at how much Elianna had grown.
This time around, Elianna wasn’t just melting hearts—she was also part of a celebration.
Joined by the center’s benefactors—the Gruppuso family: Joanne and Michael Caridi, Lisa and Michael Salvo, and Diana Boland—the Cerratis helped unveil a special tribute to the hospital staff: commemorative pins featuring Elianna’s actual newborn footprints from the day she was born.
This tiny but powerful detail turned into a big symbol of gratitude, linking caregivers, donors and patients in a meaningful gesture that underscored the mission of the Gruppuso Family Women and Newborn Center.
“This pin is a reminder of the very first life welcomed in the new space—and of the many more to come,” a hospital spokesperson said.
LASTING BONDS
The staff was overjoyed by the visit, which served as both a celebration of life and a tribute to the care and community that define the center.
Cameras flashed, hugs were shared, and Elianna’s bright smile and curious eyes made her the undisputed star of the day.
For the Cerrati family and the Gruppuso family alike, the visit represented more than a thank-you—it symbolized the lasting bonds formed at life’s most pivotal moments.
What began as a birth has blossomed into a powerful connection between family, hospital and community—one that lies at the very heart of what the Gruppuso Family Women and Newborn Center stands for.
To commemorate Elliana’s birth in May, the Gruppuso family announced a $25,000 scholarship fund for her, a gift kept secret until the moment of announcement. To the astonishment of hospital staff and the Cerrati family alike, it celebrated not only the arrival of a new life but also a powerful commitment to the future of Staten Island’s children.
PATIENT WELL BEING IN MIND
The new unit was created with patient well-being in mind. Amenities include dedicated parking, a separate entrance for added privacy, and a thoughtfully designed waiting area to help families feel welcome and at ease.
Each private suite offers ample space for loved ones, a personal bathroom, large windows to allow in natural light, and calming design elements to create a peaceful, home-like setting.
Postpartum rooms also feature sleeper sofas to accommodate overnight visitors. The center emphasizes shared decision-making and encourages patient involvement throughout pregnancy and labor.
Families are supported in developing a birth plan that reflects their preferences and values, and the medical team remains flexible and communicative if adjustments are needed during the process.
ABOUT THE GRUPPUSO FAMILY WOMEN AND NEWBORN CENTER
The Gruppuso Family Women and Newborn Center at Staten Island University Hospital offers a modern, compassionate environment designed to enhance the birthing experience.
With private labor and postpartum suites, advanced medical capabilities, and a dedicated care team, the center focuses on both safety and comfort throughout every stage of childbirth.
Located on Seaview Avenue in Breezy Point, just minutes from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the center is easily accessible for local families. Baby deliveries at the facility are expected to begin in May.
The Center is named in memory of Virginia and Vincent Gruppuso, whose family made a cornerstone philanthropic commitment to maternal care on Staten Island.