March 9, 2021 – In support of geleophysic dysplasia research, Ibrahim Al-Rashid, chairman of Limestone Asset Management, and his wife, Ryann, have donated $3 million to the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. The couple has made the charitable gift in honor of their young son, who is affected by geleophysic dysplasia, and others who have the condition.  
 
The donation will support the Al-Rashid Family Geleophysic Dysplasia Research Fund, in the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics at the Miller School. The fund will support a comprehensive research initiative for geleophysic dysplasia that translates functional studies and the identification of treatment targets into drug screening and gene-based therapies.
 
The Al-Rashid family has been longtime and loyal supporters of many initiatives at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Ibrahim’s siblings, Fahad, Salman and Mohammad Al-Rashid are longtime UM supporters who will also be participating in this donation. Led by the philanthropy of their father, Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid, the Al-Rashid family has donated over $20 million to the University of Miami prior to Ibrahim and Ryann’s recent $3 million commitment.
 
“When my wife, Ryann, and I were told that our son had been diagnosed with geleophysic dysplasia, we didn’t know where to turn, as the internet didn’t contain much information or hope. Geleophysic dysplasia was orphaned like so many other rare diseases,” said Ibrahim Al-Rashid, a University of Miami graduate and Miami resident. “For us and other families suffering from this devastating diagnosis, that hopelessness stops today. We are here for the community and hope that the research being conducted at University of Miami develops treatments meaningful enough to alter the course of those afflicted with this disease. We truly appreciate the University of Miami’s expertise, willingness and enthusiasm in taking on this research project. We urge those who have been diagnosed to contact us in order to strengthen our knowledge of the natural history of geleophysic dysplasia. You are our resource as much as we are yours.”
 
“It’s difficult to put into words how much my son’s diagnosis paralyzed me with fear. I continue to seek hope in every avenue possible,” said Ryann Al-Rashid. “I know God has a plan for him that is bigger than anything I can imagine. My hope is this research can help our son and every single person with this rare condition.”
 
If you have been diagnosed with geleophysic dysplasia and would like to provide the Al-Rashid family and the University of Miami with more information on the natural history of this condition, please call 305-243-2381.
 
The fund will be administered by Mustafa Tekin, M.D., Chief of the Division of Clinical and Translational Genetics in the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. 
 
“The University of Miami is one of the top places to study rare diseases; it’s not by chance that we are working on this particular study,” notes Dr. Tekin. “Our team has the experience and expertise, and now thanks to Ibrahim and Ryann Al-Rashid, we can take this work to the next level and get it done.”
 
“We are very grateful to Ibrahim and Ryann Al-Rashid for this extraordinary gift to fund geleophysic dysplasia research,” said Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A, dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School. “Their heart-felt contribution allows us to advance much needed research into this rare disease and develop the treatment options that can improve and save lives.”
 
Geleophysic dysplasia, a progressive condition resembling a lysosomal storage disorder, is characterized by short stature, short hands and feet, progressive joint limitation and contractures, distinctive facial features, progressive cardiac valvular disease, and thickened skin. Cardiac, respiratory, and lung involvement result in death before age 5 in approximately 33% of individuals with ADAMTSL2-related geleophysic dysplasia
 


March 9, 2021 – During a private and heartfelt reception at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital earlier this afternoon, prominent golfer Camilo Villegas and his wife Maria Ochoa presented staff on the hematology and oncology unit with Mia’s Serenity Space for Staff – a quiet, dim and cozy room where healthcare staff can go to take a moment for themselves, unwind and reflect.
 
The unveiling of Mia’s Serenity Space for Staff comes days ahead of The Honda Classic, set to take place from March 15 – March 21. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is one of the organizations supported by Honda Classic Cares, through the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. 
 
The new Serenity Space for Staff at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is part of Camilo and Maria’s vision through Mia’s Miracles, a foundation established in honor of their late daughter Mia to provide small blessings with large impacts. 
 
“Mia’s Serenity Space for Staff is an exciting program for Mia’s Miracles Foundation. This project has been an extremely healing and rewarding process for Camilo and I. We saw firsthand how difficult the job can be for these medical heroes. It takes so much, both physically and emotionally, to provide continuous care and support to families during challenging medical crises,” said President and Founder of Mia’s Miracles Foundation, Maria Ochoa. “We wanted to create a space for staff at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital where they can recharge and continue to provide the best care, by replicating the positive and relaxing energy that moved throughout Mia’s room.” 
 
“At Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, we pride ourselves on providing family-centered care to all who walk through our doors, including our very own physicians, nurses, and all other system employees,” said Matthew Love, President and CEO of Nicklaus Children’s Health System. “We appreciate and admire Camilo, Maria and Mia’s Miracles for this generous gesture and for thinking of our healthcare heroes who have been at the forefront of this global pandemic.”
 
Mia’s Miracles began its ongoing partnership with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital last year as they helped reunite a patient from Honduras with his mother just in time for Christmas. This year, they hope to identify several patients in need who will benefit from the partnership program, Mia’s Blessings, which provides emergency funds to families at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital so they do not have to choose between their child’s medical care and other expenses. Support helps cover transportation, food and hygiene products, lodging, and as needed, funeral and memorial services.  
 
 
About Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
Founded in 1950 by Variety Clubs International, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is South Florida’s only licensed specialty hospital exclusively for children, with nearly 800 attending physicians and more than 475 pediatric subspecialists. The 309-bed hospital, known as Miami Children’s Hospital from 1983 through 2014, is renowned for excellence in all aspects of pediatric medicine with many specialty programs routinely ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report since 2008. The hospital is also home to the largest pediatric teaching program in the southeastern United States and has been designated an American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet facility, the nursing profession’s most prestigious institutional honor. For more information, please visit www.nicklauschildrens.org. 
 
 
About Mia’s Miracles Foundation 
Founded by PGA Professional Golfer Camilo Villegas and wife Maria Ochoa, Mia’s Miracles Foundation provides small blessings with significant impacts, bringing smiles and positivity to children and families facing challenging circumstances. This vision of Mia’s Miracles Foundation is that all children and families receive access to reliable resources and a supportive network that leads to a hopeful future. Since its launch, Mia’s Miracles Foundation has devoted resources to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, FL, and many organizations in Colombia, providing vulnerable children and families with assistance to ease the burden of financial hardships and emotional stress during difficult times. www.miasmiracles.org
 


March 10, 2021 – Nicklaus Children’s Health System, parent organization of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, has appointed three new members to its board of directors. Joining the panel are Alex Krys, Carlos Perez-Abreu and Miguel Sosa, all recognized business leaders who contribute significantly to the South Florida community.
 
“Nicklaus Children’s is pleased to welcome our newest board members, Alex Krys, Carlos Perez-Abreu and Miguel Sosa,” said Matthew A. Love, health system president and CEO. “Each of these new appointees is well recognized for their business acumen and community activism. As stewards of the region’s only health system exclusively for children, the Nicklaus Children’s leadership team looks forward to benefitting from the remarkable experience of these exceptional community leaders.” 
 
Alex Krys is currently a managing member of Juniper Capital Partners, LLC, and is active in all of Juniper’s investments.  He has a corporate background as CEO of multinational operations, combined with significant experience in the financial and operational restructuring of complex businesses and assets.  Most recently, Juniper through its affiliate, purchased the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, which is rebranding as a Virgin Hotel and the Trump Towers in Toronto, now rebranded as St. Regis.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carlos Perez-Abreu, CPA, is managing partner with PAAST, PL, a full service audit, accounting, tax and management consulting firm. He has more than 25 years of public accounting experience, providing tax, accounting, assurance, business consulting and more to clients in a variety of industries, including automobile dealerships, financial services, manufacturing and more. In his current role, he oversees day-to-day operations and policy as well as strategic objectives. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Miguel Sosa is the founding partner of Premia Global Advisors, LLC, a private wealth management and advisory firm with clients around the globe. Previously, Mr. Sosa worked at Merrill Lynch for more than 30 years, most recently in its private banking and investment group where he obtained a global institutional consulting designation. Mr. Sosa has also served in the U.S. Air Force, receiving two commendation medals during his service tenure. 
 
 
 
 
About Nicklaus Children’s Health System
Nicklaus Children’s Health System (NCHS) is the parent organization of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, South Florida’s only licensed specialty hospital exclusively for children. The 309-bed nonprofit hospital, known as Miami Children’s Hospital from 1983 through 2014, was founded in 1950 by Variety Clubs International and is renowned for excellence in all aspects of pediatric medicine, with many programs routinely ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. The health system also includes Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation, the organization’s 501c3 fundraising arm; a network of nonprofit outpatient and urgent care centers situated in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin counties; a nonprofit physician practice subsidiary; and an ambulatory surgery center. NCHS is the region’s only healthcare system exclusively for children. 
 


March 9, 2021 — Lee Health is in need of convalescent plasma donations to help refill supply levels. Under an emergency use authorization (EUA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has made investigational convalescent plasma available for the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to fight COVID-19.   
 
Convalescent plasma refers to blood plasma collected from people who have recovered from COVID-19. That plasma is then used to treat others with COVID-19. The blood donor must have had a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), be symptom free for at least 14 days, and be otherwise eligible to donate blood. The procedure is the same as any routine blood donation. After donation, the blood is processed in the lab to obtain the plasma component. The patient is transfused with the donor’s convalescent plasma, which contains antibodies that may attack the virus and may help the patient recover more rapidly. 
 
Here’s how the donation program works at Lee Health: 
•Individuals who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 whose symptoms have resolved for at least 14 days can volunteer to donate blood.
•Donors are screened by clinical personnel with questions and tests to make sure they are appropriate to donate blood that will be processed to make COVID-19 convalescent plasma. 
•To volunteer, call 239-343-2332 or email COVID.plasma@LeeHealth.org  (E-mail preferred)
•Documented routine blood donation consent is required; forms provided by Lee Health. 
•If potential donors are appropriate, an appointment for blood donation is scheduled at a Lee Health donation site. 
 
All donations collected by Lee Health stay in our community and are used exclusively for Lee Health patients. 
 
 
 
About Lee Health
Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A non-profit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Staffed by caring people, inspiring health, services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org.
 


Nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center Expands Board of Trustees
 
March 8, 2021 – FoundCare Inc., a nonprofit federally qualified health center, recently added three members to its board of trustees. Stephanie Carden, Miron Ebanks and Marcia Howard are the newest board members, and their unique backgrounds bring a specialized approach to their positions. 
 
FoundCare uses a sliding fee scale based on household size and income, and no one is turned away for inability to pay. With several locations throughout Palm Beach County, FoundCare’s services include pediatric and adult primary care, women’s health services, chronic disease management, behavioral health services, dentistry, pharmacy, laboratory services, and x-rays. FoundCare’s mission is to fulfill unmet healthcare and social service needs of individuals and families in Palm Beach County. FoundCare recently broke ground on renovations to a 10,000-square-foot-facility in West Palm Beach.  Set to open this fall, the new health center will serve as a one-stop healthcare medical home to all.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carden, a Palm Beach resident, previously worked as staff attorney at Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County for 23 years before retiring. “My favorite part of my job was representing and advocating for individuals with HIV/AIDS, so FoundCare was a natural fit for me as they pioneered HIV/AIDS services with the Comprehensive AIDS Program,” said Carden. “No one should feel that they cannot afford to go to the doctor or get medical treatment and I do not think there should be barriers to healthcare.” Carden is no stranger to serving on nonprofit boards as she served as the board secretary for Palm Beach Day Academy from 2012 to 2020.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ebanks is the CEO of Merricare Community Integrated Services, where she oversees operations to provide services to individuals with disabilities. Ebanks has been in public health management for the last 30 years, holding senior managerial positions throughout her career. “I am passionate about providing services to underserved communities that are impacted by mental health crises, substance abuse and developmental disabilities,” she said. “I am excited about serving on FoundCare’s board to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable in our community and bring leadership through compassion and care. My belief is that we all have something to give to those in need.” Ebanks has a history of serving on various boards and advisory committees. She was raised in England and Jamaica, and currently lives in Delray Beach.
 
 
 
 
 
Howard, a Wellington resident, is the assistant Controller at Palm Beach Atlantic University and has a history with FoundCare. Howard was the Chief Financial Officer at FoundCare from 2006 until 2014. A native of Jamaica, Howard serves her community in a myriad of ways. “I believe it is better to give than to receive,” Howard said, “so that is why I serve at my local church and I am happy to add FoundCare Board Member to that list. The organization delivers services with care and compassion, and that aligns with my values.”
 
 
 
 
Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are funded primarily by several entities, including grants, philanthropy and the federal government. To meet the criteria for federal funding, each health center must meet certain guidelines, including being governed by a board that includes patients from the community it serves, as well as other requirements.
 
“We are excited to have these three wonderful and qualified professionals join our board,” said Yolette Bonnet, CEO of FoundCare. “As the need for affordable healthcare increases, we are in a position of growth, and they will help us champion those changes. Fifty-one percent of the board are patients, ensuring we keep our priorities relevant to those seeking services from FoundCare,” Bonnet said.
To learn more about FoundCare, please visit http://.foundcare.org or call 561-HEALTHY (561-432-5849).