November 15, 2025 – HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital welcomed children from Operation 300’s Gold and White Star Kids Camp for an inspiring and interactive event designed to introduce them to the world of robotic surgery. The Robotic Experience gave campers a hands-on opportunity to explore the hospital’s advanced minimally invasive surgical instruments and learn directly from expert surgeons and surgical services providers.
During the event, campers engaged in demonstrations and simulations showcasing how robotic-assisted technology is transforming modern healthcare. They saw how these systems enable greater precision, smaller incisions and faster recovery times for patients. The experience also allowed campers to ask questions and hear firsthand from surgeons about their careers, the role of technology in medicine and the teamwork that drives exceptional patient care and outcomes at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital.
“We are honored to partner with Operation 300 and provide these incredible kids with a unique opportunity to see innovation in action,” said Corey Lovelace, chief executive officer of HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital. “We hope this event sparks their curiosity and demonstrates how the advanced technology we use every day is improving more lives on the Treasure Coast.”
Operation 300’s Gold and White Star Kids Camps create meaningful experiences for children who have lost a parent in military service. Hosting the Robotic Experience reflects HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital’s commitment to supporting these families and inspiring the next generation of compassionate caregivers.
For more information about HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital and its advanced surgical services, recently ranked #1 in Florida for Joint Replacement by Healthgrades, visit https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/locations/st-lucie-hospital/specialties/surgery.
About HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital
HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital is a 222-bed acute care facility. The combined efforts of more than 400 skilled physicians and 900 dedicated employees have resulted in one of the most comprehensive healthcare facilities on the Treasure Coast. HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital offers a full range of services that include a birthing center, cardiac catheterization lab, minimally invasive robotic surgery, gynecologic, general and vascular surgery, a Joint Commission-verified Primary Stroke Center, and wound care with hyperbaric services. Additionally, HCA Florida St. Lucie is home to a senior-friendly ER and freestanding ERs in Stuart and Darwin Square.
About HCA Florida Healthcare
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 650 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers. As one of the state’s leading healthcare networks, HCA Florida Healthcare’s 11,100 experienced doctors and more than 84,000 colleagues work together to deliver equitable, evidence-based collaborative care through more than 12 million patient encounters annually. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. In 2024, the network provided more than $1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.7 million to community organizations across the state. In addition, HCA Florida Healthcare offers patients access to highly trained specialists, including the state’s most comprehensive cardiovascular network. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is a leader in in training future healthcare professionals, offering 151 Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs at 27 different hospitals with more than 2,400 residents. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
About Operation 300
Operation 300, founded in honor of Navy SEAL Aaron Vaughn—killed in action on August 6, 2011, in the Extortion 17 mission—exists to honor the legacy of America’s fallen heroes by caring for the families they leave behind. Created by Aaron’s sister Tara Baldwin and her family, the nonprofit provides free, adventure-based camps and restorative programs for children and spouses who have lost a parent or loved one in military service or law enforcement.Through programs such as Gold and White Star Kids Camps, Gold Star Father Expeditions, Spouse Retreats, Adopt-a-Pet placements, and the newly launched Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Kids Camps, Operation 300 pairs each child with a dedicated mentor and offers families a chance to heal, connect, and build resilience. All travel, lodging, meals, activities, and programming are provided at absolutely no cost to the families, thanks entirely to the generosity of community supporters and partners. Operation 300 remains committed to ensuring these families are never forgotten—walking alongside them with strength, compassion, and a promise to honor the legacy of their heroes.
