February 2002

From New York University Medical Center and School of Medicine

Mets pitcher Al Leiter to dedicate Leiter's Landing Playroom

Mets pitcher Al Leiter and NYU Medical Center's Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine to dedicate Leiter's Landing Foundation Playroom

Funded by $200,000 donation from Leiter's Landing Foundation, playroom will brighten hospital stay for Rusk children

WHAT: In his final New York appearance before departing for Pitchers and Catchers Spring Training, New York Mets Pitcher Al Leiter will lead the dedication of the Leiter's Landing Foundation Playroom, located on the pediatric floor of NYU Medical Center's Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine.

The only acute inpatient pediatric rehabilitation service in New York City, the Rusk Institute's Pediatric Rehabilitation Program employs unique occupational therapy, education, and recreation programs to dramatically improve each child's self confidence and ability to function independently. By providing Rusk children with a designated area -- outfitted with the latest equipment, toys, and games -- in which they can interact with their peers and participate in therapeutic and recreational activities, the Leiter's Landing Foundation Playroom will be a dramatic addition to the Rusk program.

Leiter and his wife, Lori, founded the Leiter's Landing Foundation in 1999 as a means of raising funds for and awareness of children's education, health, social, and community service issues. Immediately following his first visit to Rusk in May of 2000, Leiter pledged $200,000 to Rusk's Pediatric Rehabilitation Program for the construction of the playroom.

Throughout his career, Leiter has demonstrated a deep commitment to community service. He has received several prestigious awards in recognition of his generosity, including the 1999 Branch Rickey Award, the 2000 Roberto Clemente Award, and -- most recently -- the Baseball Assistance Team's A. Bartlett Giamatti Award.

The world's first and largest facility devoted to the treatment of adults and children with disabilities, the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine has been rated the top rehabilitation center in New York City by U.S. News & World Report for 12 consecutive years. NYU's Tisch Hospital, the Rusk Institute, and the Hospital for Joint Diseases Orthopaedic Institute (HJD) are the official hospitals of the New York Mets.

WHO: New York Mets Pitcher Al Leiter, the children and staff of Rusk

WHEN: Thursday, February 7, 2002 12:00 p.m. -- 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fifth Floor
400 East 34th Street(at First Avenue)
Please check in at security desk

CONTACT: Jay Harowitz, New York Mets, 718-565-4330
Kate Slade, Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, 212-404-3682



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