MASSENA - Miracles large and small have occurred over Massena Memorial Hospital’s 60-year existence.

Monday was a day to celebrate those miracles, as the hospital held a kickoff event for National Hospital Week and National Nurse’s week. This year’s theme is “Making Miracles Happen.”

“It’s a time for us to internally recognize our staff,” spokeswoman Tina R. Corcoran said. “When people come to the hospital, they’re scared. They’re finding out something is wrong with them .. We’re the people helping them get through the different things, helping them get better.”

The hospital’s employees perform small miracles each day, MMH CEO Charles F. Fahd II said.

“We depend upon you for your strength and your experience,” he said. “You share our commitment to the community to achieve our mission and vision everyday - to provide exceptional patient care.”

Healthcare is a challenging, evolving and rewarding field, Mr. Fahd said.

“It is a quest that pushes the boundaries of our knowledge, our abilities and our capacity to do more,” Mr. Fahd said. “In return, it enables us to witness the wealth of everyday miracles.”

Supervisor Joseph D. Gray said Massena was fortunate to have its own hospital.

“There’s certainly miracles happening on a daily basis, but I really think it’s beyond that,” he said. “Having modern medicine at our doorstep is truly a miracle.”

Eric M. Wiley, who has worked in the medical/surgical and pediatric wards of the hospital, received MMH’s “Nurse of the Year” distinction. Hospital officials noted his dedication and compassion, but Mr. Wiley downplayed it afterwards.

“I don’t know if I deserve it more than anyone else,” he said. “It’s all teamwork.”

Events continue throughout the week. Today at 11 a.m., officials will hold a ground breaking ceremony for a new, 20,000 square foot, $3.9 million medical office building on Maple Street. The two-story 20,000 square foot building will be complete next year, officials previously said.

On Wednesday, hospital management and senior staff will serve deli sandwiches to employees in the cafeteria. On Friday, the hospital will hold a health fair and blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The MMH foundation will hold its annual Radiothon fundraiser from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday. This year’s event, broadcast on 1340 WMSA, will feature over 190 items valued at over $21,000, officials said. Proceeds from the event will help purchase medical equipment for MMH’s Endoscopy Center for a new high definition colonoscope and gastroscope valued at over $60,000.

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