Saratoga Hospital Unveils 2023 Holiday Ornament

Holiday ornament honors Mrs. Marylou Whitney and Saratoga Backstretch Clinic

The Saratoga Hospital team is excited to introduce its 28th annual holiday ornament that honors the legacy of Mrs. Marylou Whitney and her connection to the Saratoga Hospital Backstretch Clinic.

The ornament, which costs $25, is now available at the following locations while supplies last:

• Saratoga Hospital Gift Shoppe
• Adirondack Trust Company branches
• Crafters Gallery
• Impressions of Saratoga
• Treasures Boutique

This year’s ornament was designed by Joseph Bell, MD, a well-known community surgeon and a close personal friend of Mrs. Whitney and her husband, Mr. John Hendrickson. All proceeds support the Saratoga Hospital Cancer Patient Fund.

For many years, Mrs. Whitney, affectionately known as the “Queen of Saratoga,” showed unwavering support for the workers at Saratoga Race Course. In 2006, she began the Backstretch Appreciation Program, which offered social, educational, and fun activities, including famous Sunday dinners, to make sure these workers were well taken care of.

Earlier this year, we continued to honor Mrs. Whitney's legacy with the opening of the Saratoga Backstretch Clinic, the construction funded by Mr. Hendrickson as a tribute to his late wife. The clinic, which had been in a mobile trailer since 2005, now resides in a modern facility with four private exam rooms, advanced clinical equipment, and an onsite laboratory. Together, with the support of NYRA and B.E.S.T, we have provided care to more than 500 workers during the 2023 season.

“This year’s ornament has special meaning for us,” states Jill VanKuren, Saratoga Hospital president and CEO. “It signifies the impact that both Mrs. Whitney and Mr. Hendrickson have had upon our community. We are extremely grateful for Mr. Hendrickson’s longstanding and continued support of Saratoga Hospital and its staff.”