Salute to Volunteers

 

l-r) Dr. David Levens, son Ben, with mission volunteers Laura Aronson, CSMC OR nurse, Rebecca Cantor, CSMC CRNA, and Sherry Goldszlager, Nurse at Hollywood Memorial.

It’s a summertime father-son tradition: A rigorous week in Ecuador for Coral Springs Medical Center physician, David J. Levens, M.D., Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, and son Ben, a pre-med student, participating in a medical mission to correct birth defects and disfiguring injuries for Ecuadorean children and teens.

 

A former Chief of Surgery at Coral Springs Medical Center, volunteers with Community Cares for Kids and the James Correa Foundation. He has completed five medical missions with the group (2006-2010), and plans to participate again this June. Volunteers work 14-hour days, performing 50-75 reconstructive surgical procedures to repair cleft lips and palates and other facial and hand deformities as well as treating scars from injuries and removing skin tumors.

 

“The families we treat have limited options for medical care, especially reconstructive plastic surgery. Their gratitude is so touching, even when there is no surgical solution,” Dr. Levens says.

 

In practice since 1989, he was named a Top Doctor in Castle Connolly's national ratings for 2010.   

 

 

It wasn’t exactly peer pressure, but when Ben Coraggio’s neighbor signed up with the Martin Memorial Auxiliary he suggested Ben join as well. Nearly 12 years later, Coraggio continues to be a fixture with the Auxiliary.

 

He has accrued more than 5,700 volunteer hours, including time served as a vice president as well as chair of two committees. One of those includes Martin Memorial’s “No One Dies Alone” program, which was created to ensure that dying patients with no family available have someone with them during their final hours.

 

“I’ve had two people pass away while I was there,” Coraggio said. “It was incredibly moving. You really get to know them, even during the short time you’re with them.”

Coraggio, a former mechanical engineer, and his wife joined the Auxiliary at the same time and are familiar faces at Martin Memorial.

 

“We really get to meet a lot of nice people,” he said.

 

 

As a retired nurse, Carolyn Kavanaugh has a unique insight into the benefits Martin Memorial’s Auxiliary Thrift Shop brings to the health system.

 

The thrift shop, which Kavanaugh is coordinator of, plays an important role in fundraising for the Auxiliary. Those funds have helped in a variety of ways, ranging from contributions to a new heart center, scholarships for students seeking health care degrees and more.

 

“You do see the fruits of your labor,” Kavanaugh said. “It’s nice to see where your money and your work go.”

 

Kavanaugh has been a member of the Auxiliary for five years, racking up more than 5,100 service hours in that time. She serves as an Auxiliary board member and has been a member of the nominating committee as well.

 

“Being retired, it’s nice to be able to give something back,” she said. “It’s nice to be able to do something and enjoy what you’re doing.”

 

 

Since 1999, Dr. Patricia Rowe-King, Medical Director for Broward Health’s Chris Evert Children’s Hospital, has spent her summers visiting families in the rural areas of the Dominican Republic.

 

Each year Dr. Rowe-King and nurse practitioner Bibi Achaibar, physicians and nurses embark on an unforgettable journey. The team set up a temporary, mobile Pediatric Clinic in neighborhood homes and children from miles away line up with their families to gain access to healthcare. Dr. Rowe-King and her team treat over 400 children with illnesses that range from asthma to malnutrition, supply families with medical supplies, formulas, diapers and other personal hygiene items.

 

Despite the heat, cramped working environment and crowds, Dr. Rowe-King’s team of healthcare professionals are rewarded yearly by grateful mothers and inspiring eyes of hundreds of adorable children, who visit them on a yearly basis. They return home each year with a knowledge that a piece of their soul has been left in the Dominican Republic.

 

 

Dr. Harvey Montijo, orthopaedic surgeon on staff at Good Samaritan Medical Center, was recently recognized among over 480 other Academy members for volunteering to dedicate their skills and service in Haiti during the immediate earthquake crisis response last year. With the collective volunteer Haiti relief efforts of its members, the Academy- along with only five other associations- was presented with the prestigious Spirit of Excellence Award from the American Society of Association Executives in September 2010.

 

As a native of Puerto Rico, Dr. Montijo was motivated to rush to the aid of the Caribbean community and work with The Dorsainvil Foundation, a non-profit organization that sponsors free medical missions to Haiti. Within a week of the initial earthquake disaster, Dr. Montijo was on a plane to Port-au-Prince to provide triage and trauma care to hundreds of victims. With rudimentary medical supplies and facilities, Dr. Montijo performed many surgical procedures on whatever the medical team could find in the ruble, which even included dining room tables at times. On some days, Dr. Montijo’s team treated up to 250 people in merely a few hours.

 

Between the initial disaster and June 2010, Dr. Montijo completed five medical mission trips to Haiti. Dr. Montijo continues to support relief efforts in Haiti by regularly sending donations of medical supplies and equipment such as crutches and wheelchairs. For many years, he has also supported a Haitian orphanage of whom he calls his “family.”

 

Dr. Montijo is a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon and Total Hip and Knee Joint Replacement Specialist on Staff at Good Samaritan Medical Center.

 

 

Donald Haber has demonstrated his commitment to volunteering when he reflects on how he started in1970 by welcoming troops back at Kennedy Airport with refreshments and a handshake to say, “Thank-you for serving”. Haber continues to serve the veterans he comes in contact with that same friendly smile and handshake each day he is volunteering at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center.

 

During the past 25 years, Haber, has logged over 21,000 hours of service where he serves in the capacity as a Greeter and a Customer Service Ambassador. As a “Team Leader”, besides answering questions and giving directions, he manages all lost and found items, coordinates travel arrangements for Veterans to get to and from the medical center and assists Escort Service in the transport of Veterans to scheduled appointments.

 

A World War II Veteran himself, Haber continues to serve his country through volunteering.

 

 

During the past 22 years he has served as an American Legion Volunteer, Edward McKeon has volunteered over 19,000 hours.

 

McKeon makes personal visits to patients at bedside at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center and weekly visits to the Community Based Outpatient Clinics to provide Veterans with information on military service-connected benefits. In addition, he attends meetings at every American Legion Post in the catchment area to discuss the needs of the Veterans as well as providing information on enrollment opportunities for Veterans.

 

Through his efforts, McKeon provides personal hygiene items, clothing, and flags to patients. At holiday times, he provides special gift items. Ed coordinates monthly recreation theme parties for residents in the Community Living Center (CLC) and has contributed to the CLC Cultural Transformation Program by creating a more home-like environment for residents.

 

A Vietnam Veteran himself, Ed continues to serve his country through volunteering.

 

 

When Cetta Fasano and her husband planned a vacation to West Palm Beach from Turin, Italy, they never imaged that the trip would change their lives forever. During their vacation, her husband suffered a heart attack and was rushed to Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, where his life was saved. That day, Fasano declared that she would volunteer at the hospital one day. She fulfilled this promise, and has been a volunteer in the Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center emergency department for three and a half years.

 

Fasano’s kind spirit and personal experience with her husband’s heart attack provide her with a unique sense of compassion and empathy toward both patients and hospital staff. She truly enjoys helping others, and is grateful to Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center for saving her husband’s life. Fasano encourages other community members to volunteer for the hospital because, “It’s a good thing!”

 

 

Ten years ago, Dick Ryan had quadruple bypass surgery and received a pacemaker, which changed his life dramatically- in a positive way. Ryan’s experience motivated him to help others going through similar struggles with heart disease and he joined The Mended Hearts organization Ft. Lauderdale chapter. The 100-member group provides education, friendship and support to patients experiencing heart disease treatment and recovery at North Shore Medical Center FMC Campus. Ryan has been serving as the chapter’s president for the past three years. Ryan often spends over 25 hours per week volunteering at FMC Campus organizing Mended Hearts member meetings, coordinating the group’s newsletter and serving as a patient visitor. 

 

FMC Campus thanks Ryan for carrying on the legacy of Mended Hearts Chapter 60, which was formed in 1978 with the assistance of Dr. Eugene Mascarenhas, Cardiologist, who is still on staff at the hospital.

 

Gilda’s Club 200 volunteers assist with event planning, program registration, moving furniture, decorating the clubhouse, data entry, answering phones, making phone calls, stuffing envelopes, filing, and running errands. Their amazing gift of time and talent helps Gilda’s Club make a difference in the lives of men, women, and children touched by cancer.

 

Gianna Miles began volunteering for Gilda’s Club in 1997. Gianna, a Broward County resident for the past 38 years, shared, “A good friend died from ovarian cancer so I felt a connection to Gilda’s Club.”

 

Gianna has been coming to the clubhouse every week for the past 14 years to enter member information into the database.

 

Katie Hoopes, Gilda’s Program Manager said, “We look forward to having Gianna here every Tuesday. Her upbeat attitude, dedication and years of service to Gilda’s Club have been invaluable.”

 

 

Surrounded by well wishers, Gertrude Licklider marked her 95th birthday – and 20th year as a volunteer for Jupiter Medical Center’s Auxiliary – at a location near and dear to her heart, the Jupiter Medical Center Thrift Shop. The Auxiliary’s oldest and one of its longest-term volunteers, Licklider works each Wednesday at the shop, which last year generated more than $322,000 to be donated to the community hospital.

 

Licklider began volunteering with Jupiter Medical Center’s Auxiliary in August 1990, In all, she has accumulated nearly 4,000 hours of volunteer service. Thrift Shop Manager Melissa Fiorenzo credits volunteers such as Licklider for enabling the Auxiliary to donate more than $10 million, including $2 million toward the expansion of the hospital’s Emergency Department.

 

Licklider says volunteering “saves your life.” It certainly keeps her young and active. Born in Manhattan, Kansas, she lived on the East and West Coats and in Canada before retiring with her husband, an executive with Bechtel Corporation, to Jupiter in 1979. Along the way, she turned to volunteering at local hospitals after her two children were grown as a way to combat loneliness, make a difference and stay engaged. “People ask me what my secret is,” she said. “It’s just keeping busy.”

 

 

Nilda Puchades has been a patient care volunteer with Catholic Hospice for 2 years. She is an exceptional volunteer who spends most of her time volunteering at the inpatient unit. The Catholic Hospice Inpatient Care Center includes 13 private rooms where patients and families can surround themselves with the comforts of home and the people they love.

 

Nilda is always very warm, loving and caring to all the patients and families that she helps at the unit.

 

“We are very fortunate to have Nilda volunteer with our organization, we can always count on her for anything we need and she is always willing to help” said Theresa Barbieri, Volunteer Services Manager. She recently won a poetry competition for a poem that was inspired by the hospice care that she provides to patients. The poem was also published in Mexico. Nilda Puchades truly lives out the Catholic Hospice mission.

 

 

Jack Iacone has been a Catholic Hospice volunteer for over 5 years. Besides assisting with different administrative duties in the office, Jack also helps with different community events. One of the biggest events is Camp Hope, a bereavement camp for children between the ages of 7-15 who have lost a loved one. It is a three day camp and he is always there to help out with whatever needs to get done. Jack goes above and beyond for our organization and is a great asset to our mission. Throughout the years, Jack has also written several poems that have been published and he donates proceeds to Catholic Hospice. His latest poem, “Heaven Above”, will be featured in a book called From A Window which will be published this summer. “We are very grateful to Jack for all his time and the dedication he has shown to hospice and the care that we provide to our patients” said Theresa Barbieri, Volunteer Services Manager.

 

 Mariners Hospital

 

Baptist Health South Florida Foundation named Jerry Hirsch Volunteer of the Year for Mariners Hospital. 

Former chairman of the Mariners Hospital Foundation Board of Directors, Hirsch continues to serve on that board as well as on the Mariners Hospital Governing Board of Directors. He is vice chairman of the Board of Directors of Baptist Health South Florida Foundation.

 

Retired since 1995, Hirsch was vice chairman of Saul Stone and Company.

 

Upon learning about the award, Mr. Hirsch remarked, “I support Mariners and serve on the various boards because it pleases me. It makes me happy. I’m at a stage in my life and in a financial position that I can give of both my time and my money. I enjoy being out in the Keys somewhere and having somebody come up to me and say, ‘I was in your hospital the other day.’ I get credit and blame for things that happen at Mariners.”

 

 

Evelyn Hochman began volunteering her services with Hospice by the Sea, Inc. in 1993, at 76 years young. Now, 18 years later, at the age of 94, she is still going strong.

 

Evelyn’s husband was a patient with HBTS for three months and three days. Following his passing, she decided to give back to Hospice by the Sea with love and gratitude for the care provided to her husband.

Evelyn is a familiar face to many departments and goes wherever she is needed. Evelyn originally volunteered at Hospice by the Sea three days per week, working eight or more hours per day. Today, she continues to volunteer at least one or two days per week for about seven hours per day. Evelyn’s consistency and dependability is often referred to as “outstanding.” She takes pride in her work and believes that Hospice by the Sea gives her purpose.

 

Evelyn’s pleasing personality and kindness has made her a favorite amongst the staff and fellow volunteers. She never lets anything or anyone hold her back from the things she loves, and Evelyn has a great love for Hospice by the Sea.

 

 

In addition to running a busy private practice in Boca Raton, Rodney Dunetz, a Licensed Acupuncture Physician and Doctor of Oriental Medicine, has been a dedicated volunteer at Hospice by the Sea, Inc. for the past five years. Rodney has been instrumental in the development of Hospice by the Sea’s self-care program, “Aloesça,” which is centered on healing heart, mind, and spirit. Aloesça provides hospice staff with complementary therapies to help relieve stress and enhance well-being.

 

A student of the Chopra Center for Well-Being, Rodney provides Primordial Sound Meditation workshops and facilitates meditation sessions to both Hospice by the Sea staff and the community. Rodney also imparts his expertise in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology through “lunch and learn” presentations and acupuncture sessions.

 

Rodney is an expert in his field and generously shares his knowledge with Hospice by the Sea. He has also served on Hospice by the Sea’s Complementary Therapies Advisory Council, providing inspiration and ideas for expansion and success. Rodney is also a frequent attendee and supporter of Hospice by the Sea’s major fundraising and community events. He embraces the mission of the organization and recognizes the importance of promoting wellness to Hospice by the Sea staff.

 

You might say that Robert Keltie took the scenic route to becoming a Hospice by the Sea, Inc. board member. He began his association with Hospice by the Sea, Inc. in 1989 as a patient volunteer, completing his training in the first class held at the newly built Boca Raton facility.

 

Bob was drawn to the idea of volunteering for hospice after spending time with a dear friend at a hospice in Virginia. There, he experienced the warmth and comfort that hospice provided to the patient, as well to her friends and family.

 

“On one of her final days, 21 people gathered in her room, and it was incredible – everyone was so happy and joyful,” he said. “On the plane ride home, I realized I’d had a ‘hospice experience. It felt good and I promised myself I would get involved with hospice when I returned to Boca Raton.”

 

After completing his volunteer training at Hospice by the Sea, Bob devoted about four hours of each week to visiting patients in their homes, where he made sure to spend as much time as possible with their caregivers.

 

“I always scheduled my appointments to maximize my time with the caregivers,” he said. “I found that they really needed and responded to the comfort, support and respite that we as volunteers could provide.”

 

Prior to his busy hospice volunteer schedule, Keltie had successful stints with Scott Paper Company and Arthur Andersen & Co. A self-proclaimed “hockey nut,” he also was invited to try out (unsuccessfully) for the 1960 U.S.A. Olympics Hockey Team. He was Vice President of the Houston Aeros Hockey Club, where he worked closely with hockey legend Gordie Howe.

 

More recently, he taught entrepreneurship and business communications at Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) College of Business. He is now active as a Certified Business Analyst, business counselor, and course instructor at the Small Business Development Center affiliated with Palm Beach State College. As a consultant to small businesses, Bob specializes in writing business plans for new ventures and assisting in procuring start-up capital.

 

Over the years, Bob managed to find time to visit patients and caregivers and strengthened his commitment to the organization by participating in the majority of volunteer programs and events. At one point he also became a member of the Volunteer Speakers Bureau, making presentations and speeches to various community groups about the philosophy of hospice and, especially, Hospice by the Sea.

Whenever out in public, he proudly wears his Hospice by the Sea pin to both promote his affiliation with the organization and its mission.

 

“Many people in the community ask me why I want to be around people who were dying,” he said. “I explain that each time I leave a patient’s home, I feel an outpouring of love and appreciation from both the patient and the caregiver. I want the public to understand that hospice is a warm and happy experience and a true celebration of life.”

 

By 1999, the number of Hospice by the Sea volunteers had swelled to more than 500, with various degrees of active participation. Though the program was strong and vibrant, Bob and a fellow Hospice by the Sea volunteer suggested that it could be further enhanced by adding volunteer representation to the board of directors. That same year, after serving as a volunteer for a decade, Bob Keltie was elected to the Board of Hospice by the Sea, Inc.

 

Today, after nearly a dozen years on the Board of Directors and its Finance Committee, Bob continues to play an active role in guiding the organization’s growth and evolution as it expands its programs, census, and community support in both Palm Beach and Broward counties. One of the most notable changes he has seen over the years has been the organization’s increased public visibility and acceptance, which he called a “constant joy.”

 

However, one thing has never changed; Bob still wears his Hospice by the Sea pin regularly when out in public.

 

He is delighted to know that even more people have fond feelings about the organization that he’s been devoting his time to for the past 22 years. “It’s a wonderful feeling to know that they really understand our mission and are so supportive of all the wonderful things we are doing. In the past, people would see me and ask if I were still with that hospice place. Today, they approach me with a big smile and ask, ‘Hey, Bob, are you still with Hospice by the Sea?’”

 

 

So often you hear the words “winning team,” “team spirit” or ‘team work” and it’s usually associated with a sports team. Here at Broward Health Imperial Point Medical Center (IPMC) we have a great team. It’s called the Auxiliary and at the core of that team are three volunteers whose dedication is unsurpassed. The glue that holds them together is the love of what they do.

 

Elden Johnson has been the Auxiliary Treasurer for eight years and is a crucial member of the team.

 

Elden came from a strong business background but upon retirement he wanted to keep busy and volunteer his time to a worthy cause. About the same time that Elden became Treasurer, another player entered the field.

 

Jocelyn Keegan joined the Auxiliary in 2001 and quickly became Recording Secretary. A year later, Jocelyn accepted the Presidency and has been in that position for most of the past eight years. She also took on the job of Assistant Treasurer several years ago and works closely with Elden on financial planning.

 

The third member of the team is Gen Cordes. Gen has been Interview and Placement Chairperson for six years and has taken on the added responsibility of Ways and Means Chairperson. Gen also served as President for a year and is currently serving as Co-President with Jocelyn.

 

Every team needs leaders and these three auxilians are “super stars.” Elden, Jocelyn and Gen, along with the more than 150 volunteers, deserve recognition for their energy and compassion towards our patients, visitors and our hospital.

 

 

A volunteer gives without expecting anything in return, except a feeling of goodwill and a sense of service. The volunteers at Broward Children’s Center (BCC) a Pompano Beach non-profit that has been serving children with special needs for 40 years and touches more than 1200 children’s lives annually, are a tireless force that is vital to the services the Center provides.

 

A shining example of those volunteers is Jenny Morales, who has assists in all of the Center’s 12 programs. She supports staff and programs by providing direct service, administrative support, fundraising efforts, awareness activities and research. Her enthusiasm, kindness, and generosity create an impact that is apparent through the smiling faces of the children BCC serves.

 

It is devoted volunteers such as Jenny that allows BCC to provide services to some of the most medically fragile and at-risk children in our community.

 

 

Helping others is at the heart of Helen Deliyanis; she’s been volunteering since she can remember. 14 years ago she moved to Florida and began her service with West Boca Medical Center in case management. She has provided over 2200 hours of her time to the hospital.

 

Deliyanis enjoys volunteering because she is able to touch the lives of others and utilize her free time in a positive way. Deliyanis also volunteers within her church and community. She motivates others to volunteer as well, spreading the message that volunteering should be something that is fun to do, but also be taken seriously as hard work. West Boca Medical Center would like to thank Helen Deliyanis for the countless hours of hard work she has brought to the hospital. She truly makes a difference.

 Broward General Hospital and Chris Evert Children’s Hospital

 

When you hear the word “volunteer” you think of someone who is selfless and dedicated to the organization that they serve. At Broward General Hospital and Chris Evert Children’s Hospital that selfless and dedicated volunteer is Auxiliary member Shirley Bracey.

 

Since 1981, Shirley has accumulated 28,808 volunteer hours resulting in 30 years of immeasurable contributions to Broward General and Chris Evert Children’s Hospital. Shirley has served in several capacities including Chairperson of Maternity, delivering flowers to patients, and working in the surgery waiting room. In 1985-86 she was President of the Auxiliary, and since 1986 she has served as Chairperson of Fundraising, a position she still holds.

 

The Auxiliary Chairperson of Fundraising is an extremely difficult position that carries tremendous responsibilities since the Auxiliary is a major contributor to the hospital. Two to three days a week, Shirley plans upcoming fundraisers with profits going to Broward General Medical Center and Chris Evert Children’s Hospital.

 

In addition, she serves as a mentor to many. “Shirley’s vast experience, warm personality, and dedication make her not only an outstanding volunteer, but a very special person that we are so honored to have here at Broward General.” stated Toriano Morgan, Director of Volunteer Services at Broward General Medical Center/Chris Evert Children’s Hospital.

 

 

Danny Rosenberg’s decision to become a hospital volunteer was inspired by his beloved cousin, who eventually lost his battle with cancer.

 

“I was frustrated at the time because I couldn’t do anything to help him,” he explains. “When I come here, I ‘see’ him in the kids I help. It is rejuvenating.”

 

During his Friday afternoon visits, Rosenberg displays heartfelt empathy for the young patients at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. He often assists children with painting in the playroom, playing video games in the Love Jen Resource Center or even doing recreational activities at the bedside of a patient who is too ill to leave his or her room.

 

“I do whatever they need me to do,” explains Rosenberg, who has been volunteering for the past year.

Patients, parents and staff are happy to see Rosenberg’s enthusiasm when he volunteers, but he humbly points out that his efforts are all for them. In fact, the interaction with patients and his volunteer work at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital has inspired him on a new career path.

 

“I’ve been working as a graphic designer for the past few years but after volunteering here, I’ve realized that I need to be in a career where I’m helping people,” said Rosenberg. As a result, he plans to go back to school to begin training as either a physical therapist or occupational therapy assistant.        

 

 

As images of the earthquake in Haiti flooded the news in January, Paul Gaeta, MD, decided to help. He joined a missionary group and was soon providing medical care in the town of Petit Goave, near the devastated capital of Port-au-Prince.

 

For nearly a week, Dr. Gaeta – an internal medicine physician with Martin Memorial Health Systems – helped triage and treat patients. The team saw an average of 200 patients a day, working from sunrise to sunset in challenging conditions, often forced to improvise care because they lacked the proper tools, supplies and infrastructure.

 

That Dr. Gaeta chose to provide help for people in a time of crisis is an indication of his devotion to assisting others. In 2010, Dr. Gaeta earned the inaugural Crary Buchanan Primary Care Physician of the Year award after being nominated by patients and selected by an independent panel of community members. He was also honored by the Friends of the Historic Golden Gate Community for his work with residents there who may not otherwise have access to necessary health care.

 

 

In her role as assistant vice president for professional services at Martin Memorial, Cindy Pingolt is instrumental in ensuring patients receive high-quality care.

 

But Pingolt is also generous sharing her time and talent throughout the community – and beyond. In May 2010, Cindy embarked on a humanitarian mission to Haiti with a group of medical professionals to provide health care to orphaned and underprivileged residents. There, she organized a temporary pharmacy and dispensed medications to patients as prescribed by the physician. She described the journey as one of the most gratifying endeavors she has ever undertaken.

 

Cindy also devotes personal time to improving the well-being of our community. For example, she volunteered with Habitat for Humanity to help build a home for a local family, and serves on numerous community organizations. She is a board member of Molly’s House, has served on the board of the American Cancer Society – advocating for cancer research funding at the state and national levels – and is a perennial participant in events supporting cancer education and awareness, including Making Strides Against Cancer, Relay for Life and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

 

 

Elena Deschapelles has been a volunteer for 14 years with United HomeCare, South Florida’s largest home health agency. She is one of 120 volunteers who support UHC’s mission to promote independence and wellbeing among its elderly and disable clients.

 

Following the loss of her mother to Alzheimer’s, Elena had the desire to volunteer with individuals in the community who could benefit from some companionship and kindness. As a result, she has developed a special friendship with a UHC client that has spanned more than a decade. Elena visits regularly with the 86-year-old woman who has no family caregiving support. She helps her with the mail, runs errands, and resolves problems for her. Most importantly, she is there to talk and be a friend. When describing their relationship, Elena, says “my family is her family.”

 

United HomeCare honors Elena as an exemplary volunteer with a giving-spirit and a self-less dedication to others fueled by the simple desire to help.

 

 

Ruth Goldstein had a career in banking years ago in Brooklyn, Long Island and then Rye, NY. When she moved to South Florida, she began working for CenTrust Bank, eventually becoming manager of the North Miami Beach branch. Luckily for Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, when Goldstein retired in 1986, she brought her talents to the hospital’s volunteer auxiliary.

 

Twenty-five years later, Goldstein still arrives at 6:45 a.m. Monday through Friday, taking responsibility for the book “store” in the hospital’s main corridor. Patients, families of patients, visitors and employees can be seen browsing the ever-changing selection of donated paperbacks and hard covers, looking for something that suits them. For Goldstein, nothing suits her better than being at Memorial Regional Hospital.

 

“I get as much as I give,” Goldstein, who has logged more than 18,000 volunteer hours, explains. “It’s wonderful knowing that you’re accomplishing something in the later years of your life.”

She pointed out that funds raised in previous years through ventures like the bookstore and special events have been used to purchase a fully-equipped mobile mammography van for the Memorial Healthcare System.

 

“The other volunteers here are like my second family,” said Goldstein. “We’re all very compatible and we celebrate each other’s birthdays and special occasions.”

 

Goldstein would definitely recommend volunteering to others. She added, “It definitely enriches your life. While you’re helping others, you’re definitely helping yourself.”

 

 

At first glance, Sondra Alpert is a vivacious, curvy, beautiful woman. But beyond physical appearances, Sondra has accomplished more in her 80 years than most people. She has survived breast cancer, raised five children, and was a pioneer in the plus-size fashion industry during a time when men dominated the business.

 

Alpert’s career started in Long Island, where she did many small jobs like running an egg/chicken route, grooming dogs, and eventually landing a job as a model. It was during a fashion show, that she convinced Bloomingdale’s execs they needed someone who could find more clothing options to flatter different body types. She was hired almost immediately as their first plus-size fashion coordinator, having worked with the most famous names.

 

Her perseverance, outgoing personality and experience working in retail has led her to the ideal volunteer position at Memorial Regional Hospital South. As a vendor coordinator, she helped raise roughly $19,000 last year through special sales of items such as books, jewelry, linens, etc. The sales are a convenience to staff who spend long hours at the hospital and have limited time to shop. Proceeds from the sales will help fund a van that will enable the rehabilitation staff to do preliminary visits to patients’ homes to ensure a safe environment for discharge.

 

Alpert added, “Volunteering is something that I knew I wanted to do. I thought I would be reading books to kids, I never knew it would turn into this”.

 

Bob Schreck barely lasted one week at home after retiring from Bellsouth, where he worked for 31 years in different areas of the company.

 

“There was only so much TV you can watch, so I needed to do something,” he said of his short break.

He decided to volunteer at Memorial Hospital West, where he spent part of his career installing pay phones throughout the hospital and eventually removing them when the technology became obsolete.

 

Since 2001, he has given approximately 7,800 hours of his time to the hospital, working Monday through Friday, in many different capacities. As an integral part of the Information Desk, he has worked as a transporter, has helped deliver flowers, answer incoming calls, and provide room numbers to relatives visiting a loved one at the hospital. The hospital has benefited tremendously from his kind, patient, and friendly demeanor as he personally assists guests who have encountered the unfamiliar changes brought on by major construction of a new wing that has temporarily closed the hospital’s main entrance. 

 

He also exemplifies the patient-and-family centered care culture at Memorial Hospital West. As a Family Advisory Council member, Bob serves as a Family Advisor on the Outpatient Customer Satisfaction Committee and the Memorial Go Green Committee. He also helps orient new volunteers how to safely transport patients and guest in wheelchairs.

 

While Bob does keep very busy at the hospital, he is still enjoying his retirement by traveling regularly and having date-nights at the Hard Rock with his wife.

 

 

It was more than a year ago when Luz Rios came into the Emergency Department at Memorial Hospital Miramar as a patient. During her stay, she witnessed first-hand the hospital’s warm, caring environment. Today, she helps create that atmosphere for others.

 

“I love my job so much,” explained Rios. “I have an opportunity to help many people in a critical moment when they come to the hospital for an emergency.”

 

Rios volunteers four days a week as the Lead Ambassador, tending to patients and their families. In a very stressful time, she serves coffee, tea and juice, brings magazines and snacks and, most importantly, lends a listening ear. She has been known to hold anxious hands and provide comfort while doctors and nurses deliver essential medical care.

 

Luz originally hails from Columbia but has been in the United States for 12 years. Her fluency in both Spanish and English often makes an important difference in the fast paced environment of the Emergency Department.

 

Customer service comes naturally to Rios as she worked in that end of the travel industry for many years. Most recently, she was employed at the Brickell Avenue location of a major hotel chain.

 

“We often get letters about the excellent experience patients have had in our Emergency Department and many of those compliments include Luz,” said Terrie Garner, Director of Human Resources, Memorial Hospital Miramar. “I have glowing accolades for the wonderful job she has been doing.”

 

Mary Lagnado was always interested in the medical field. Thankfully, this natural curiosity led her to Good Samaritan Medical Center, where she has been volunteering in the Comprehensive Breast Center and Medical Staff Office for about two years. Lagnado has clocked more than 300 volunteer hours at the hospital and made significant contributions to the development of an extensive Comprehensive Breast Center Library.

 

Utilizing her professional skills as a former legal assistant, Lagnado compiled a complete list of culturally appropriate references on breast cancer for patients. She orders all materials for the library and formulates and maintains a data base of information. In addition, she compiles materials for the Breast Centers Advisory Board meetings and contributes her time to auxiliary fundraising activities at Good Samaritan Medical Center. It is with sincere appreciation that Good Samaritan Medical Center recognizes Mary Lagnado for her commitment to the hospital and improving patients’ lives through education and research.

 

 

Florence Kane began volunteering at Holy Cross Hospital in 1993 after she retired as a nurse from Mount Sinai in North Miami, a position she held for more than 25 years. Though retired, she has always felt a desire to continue helping people as a caregiver. Kane volunteers in the cardio vascular intensive care unit at Holy Cross and to date, has volunteered more than 5,000 hours of her time. She assists the nurses in the cardio vascular intensive care unit by setting up IV trays, ordering supplies and making sure they have everything they may need. With her wealth of experience as a hospital nurse, she is able to anticipate what is needed and assist more efficiently. She also interacts with patients to make sure they are comfortable and their needs are met and also lets them know that their nurse will be by shortly. Kane enjoys her time volunteering and appreciates the opportunity to stay up to date on current health trends, while nurses value her hands-on experience and patients appreciate her help and bedside manner.

 

 

Cheryl Lamb has been a Holy Cross Hospital volunteer for more than five years, serving in the hospital's gift shop and the infusion therapy area of the Holy Cross Michael & Dianne Bienes Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she assists nurses and tends to patients making sure they are comfortable. She also oversees a team of 20 volunteers as the volunteer co-chair of the infusion therapy area, coordinating the calendar so that two volunteers are scheduled each day Monday through Friday. Before volunteering at Holy Cross, Lamb lived in New York where she owned a marina with her husband while working as a dental hygienist. She moved to Florida after retiring and joined Holy Cross as a volunteer to stay active. In addition to her volunteer work in the gift shop and infusion therapy area, Lamb is also the recording secretary of the Holy Cross Hospital Auxiliary and serves on the Auxiliary's gala committee as the co-chair of the sponsorship committee, where she is busily preparing for the Signature Grand’s Studio 54 Gala on April 2 at the Signature Grand in Davie.

 

 "Loving Stitches"

 

For over a year, Rosy Drake and “Loving Stitches” have been knitting lapghans for Catholic Hospice patients at the Inpatient unit located in Hialeah Gardens. This remarkable group of ladies, which meets every other Saturday at Mother of Our Redeemer Catholic Church, came together with this idea using their talents and dedication to help others in the community. Their labor of love has accomplished more than they could have ever imagined. With their colorful and warm lapghnas they bring an extraordinary message of love, serenity and care to our patients and staff.

 

“We want to pray but also serve our community. We pray for the patients and their families as we are knitting these throws” stated Drake. The patients and staff at the Catholic Hospice Unit feel exceptionally blessed to have Loving Stitches care for them and thank them wholeheartedly for their dedication.

 

 

 

As a dedicated triage nurse in Mercy Hospital’s Emergency Department, Cinara Navarro plays an instrumental role in the care and well-being of patients. Her 30-plus years of experience in healthcare includes more than 20 years at Mercy, as well as extensive work outside South Florida’s borders. Navarro has utilized her knowledge and expertise to assist in numerous medical missions with Global Health Ministry (GHM), a non-profit organization that, through the work of volunteers, provides critical health services and education to remote and underprivileged communities in Jamaica, Guatemala, Peru and Haiti. Over the years, Ms. Navarro has been on several missions to Peru and Guatemala, helping in the delivery of much-needed care. Ms. Navarro sums up the program best by saying, “we give physicals, end-of-life-prayers, hopeful referrals, eyeglasses, toothbrushes and more … but none can match the deep and permanent joy they leave in me. For it is in giving that we truly receive.”

 

 

 

Out where the sidewalk ends is where Dr. Xavier Anton’s story continues. The partner with Mercy Hospital’s Emergency Department, who has spent more than 30 years in emergency medicine, created, together with his wife, the Kakok Foundation to help Ile-à-Vache, an island off Haiti. For more than 10 years, both have been helping coordinate volunteer efforts on the impoverished island, overseeing critical projects and the delivery of care to patients in need. Kakok Foundation, a non-profit based in Miami, is focused on improving the lives of the island’s inhabitants. Under Dr. Anton’s guidance, volunteers have transported medicines to Ile-à-Vache, as well as building materials, and have helped in the implementation of public hygiene and sanitation education. They also built a clinic and a school, serving 300 children ages 4-15, with local teachers. They additionally established a scholarship program for bright students on the island, aiding them in the pursuit of higher education. For more, visit www.kakokfoundation.org.

 

 

After the unexpected premature birth then the death of his newborn daughter, Rylee, Lee Jolicoeur was inspired to create an organization called Rylee’s Hope to offer support to families who experienced the same tragic loss as Jolicoeur and his wife. Through Rylee’s Hope, Jolicoeur works with St. Mary’s Medical Center NICU, labor and delivery and ante-partum unit staff to help families in their time of great pain. His goal is to help turn a tragic memory into a thing of beauty and peace through emotional and spiritual support.

 

Jolicoeur brings his service to St. Mary’s Medical Center because of the dedication of the staff and the hospital’s faith-based culture. Jolicoeur encourages anyone of any age to volunteer because it gives you a chance to make a difference in the lives of others and to see that there are needs much greater than your own.

 

 

Carolyn Slone is more than just a volunteer at Delray Medical Center. Over the years, Slone has also been a patient and visitor. Her consistent positive experiences at the hospital motivated Slone to “give back,” and so she has. Slone currently volunteers in the hospital’s marketing department, where she dedicated five and a half years of service. She attends various community events hosted at Delray Medical Center and in the community. Slone is always willing to help in any and all ways, on any day or time. This includes participating in the “Healthy Conversations” lectures given by Delray Medical Center physicians and other staff members.

 

Slone is always motivated to build community relationships and foster health education and learning. She encourages others volunteer because there are so many ways to help. Delray Medical Center would like to thank Carolyn Slone for her commitment to the hospital and her ever-positive attitude towards the staff, patients and community.

 

 

The Caridad Center opened its doors in 1992 as a free medical and dental clinic for the uninsured, working poor families of Palm Beach County and Dr. Violeta Chiong was there. A few years later her husband Dr. Vicente Chiong joined her as a volunteer. As a practicing gynecologist, Violeta contributes these health services to the women who visit for care. Vicente is a retired general surgeon and shares his talents as a family practitioner treating illnesses and providing preventive care and health education for all ages. This dedicated couple has never wavered in their support of the organization and continue because, "We wanted to help, I have a specialty, and it is incredibly gratifying to provide quality health care to those who could not otherwise receive these services," said Violeta. In addition to their healthcare volunteerism, Violeta and Vicente have been passionate ballroom dancers for more than 20 years.

 

 

 

Dr. John M. Strasswimmer, M.D., Ph.D., has always had a strong belief in giving back to the community, often volunteering his time through college at Tufts, an internship at Harvard and his Residency at Yale. In 2008 the Caridad Center in Boynton Beach, which provides medical services to the uninsured and working poor of Palm Beach County, became the grateful recipient of his time. With an emphasis on disease prevention and education, the Caridad Center dedicates its work to the health of underserved children and families. As part of the 300 strong volunteer medical staff, 80% of whom are specialties in their area of expertise, Dr. Strasswimmer provides dermatological care to patients of all ages. He is a practicing physician with Dermatology Associates, PA of the Palm Beaches and enjoys traveling and scuba diving.

 

 

With more than 21 years of volunteer service to Hialeah Hospital, Margaret Ann Herold is a valued member of the hospital team. Despite living with a moderate mental disability, Herold has succeeded and grown within her volunteer responsibilities at Hialeah Hospital. Herold first started as a volunteer for nursing transportation and then transferred to the mail room, where she has been proudly serving for the last 19 years. Herold is responsible for organizing and delivering mail to all hospital units and physician offices in the Medical Plaza. She also brings a smile to each and every physician, nurse, visitor, patient and hospital employee that she encounters.

 

Herold came to Hialeah Hospital in search of a positive way to stay active and engaged with others, and she found that and much more: a family. Hialeah Hospital would like to commend Herold for her commitment to the hospital and her many years of volunteer service.