Corbett Public Relations Long Island New York

06/15/2026

Momentum at South Bay for Rehabilitation and Nursing brought together residents, family members and staff on Wednesday for the facility's fourth annual 'Celebration of Life' Butterfly Release, a tradition that has grown into one of the community's most meaningful shared experiences.

The celebration began as attendees prepared butterflies sourced from a butterfly farm in anticipation of the day's centerpiece moment. The group then gathered to release the butterflies together, filling the afternoon with a sense of reflection and renewal. Refreshments followed, extending the celebration alongside one another.

Since its inception, the 'Celebration of Life' Butterfly Release has become a hallmark event at Momentum at South Bay, offering residents, their loved ones and the staff who serve them a dedicated moment to pause, honor and affirm the value of life.

For more information about Momentum and its programs and services, please visit https://rehabmomentum.com/.

06/12/2026

SIBSPlace recently hosted its annual Moving Up Ceremony, a prom-style celebration honoring the courage, growth, and achievements of children across Nassau County who have faced some of life's most difficult challenges. The milestone event marks 15 consecutive years of the organization providing a safe, supportive community for young people navigating grief and the emotional weight of having a loved one battling a life-threatening illness.

SIBSPlace serves children who have lost a loved one or have a close family member facing a life-threatening illness. Through its programs, the organization creates a space where these resilient young people can find comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging, and where, at least for one special evening, they become the center of attention in the most celebratory way possible.

The Moving Up Ceremony serves as an annual milestone, recognizing the social and emotional progress made by participants throughout the year. Children dressed for the occasion and gathered with peers who understand, firsthand, what it means to carry a heavy burden at a young age, and to keep moving forward anyway.

06/12/2026

Paws of War, the Long Island-based nonprofit dedicated to rescuing animals and pairing them with veterans and first responders, officially launched its "Dogs of America 250" initiative with a special educational event held at the Smithtown Historical Society. The program celebrates the nation's 250th birthday by honoring the historic and ongoing role dogs have played alongside America's military heroes.

The event brought together historical reenactors representing key periods in American history, from the Revolutionary War through World War I and World War II, alongside dogs dressed in period costume portraying legendary military and service animals. Veterans, active service dogs, and community supporters joined the celebration, underscoring the enduring bond between dogs and those who serve.

Among the historic stories highlighted were some of the most remarkable canine figures in American history. Attendees learned about George Washington's remarkable act of compassion during the Revolutionary War, when he arranged a temporary ceasefire to safely return British General Howe's lost fox terrier, Lila, a testament to the respect and humanity that dogs have inspired even amid conflict. The event also celebrated Sgt. Stubby, the most decorated dog in American military history, who served in 17 World War I battles and saved countless lives by alerting troops to gas attacks and locating wounded soldiers. World War II hero Chips, known as the most decorated dog of that era, was honored for his extraordinary bravery in charging an enemy machine gun nest in Sicily and helping to capture multiple enemy soldiers. The story of the Alamo's loyal terrier, who refused to leave the side of a fallen defender in 1836, also moved attendees.

The "Dogs of America 250" launch marks the beginning of a broader educational outreach effort. Following the event, Paws of War will offer live programs at schools, senior centers, and America 250 celebration events throughout the region, bringing the history and impact of military and service dogs directly to communities across Long Island and beyond.

For more information about Paws of War and the "Dogs of America 250" initiative, visit www.pawsofwar.org.

06/08/2026

Paws of War is on a mission to heal those who served, and that mission is getting the attention it deserves. Co-founder Robert Misseri recently appeared in a televised segment to discuss the organization's service dog program, which matches rescued animals with veterans facing PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other service-related conditions, helping them reduce dependence on medication, reconnect with their families, and re-engage with their communities. Misseri also spotlighted the War-Torn Pups & Cats program, which brings overseas animals safely back to the United States to reunite them with the service members who cared for them during deployment.

At Corbett Public Relations we work with Paws of War to elevate the visibility of their organization and connect the their mission with a broader audience. Through targeted media outreach and strategic storytelling, our team ensures that the work being done by Paws of War reaches the communities, supporters, and decision-makers who can make a difference. This placement is one of many secured by our team on behalf of Paws of War, reflecting a long-standing commitment to amplifying the voices of organizations that serve those who have served our country.

06/01/2026

When a parent is facing cancer, knowing how to talk with children can be one of the most difficult challenges a family will face.

In this informative STEP Video Series presented by the Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program, Joanna Formont, Executive Director of SIBSPlace and a respected child and family support expert, shares practical guidance on helping children understand a cancer diagnosis, process difficult emotions, and feel safe during uncertain times.

SIBSPlace provides free peer support, counseling, and resilience-based programs for children coping with a parent's cancer diagnosis or a sibling's serious illness. Joanna's insights offer valuable tools for parents, caregivers, and families navigating these difficult conversations.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm-QSDWYSeg

Supporting children when a loved one is facing cancer can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone.In this STEP Video Series session, Joanna...

05/28/2026

Army Spc. Matthew E. Baylis, a 20-year-old from Oakdale who was killed in Iraq in 2007, was honored this Memorial Day with a monument unveiled at Norman DeMott Park in his hometown. About 50 people attended the ceremony, organized by the Knights of Columbus, where a boulder with a bronze plaque was dedicated in his memory. Nonprofit organization, Paws of War, played an integral role in coordinating the special event and the monument.

Baylis was inspired to enlist after witnessing the 9/11 attacks at age 14, and deployed to Iraq with the 2nd Brigade after completing basic training. He died from injuries sustained when his unit came under enemy fire in Baghdad, just 10 days after his 20th birthday.

His father Richard, who flew in from North Carolina for the event, spoke about wanting his son's name to live on positively. Baylis' godmother Susan Lyons recalled him as a bright, spirited person whose loss deeply affected his mother Laurie, who passed away two years ago. The monument was donated by two local businesses, with additional private funding for installation and landscaping. The Knights of Columbus also contributed $2,000 to a memorial scholarship fund in Matthew's name.

05/22/2026

The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS) hosted a kickoff BBQ on May 19, 2026, at Emerge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in advance of the Long Island March On for Brain Injury Walk, scheduled for September 26, 2026. The event brought together brain injury survivors, caregivers, and supporters to celebrate the walk's honorees and build momentum ahead of the fundraising campaign.

Long Island March On for Brain Injury Honoree Yianni Hatzikontos attended the event to share his remarkable story of survival. On July 16, 2016, Hatzikontos, just 21 years old at the time, sustained multiple traumatic bodily injuries and a severe traumatic brain injury after a near-fatal car accident. He remained unresponsive for one month before entering a vegetative state, during which he underwent numerous surgeries. Nine months into his recovery, he spoke his first word. Today, though a quadriplegic, Hatzikontos continues to move forward with the same determination that defined his recovery.

At the kickoff BBQ, attendees had the opportunity to meet the honorees, enjoy food, and prepare to lead the charge on walk day.

The Long Island March On for Brain Injury Walk gathers brain injury survivors, caregivers, and professionals each year to celebrate and honor members of the brain injury community. This year's walk will be held on September 26, 2026.

05/21/2026

Paws of War's "Red, White & Boots: A Country Night for Heroes" drew community members to the Crescent Beach Club in Bayville on Tuesday, May 19, for an evening of live country music, dinner, and fundraising in support of veterans, first responders, and rescue animals.

The event featured live performances by rising country artist Tyler Kinch, Vavo, and Long Island favorite Casey Wayne and the Rodeo. Guests enjoyed dinner, dancing, line dancing, and a silent auction against the backdrop of the North Shore waterfront.

Paws of War is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping both ends of the leash, providing critical support to veterans and first responders while rescuing and training animals in need. The organization is nationally recognized for its War Torn Pups and Cats program, which rescues dogs and cats from overseas conflict zones and reunites them with the service members who saved them.

Paws of War also rescues animals domestically and trains them to become service dogs for veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD and other challenges, creating life-changing bonds that restore independence, stability, and hope.

For more information, visit www.pawsofwar.org.

05/13/2026

Paws of War has welcomed 10 Beagles rescued from the Ridglan research facility in Wisconsin, marking the latest effort by the Long Island-based nonprofit to pair animals in need with veterans and first responders. The organization celebrated the dogs' arrival with a community event at the veterans dog park in Smithtown.

The 10 dogs are among more than 1,500 animals rescued from the Wisconsin facility. Most had never been outside, stepped on grass or interacted with other dogs prior to their rescue. They are currently being evaluated and cared for at Paws of War headquarters in Smithtown as the organization works to match each animal with a qualifying veteran or first responder. Several are expected to be placed with individuals managing post-traumatic stress disorder.

Paws of War expects the dogs to adjust quickly, citing the breed's well-known resilience. Interested veterans and first responders can learn more or begin the adoption process by visiting www.pawsofwar.org.