NPH International, NPH Italy (Fondazione Francesca Rava), the St. Luke Foundation for Haiti, and St. Damien Pediatric Hospital were represented at two important international events in New York this week, highlighting the impact of their work in Haiti and the importance of global partnerships in supporting vulnerable children and families.
The delegation included Michael McCabe, Chief Executive Officer of NPH International; Mariavittoria Rava, President of Fondazione Francesca Rava – NPH Italia; Michelangelo Cambiaso, Vice President of the Foundation; Fr. Rick Frechette, Founder and President of the St. Luke Foundation for Haiti; Fr. Pedro Arteaga; Dr. Gassant, Director of St. Damien Pediatric Hospital; and Jennifer Rayno of NPH USA.
Celebrating a Longstanding Humanitarian Partnership
The first event took place aboard the Italian Navy’s historic training ship, Amerigo Vespucci, during its visit to New York. Hosted by Fondazione Francesca Rava – NPH Italia, the reception celebrated more than 15 years of collaboration between the Italian Navy and the Foundation in responding to humanitarian emergencies around the world.
Recognized as one of the world’s most iconic sailing ships, the Amerigo Vespucci provided a symbolic setting to celebrate a partnership that has strengthened humanitarian action through emergency response, solidarity, and support for vulnerable communities. The event also highlighted the longstanding relationship between the Italian Navy and the Foundation, demonstrating how collaboration between public institutions and humanitarian organizations can create lasting impact.
For the NPH delegation, the occasion provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships with longstanding partners while showcasing the life-changing work being carried out in Haiti through NPH, the St. Luke Foundation for Haiti, and St. Damien Pediatric Hospital.
Bringing Haiti’s Story to the United Nations
The second event took place at United Nations Headquarters, where the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations and Fondazione Francesca Rava – NPH Italia co-hosted the conference, “From Emergency Relief to Lasting Change: The Impact of Francesca Rava Foundation NPH Italy in the Last 75 Years Worldwide.”
The conference highlighted the Foundation’s humanitarian work over the past 75 years, with particular focus on Haiti, exploring how long-term investment in healthcare, education, emergency response, and community development continues to transform lives while contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Joining representatives of the Italian Government, the United Nations, diplomatic missions, and international organizations, the NPH delegation helped shine a spotlight on the realities facing vulnerable children and families in Haiti. The discussions reinforced that lasting change is achieved not through emergency response alone, but through sustained partnerships that invest in healthcare, education, child protection, and community development.
Building Partnerships for Lasting Impact
Together, these two events demonstrated the value of international collaboration in advancing the mission of NPH and its partners. They also marked one of Michael McCabe’s first international engagements as Chief Executive Officer of NPH International, providing an opportunity to strengthen relationships with organizations that share a common commitment to improving the lives of children and families.
As NPH continues its mission across Latin America and the Caribbean, partnerships such as these remain essential to expanding opportunities for children and ensuring that hope, care, and dignity reach those who need them most.
