NEW YORK (WABC) — Join Eyewitness News anchor Shirleen Allicot for our annual, Emmy Award-winning WABC-TV special, “Protect Our Children: In Safe Hands.”

The show focuses on the critical role of children’s hospitals in communities and those who help children heal as they face life-threatening challenges.

The special includes an in-depth look inside a neonatal intensive care unit, and two babies who survive premature birth. It also features the incredible story of a new genetic treatment that’s curing sickle-cell anemia, and the story of a boy who received a groundbreaking new cancer treatment after his heart transplant.

The special also includes an interview with TV host and radio personality Ryan Seacrest, who talks about his non-profit, The Ryan Seacrest Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to inspiring pediatric patients through Seacrest Studios, broadcast media centers inside more than a dozen hospitals across the country. Seacrest explains how Seacrest Studios helps children in the hospital explore the creative realms of radio, television, and new media. Seacrest also talks about his mission to contribute positively to the healing process for children and their families during their stay.

“Protect Our Children: In Safe Hands” also features Polly the Companion Dog, a black lab who works inside a children’s hospital. Polly brings comfort and happiness to children facing everything from routine bloodwork to long-term hospital stays.

This half-hour show covers several aspects of healing for children in crisis and those working tirelessly behind the scenes to get them well.

Watch “Protect Our Children: In Safe Hands,” airing on Saturday, May 17th at 7 p.m. on Channel 7 and wherever you stream ABC 7 New York

A rebroadcast of the special will air on Channel 7 the following day, Sunday, May 18 at 5:30 a.m.

Resources Featured On Our Show:

ALSO WATCH | Literacy for Life: A Protect Our Children Special Presentation

———-

* Get Eyewitness News Delivered

* More Manhattan news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.