Staten Islander keeps heartfelt pajama drive going

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – For the past 12 years, Stephanie Prendergast of Westerleigh has been spreading warmth to her community through her “Pajamas for Pals” mission, collecting and donating pajamas to Staten Islanders in need.

“This year is especially meaningful,” Prendergast said, as the initiative celebrates its 13th anniversary.

That’s because she is still running the heartfelt project after fighting her own health battle. After being diagnosed with uterine cancer in 2023 and undergoing a full hysterectomy earlier this year, she is now cancer-free.

At 51, Prendergast has also been making peace with the fact that she will not be able to have children. Despite facing fertility challenges, she had remained hopeful, freezing her eggs and pursuing in vitro fertilization.

“I’ve always wanted to be a mom. I’m grieving the life that I thought I’d have. It’s a lot,” she said. “For me, the act of giving is the recipe to my healing. This is my Christmas. My house is completely filled with pajamas that the community donated.”

Read the full article on Staten Island Live