North Broward Medical Center

When walking around the halls at North Broward Medical Center, you can’t help but notice the smiling faces in the pink jackets. They are everywhere – in the gift shop, the Cancer Center, the pharmacy, library and even the ER. They are the hospital auxiliary: 181 men and women who dedicate countless hours to support the hospital in any way they can.

Jo D’Espies is the President of this amazing group of volunteers at NBMC. An active member since 1993, D’Espies sometimes spends six or seven days a week working at the hospital. That’s more than any of the full time employees. D’Espies was a banker before she retired, which helps explain how the auxiliary functions as effectively as a big business. Under her leadership, the volunteers raised and donated $50,000 to the hospital last year. Furthermore, they awarded $8,000 in new scholarships to local high school seniors and $14,000 in scholarship renewals to previous winners. In addition to the proceeds from the gift shop, the auxiliary hosts one big fundraising event each year. This year, they are having a rummage sale April 24-25 in the Conference Center at North Broward Medical Center.

Fernanda Conheeny

Fernanda Conheeny has been a volunteer with St. Mary’s Medical Center since June, 2004. Recently she has volunteered to be the Board Secretary for the newly established Auxiliary at St. Mary’s. Along with this skill and her compassion to help others, she makes for the perfect volunteer.

Recently, there was a car accident where a young French citizen was brought by Trauma Hawk to St. Mary’s Medical Center. His father and mother flew in from France to be by his side in the ICU. Three other family members joined them later, but none spoke English. Since she spoke French, Fernanda Conheeny was called and was at the hospital within an hour.

In just a few minutes, she established a very special relationship with the family. Over a span of several weeks, Fernanda truly became the Guardian Angel for this family during their time of grief. She provided transportation for the family as well as a much needed relaxing day trip to see the sights of Palm Beach.

The best part of this story was a conversation that took place with the aunt of the patient outside of the Emergency Room. The aunt asked Fernanda, “Who are you, and what is your position here?” When the answer was cheerfully given, the aunt then tearfully said, “Why have you adopted our family? This volunteer concept is something new to me.” After a few minutes of silence, she continued, “We have a hospital in my small town. I like the idea of a volunteer just to visit the sick or be helpful. Our experience at St. Mary’s has inspired me to do the same thing at home.”

Out of a horrible tragedy, the idea of compassion has traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to France, all because of Fernanda Conheeny.

Ann Stratta

Shortly after Frank and Ann Stratta moved to Palm Beach County Frank’s condition declined; he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in early 2001. It soon became apparent that Frank needed additional care. He was terminally ill and Ann was struggling. “I was completely exhausted,” said Ann. “The doctor recommended Hospice of Palm Beach County and we agreed that it was the best thing for our family.”

In December of 2002 Hospice of Palm Beach County began caring for the Stratta family. “Hospice saved my life,” remarked Ann. “They did everything for us; they brought Frank to rehab, they gave him his medication and they supplied us with every tool we needed. They became a part of our family. Our chaplain would even come for lunch or just to visit to talk with us. It was comforting to know that so many people cared about us.” Frank was moved to the Charles W. Gerstenberg Hospice Center in West Palm Beach for emotional and physical support, and passed away in March, 2003.

After all the help and kindness that the people of Hospice of Palm Beach County gave Frank and Ann, she felt like she needed to do something in return, so Ann became a volunteer. She visits patients and families every week. “I love volunteering,” said Ann. “The staff makes me feel like I’m part of the family. I also think it’s a wonderful way to honor Frank’s life.”

Dr. Paula Anderson-Worts

Some people see Jamaica and its white-sand beaches as a destination for honeymooners and others seeking rest and relaxation in the Caribbean. Paula Anderson-Worts, D.O., M.P.H., an associate professor of family medicine and public health at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, sees it as a place that’s in desperate need of a physician’s healing hands.

That’s why Dr. Anderson-Worts, who is also the director of the Broward General Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program, organizes volunteer medical missions to Jamaica. She takes other doctors and medical students on these humanitarian missions to help residents who seldom receive health care.

Dr. Anderson-Worts, who is originally from Jamaica, takes her team to remote enclaves to deliver services such as echocardiograms and breast and cervical cancer screenings. The team teaches patients how to live with chronic health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. They work in churches and other buildings turned into makeshift medical facilities to bring hope to people who have little options.

“The missions are rewarding for everyone involved,” Dr. Anderson-Worts said. “Our thought is to not only care for the patients, but to provide them with information so they can actively improve their overall health care.”

Dr. Naushira Pandya

As a young girl growing up in Uganda, Naushira Pandya, M.D., CMD, knew she wanted to devote her life to helping others. Seeing abject poverty and human suffering shaped her views of the world. She believed it was her duty to make a difference in someone else’s life, so they can have the chance to be healthy and happy.

In 2003, Dr. Pandya became the chair of the Department of Geriatrics at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Since then, she has been a humanitarian both at work and off the clock. As someone who specializes in geriatrics, Dr. Pandya spends hundreds of hours volunteering her time to give public lectures about health and wellness to South Florida’s senior citizens. She does that at temples, churches, and community health fairs. Her objective is to help the elderly age gracefully and live healthy and productive lives.

When she’s not helping Florida’s seniors, Dr. Pandya volunteers her time in Ecuador and Guatemala to help impoverished communities. She leads a team of doctors and medical students to remote villages, where many residents have never received medical services. Dr. Pandya treats them for ailments that range from scabies to tuberculosis.

Celia Miskie

Celia Miskie has been volunteering at Columbia Hospital for over 22 years, and sees no end in sight for giving even more of her time to the hospital. She has logged in over 6,360 hours since first beginning her volunteer career at the hospital’s gift shop. She especially enjoyed greeting customers and working at the register. She has since worked in practically every department of the hospital and is well known by many of the hospital’s employees.

While many volunteers who eventually stop driving will also stop volunteering, Celia would not allow this to interfere with her dedication to performing her duties. She gladly waits for a bus not far from her home, and gets a ride back home from her son or even one of the hospital employees who may be leaving at the same time. Celia has a big heart and is always willing to help where she is needed. Over the past two decades she has become a large part of the Columbia family and is appreciated by all who have worked with her.

Barbara DeFazio

Good things come in small packages … and that phrase holds true for one committed volunteer, Barbara DeFazio. Unlike her petite size, Barbara holds a very large job as Coral Springs Medical Center’s Auxiliary President for the past 8 years, a term normally held for a maximum of 2 consecutive years. But with a decline in volunteers willing to accept this leadership role, Barbara has gracefully extended her commitment year after year rather than abandoning the Auxiliary. Now this is passion!

When you first meet Barbara, your impression may be one of a kind and loving grandmother. While she is that and more, she is also strong willed, determined and a dedicated leader who for the last 19 years has volunteered over 10,000 hours at the hospital.

While her donated hours are impressive, what’s most inspiring is her tenacity to make a difference. Leading by example, kindness and strength, Barbara successfully coordinates 400 volunteers and has raised over $1.5 million while CSMC Auxiliary President. These funds have purchased critical items like heart monitors, stretchers, wheelchairs, work carts, child birthing water tubs, and furniture just to name a few. In addition, annually the Auxiliary provides eight $1,500 scholarships for high school seniors seeking a career in the medical field.

Barbara has truly earned our utmost respect and her accomplishments exemplify a true commitment to serve the needs of the hospital and its community.

Gene Majka

Gene Majka, an assistant nursing professor at Barry University, leaves a strong impression on every nursing student who takes his community health nursing course each semester.

Hundreds of student nurses working on furthering their careers at Barry scatter throughout Miami-Dade County into community centers helping the elderly, children and the homeless in order to fulfill their course work. By the end of that semester, many continue to do so because they want to.

A certified Adult Nurse Practitioner, Majka began at Barry in the spring of 2002, teaching and overseeing the newly established class. Since then, he has changed the way his students, all experiences registered nurses, practice their profession.

Also known as the “community health guru” Majka is an advocate for community outreach and forges relationships with dozens of non-profit, county and state agencies that are often short staffed and in need of volunteers. His students, in turn, serve that purpose, and in return, learn of the many services available for their patients and clients who are also often in need.

Professor Majka’s jovial demeanor makes him as approachable as he is inspiring. His passion to help the needy is seen not only through his lectures, stories, and projects but also in the way he makes everyone interested and involved. He currently serves the Medical Reserve Corps to assist people in need incase a disaster strikes and is an HIV/AIDS instructor for the American Red Cross.

In 2006, Majka earned a grant from the American Lung Association and purchased “peak flow meters” to test migrant children for asthma. He also bought laundry soap for “Project Wash” – during which students taught migrant families how to separate their work clothing from their leisure clothing when washing to prevent the spread of pesticides.

Westside Regional recently honored and celebrated two of our outstanding volunteers that have been volunteering for almost 30 years. They both are turning 100 this year.

Elizabeth “Bette” Hitchcock was an office assistant extraordinaire. She worked in the Volunteer Office. Bette is one of the founding members of the Westside Regional Volunteer Auxiliary in 1976. She also served on the Volunteer Auxiliary Executive Board and was the Recording Secretary for 10 years. She was also the 2004 HCA Frist Humanitarian Volunteer Award recipient representing Westside Regional Medical center in recognition for her long standing service to our hospital and our community. Her birthday is March 19th.

Sol Sorokin has been recognized in countless ways for his service to our hospital and our community. He volunteered in the Emergency Department for 28 years two to three days a week. He was Westside’s first HCA Frist Humanitarian Volunteer Award recipient. Sol served on the Volunteer Executive Board as the Student Scholarship Chair for 10 years. His birthday is May 26th.

They both are an inspiration to all of us and their dedication knows no bounds. They are a tribute to their generation and they serve as role models for generations to come. The Mayor of Plantation provided a proclamation to both volunteers naming February 16th the Official Bette Hitchcock and Sol Sorokin Day!

Harold Nobler

Harold Nobler originally joined the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center in March 1999 where he served with distinction as a Friendly Visitor. In 2007, he graciously accepted an opportunity to join the Patient Advocate team located within the Office of the Medical Center Director.

As a volunteer advocate, Harold functions as both office receptionist and facilitator, handling telephone and walk in contacts. Harold is a 100% service-connected WWII veteran who served with the Army Air Corps in the South Pacific from 1942 to 1946. After a long career as a real estate broker and investments counselor in New York and Wisconsin, Harold retired to Florida sixteen years ago. He has been receiving his healthcare exclusively at the Medical Center since it opened in 1995 and has been a strong advocate of VA healthcare among other veterans. His volunteerism is based on a commitment to “pay something back” for the compassion of the providers and the high quality care he has received over the years. Harold’s capacity for managing a large volume of challenging issues with professionalism and efficiency while sustaining genuine empathy and understanding is always complemented by an uncanny ability to establish rapport and credibility, exemplifying the Medical Center’s primary mission of “Serving America’s Veterans.”

Mary Pittman

Mary Pittman has been volunteering at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center since 1996 and has volunteered over 2000 hours of her time and service to the Dental Clinic. She has many administrative and clinical assignments that she promptly completes. The quality of her work is exceptional. Reports are always thorough and accurate. She is always willing to do anything that is asked of her and provides help where needed in the Dental Clinic.

In addition to her responsibilities in the Dental Clinic, Pittman is the National President and National Americanism Chairman for “La Societal de Femme”, an organization of the American Legion Auxiliary. She is currently serving as the VA Voluntary Service Representative for the Medical Center. When not volunteering at the Medical Center, Pittman is actively involved with her church or for the Habitat for Humanity. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and doing crossword puzzles.

Mary Pittman is an outstanding, pleasant, reliable and efficient volunteer and the Dental staff feels fortunate to have her assigned to their service.

Liz Kaufman

When Liz Kaufman moved to Hollywood in 1997, she saw a newspaper ad for lab volunteers at Memorial Regional Hospital. Having been director of a microbiology lab up north, she missed the “smell of the hospital” and thought this could be just what she was looking for.

“I met with David Reinmund, director of Volunteer Services, but he suggested I try something new,” Kaufman explained. She was soon “making rounds” with a refreshment cart, bringing coffee, tea, juice and cookies to family and friends of patients. It was a welcome treat to those who didn’t want to leave their loved ones’ bedsides.

“The coffee and tea were definitely appreciated but it was Liz’s warm smile and calming personality that really made a difference,” said Reinmund. “We’ve been fortunate to have her here as a volunteer in so many different capacities ever since.”

Kaufman soon got involved in leadership roles for the Memorial Regional Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary. She served as chairman of the Social, Ways & Means and Membership committees before working her way up to Auxiliary President for 2002 and 2003. Through Kaufman’s efforts, as well as fellow auxiliary members, a mobile mammography van was purchased to bring the latest digital mammogram technology to underserved populations in Broward County.

While Kaufman continues to work in Volunteer Services, her volunteer commitment now also includes interviewing prospective volunteers and helping coordinate semi-weekly volunteer orientations and supervising teen volunteers.

Knitting for Newborns

One of Memorial Regional Hospital’s oldest volunteers is looking out for its youngest patients. At 102 years old, Mazie Ford (left), and her daughter, Johann Levinson (second from right), make monthly visits to the hospital to deliver colorful hats, headbands and afghans that they’ve knitted for the newborns. Here, they present their latest collection to Mother/Baby representatives Kelly Brower, R.N., Clinical Manager, and Polly Westra, R.N., Lactation Nurse. The mother and daughter team have been volunteering their time for almost two years.

Nat Gross

Nat Gross has three priorities in life at age 76—family, Leeza’s Place and fishing—and he approaches each one with a gusto rarely seen in people his age. Three years ago Gross attended the grand opening of Leeza’s Place, a multi-faceted resource center for caregivers at Memorial Hospital Pembroke in Pembroke Pines, and he has been volunteering there daily from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ever since.

“Nat has a unique understanding of what these caregivers are going through because he cared for his wife, Anna, when she developed Alzheimer’s,” explained Bonnie Bonomo, Leeza’s Care Advocate. “He’s a sensitive and loving man who seems to have an intuitive sense of when our caregivers need his attention … or even just a hug.”

While Gross is known among the Leeza’s Place caregivers for his hugs, he also shares many other talents as a volunteer. He teaches computer skills and scrapbooking and provides telephone reassurance to caregivers at home. Bonomo points out that Gross is her “right hand” in running the center.

Overall, Gross has logged more than 3,100 hours in the past three years. “It’s so gratifying for me to be at Leeza’s Place,” he said. “I like being able to mentor the caregivers. They rely on my knowledge of resources in the community.”

Gross often spends his evenings fishing at the Hollywood pier or in Islamorada while mornings are spent writing poetry. His work is published online at www.starlitecafe.com.

Denise Howard, RN, BSN

The NSU nursing department would like to recognize Denise Howard for the volunteer service she provides to our students and faculty. The caring expressed by nurses is often integrated into the care we provide our clients, and Denise is an example of the caring shared among our nursing professionals. Denise goes a step further by providing and integrating a caring attitude and presence as she volunteers to assist many of our nursing students and nursing faculty. Denise Howard, RN, BSN is a proud graduate of the Nova Southeastern RN to BSN program and is currently enrolled in the NSU Nursing MSN education track. The effort and the time she dedicates to assisting students is evident in the exemplary retention rate of the RN to BSN students. Denise offers assistance with technology, library searches, encouragement, and much more. According to Denise, “I am here to help.” Denise, we appreciate all of your effort and look forward to your continued caring presence

The PBGMC Auxiliary recently honored Sundae Frevert, Jean Bryde and Anna Ippolito with honorary lifetime membership awards to the auxiliary.

Sundae Frevert was the auxiliary’s first president in 1970 and she is retiring with 38 years of service and over 6,600 volunteer hours. “Sundae will be very much missed,” said Engstrom. “She has been an extremely faithful volunteer and we want to thank her for all her years of service.”

David Pettit, CEO at PBGMC; Sundae Frevert; and Karl Engstrom, President of the PBGMC Auxiliary.

According to Frevert, her mother bought her up to give back to the community. “I began candy striping at a hospital in Rochester, New York when I was a teenager. I was taught that volunteering is just something that one does.” Frevert enjoyed the people contact the most; greeting visitors and trying to help where she could. She is also proud of the fact that the auxiliary has helped so many people and organizations through its fund raising efforts and scholarship programs.

Jean Bryde is also retiring, with 28 years of service and more than 8,700 volunteer hours. Anna Ippolito retired last year with 23 years of service and 5,646 volunteer hours. “All of these ladies will be very much missed,” said Engstrom.

Members of the PBGMC auxiliary have donated over 1 million hours of time and service to PBGMC since its inception in 1970.

Hospice of Palm Beach County honored its volunteers with an annual appreciation luncheon at the Kravis Center Cohen Pavilion, West Palm Beach. The team of nearly 500 dedicated volunteers gave a total of 50,000 hours during 2008, averaging more than 40 volunteers doing something every single day of the year to support Hospice of Palm Beach County. Activities included visiting and calling patients wherever they were, phone calls to families and donors, providing guidance as Board and committee members, working in the resale shops which could not operate without the volunteers, and assisting at the John J. Brogan Horizons Bereavement Center.

Hospice of Palm Beach County Volunteers Recognized for 15+ years of Service

Front row (l-r): Barbara Casuso, Volunteer Services Coordinator, Hospice of Palm Beach County; Monica Moss; Judy Grabel; Dorothy Deutsch; Ed Bergman; Marilyn Marcus; Amy Kostick; Jesselyn Huey; Margaret Payne

Back Row (l-r): Cathleen O’Toole, WPBF Channel 25; Barbara Ivanko, COO, Hospice of Palm Beach County; Sarita Armstrong; Frances Rosi.

Recognized for 15 plus years of volunteer service were: Sarita Armstrong, Ed Bergman, Jacqueline Cummings, Dorothy Deutsch, Joyce Garberoglio, Judy Grabel, Jesselyn Huey, Amy Kostick, Jack Kovner, Marilyn Marcus, Monica Moss, Margaret Payne, Alberto Perez-Stable, Frances Rosi, and Diane Steiner.

“Those who truly benefit from our volunteers are the thousands of patients, their families and those in the community who turn to us for help. It is with the support of Hospice of Palm Beach County Volunteers that we are able to be there, providing the highest quality of care available anywhere, to every one who needs and wants our services,” said Barbara Ivanko, COO, Hospice of Palm Beach County.

Mike Myers

In 1972, the Martin Memorial Auxiliary president wanted to bring men into the program. So she went to the Anchorline Yacht Club located in Stuart and asked if men from the club might wish to become members. These “anchormen” as they were called, became the first males to join the Auxiliary.

When Mike Myers first applied to be a volunteer, he was informed that once you became an anchorman you were always an anchorman. Two of them had been there for almost 20 years and he was told unless someone passed away, it would be difficult to have an opportunity. He signed up as a substitute and after one year, when one of the members became ill, he finally became an anchorman.

Today, Myers serves as chairman of the group.

The anchormen provide an invaluable service by delivering mail and materials throughout the health system, covering wide areas between two counties.

“As you can imagine, we drive a long way every day through thunder storms and the hot sun,” Myers said. “Our van, which was supplied by the Auxiliary, has 82,000 miles on it, but with some repairs and loving attention, is still going strong.”

Barbara Danz and Mary Washington

When Mary Washington joined her twin sister, Barbara Danz, as a Martin Memorial Hospital Auxiliary member, she thought she would volunteer five years. Nineteen years later, she has accumulated over 4,300 hours. Barbara has been with the Auxiliary 32 years, with more than 7,600 hours to her credit.

“The hospital means a lot because it is such an integral part of the community,” says Barbara. “By volunteering, you feel like you’re giving back.”

(l-r) Mary Washington and Barbara Danz

The two can be found eating lunch together in the Medical Center cafeteria each Thursday, then they part to assist their respective service lines. Barbara volunteers in the maternal child department, while Mary helps out in medical records.

Over the years, each has spent time volunteering in various departments. Mary, who used to work as a pharmacy technician, started out on the fifth floor and later worked in the waiting room. A former bank vice president, Barbara was with the Auxiliary’s treasury department for 15 years, and also assisted with pediatrics and floor duty.

“I can’t say I’ve enjoyed one department more than another,” Barbara said. “All the girls appreciate what we do.”

“The people and the staff are so nice,” Mary said. “And the Auxiliary is a really fantastic group of men and women.”

Arlene Bick

One definition of a volunteer states “one that voluntary undertakes something without request”, this statement truly defines Arlene Bick. She volunteers two days a week, Tuesday and Thursday, in our surgical waiting room. On Thursday Arlene reviews the schedule for Friday and if the OR is busy she takes it upon herself to volunteer on Friday’s. Arlene also takes pride in keeping the surgical waiting room neat and clean, supplied with coffee and reading material. The relationship she has with our patients and their families is astounding. She is a solid rock for many of the patient families as they await their loved ones having surgery. Many have called her their “angel” and we in surgical services truly believe this. She truly defines dedication and commitment.

Maria Montoya

Can one person make a huge difference in just 4 months? Yes, at Plantation General Hospital Maria Montoya has done just that. This volunteer has dedicated 3 afternoons each week since October 2007 responding to the needs of the patients as well as the staff. Maria is always smiling, happy and willing to help in everyway possible. She visits the patients and brings them reading materials , holds the crying babies in the Pediatric unit, stuffs envelopes in the offices, greets visitors, cuts cake for the employees … you name it, Maria will do it with a smile.

Moving to Florida in 2006, she wanted to get involved with helping others. Besides volunteering at Plantation General Hospital, Maria also spends one morning a week at Westside Regional Hospital. She is very active as a Reader in her church for Sunday services and spends 2 evenings a week preparing for this role. Her hobbies include exercise as well as making Christmas stockings all year round for children. Maria has the true spirit of volunteerism and we at PGH are happy to call her one of our “volunteers”.

VITAS Volunteer JeanPaul Acocella, who is 18 years old, says it’s the little things that make hospice patients happy when he visits them. And that makes him happy.

“The volunteer activities that I most enjoy are visiting patients at nursing homes and bringing them little gifts or treats, or helping with special parties that VITAS throws for the patients for the different holidays,” says JeanPaul, who volunteers for VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® of Palm Beach County. “The patients might be at the end of life, but those little things make them smile—and that makes you feel good.”

JeanPaul is a senior at Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach. The son of Susan Acocella, general manager at the VITAS program in Palm Beach County, he started volunteering at VITAS in 2005, mostly doing administrative work at the office.

Since 2005, JeanPaul has branched out into visiting patients in nursing homes, helping out at Veterans’ Day memorials and other special events, and participating in fundraising walk-a-thons that VITAS might co-sponsor, such as for ALS or cancer. He estimates that, as a VITAS volunteer, he’s participated in approximately seven walk-a-thons in the past four years, often recruiting other young people to join him.

JeanPaul acknowledges that many young people might think hospice volunteering—especially visiting patients—would be depressing. “Some parts can be depressing,” such as knowing the patients will die soon, he admits. “But when we, the volunteers, come around, we don’t bring bad news with us so it’s not usually as depressing. We’re the part of the patients’ lives that’s still happy.”

There’s another positive by-product of hospice volunteering, notes JeanPaul. “It matures you, in a way,” he says. “It makes you look at life differently, because you learn to accept that life does come to an end”—a fact that not all teens think about too often.

“Hospice volunteering has taught me that you have to live your life, be who you are and do what you want to do,” continues JeanPaul, because life is too short to waste on activities that aren’t fulfilling, or trying to be someone other than oneself.

The future freshman at the University of Central Florida who plans to pursue global studies (international business) adds, “I’ve learned that I can do what I want and that I shouldn’t be afraid.” That’s a lesson that everyone—young and old—could be reminded of from time to time.

Mary Manna

The surgical waiting room at Delray Medical Center is a busy, tense place to work, but Volunteer Mary Manna maintains a warm, caring atmosphere to the delight of family and guests who wait for their loved ones’ surgery to be completed. Mary is the heart and soul who decorates the room according to the holiday, offers a plate of goodies, and generally provides guidance and a compassionate ear. She has found her true calling in the hospital setting.

Mary has lived in South Florida for more than fifty years. She and her husband raised their family in Hollywood where Mary was a dress maker. When they tired of condo living, they moved to the Delray Beach area to live in a single-family home. Five years ago Mary lost her husband of many years and it was at the urging of her physician that Mary applied to be a volunteer at Delray Medical Center. It was the best thing that ever happened for both Mary and the hospital.

Mary loves people and loves being busy. On average, she spends more than 25 hours a week at the hospital. The angel in the Surgical Waiting Room, Mary even added the challenge of learning the procedures at the Information Desk. She multi-tasks in the waiting room as she listens to family and guests, calls for updates, tracks down patient rooms and physicians, and stuffs envelopes if the need arrives. Her hands are never idle!

Her hobbies include knitting, crocheting, oil painting, and training her granddaughter’s puppy.

Zoe and Marcos Fiegler

Originally, Marcos Fiegler came to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital as a volunteer because of Joe DiMaggio, but he has stayed for six years because of the children.

“I was a big fan of Joe DiMaggio back in the ‘50s when I was in Cuba,” explained Marcos. “Once I came to the United States, I continued to follow him. Many years later when I heard about his support of the children’s hospital in Hollywood, I knew that I wanted to support it, too, with my time.”

Last year, he convinced his wife, Zoe, to join him on his regular Tuesday and Thursday volunteer stints. Both spend a majority of their time in the playroom, setting up paints, playing board games and helping parents of newly-admitted patients get oriented to the hospital.

“I like everything that I do here,” said Marcos. Because he and Zoe are bilingual, they feel that they can reach out to a wide range of patients as well as their parents and grandparents.

Zoe says it’s the smallest patients–the babies–that make her time at Joe DiMaggio worthwhile. “Most parents can’t be here all the time. I help in any way I can,” said Zoe. “The babies look back at me with such loving eyes like they really appreciate my being here.”

For Marcos, being a volunteer at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is the best possible medicine. Zoe explains, “When he comes here, all his pain goes away.”

Georgianna (Gianna) Miles

Gilda’s Club South Florida honors volunteer extraordinaire, Georgianna (Gianna) Miles. Gianna as she prefers to be called (pronounced Jana), first came to Gilda’s Club South Florida soon after our opening on Sheraton Street in Hollywood. She had lost a close friend to ovarian cancer and wanted to give back in honor and celebration of her friend.

For the last 14-years, Gianna, has worked quietly, but tirelessly at keeping our database up-to-date by inputting our membership information.

She has lived in South Florida for 36 years and retired from the Broward County Library System as their Collection Development Librarian. (She was in charge of selecting all materials for all libraries in the county). She has an undergraduate degree in American History and masters in Library Science, and is involved with the League of Women Voters and is on the Board of the Directors of the Friends of the Broward County Library.

We thank Gianna for her unceasing dedication and behind the scenes work that helps keep Gilda’s Club South Florida running smoothly. We could not do it without you!

Jose F. Allongo, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.P., long-time volunteer at the Boynton Beach Caridad Center, has been named co-director of the health clinic’s Steering Committee, announced Executive Director Barbara Vilaseca.

“In the eight years that he has provided volunteer services to Palm Beach County’s uninsured children and families, he has taken responsibility for ensuring that patients who need special interventions and surgeries receive what they need to maintain a healthy and hopeful life,” said Vilaseca. “The underserved have no better advocate than Dr. Allongo.”

Dr. Allongo has been in private practice in West Palm Beach since 1985 and is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University, Past President of Latin American Medical Association of The Palm Beaches, Fellow of the American College of Physican, and former member of Governor Chiles Florida Physician Advisory Panel.

“We are honored to have this distinguished doctor who, in addition to his regular volunteer schedule here, has agreed to give even more of his time to assure the highest quality of care for our patients,” Vilaseca added. “This is a man who gives from his heart, who lives his belief that we are obligated to leave this world a better place and who is a shining example to all who are fortunate enough to know him.”