Kids Celebrate Home Run Recoveries at First Annual Pediatric Neurological Surgery "Lids For Kids" Softball Game [Video and Story]

VIDEO: Click here for NY1's coverage of Lids for Kids

On Saturday morning, June 26, more than 20 children, ages 6 to 17 who have undergone successful brain surgery joined with their surgical team from NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Center for Children's Health on the Battery Park City Field for the first annual "Lids for Kids" softball game.

"We first conceptualized this event as a way to celebrate the resilience and courage of the babies, toddlers, kids and teens whose recovery from life-threatening injuries, tumors, and other neurological issues we've had the privilege of being just a small part of over the past year," said Dr. Jeffrey Greenfield, assistant professor of neurological surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/ Komansky Center for Children's Health. "While we were planning the day, it became clear that we may be able to emphasize the importance of head injury prevention through the use of helmets, thus our first annual celebration and Lids for Kids event was born."

"By far, the most effective treatment regarding pediatric head injury is prevention. Protective devices, including child restraints, seat belts and helmets when indicated, have a proven track record and their use needs to be emphasized," said Dr. Mark Souweidane, director of pediatric neurological surgery. "Similarly, with respect to prevention, our Pediatric Concussion Clinic has as a primary aim to identify which children are at risk for recurrent events in an effort to guide parents and athletic organizations."

Before taking the field as team captains, Drs. Greenfield and Souweidane provided the players, their parents, and fans with a brief lesson on head injury prevention and helmet safety. Then it was time to Play Ball and NY1 was there to cover the action-packed game.