It would be accurate to call Kristine Orta-Crespo a “lifer” at Memorial Hospital Miramar, since she started working there before the facility opened its doors in 2005. “I’ve seen kids in the community grow up, from newborn to adolescent. They’re like our family and we treat them that way.”

The pediatric emergency room clinical manager was initially hesitant to work with children, but embraced Memorial’s patient and family-centered approach and now considers peds her calling. “Children are innocent, resilient, and general happy, despite whatever brought them to the hospital. I feel like I can really make a difference for them,” said Orta-Crespo, a nurse for more than 30 years.

To that end, Orta-Crespo and the pediatric team actively participate in the annual Tour de Broward fundraiser for Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. They raised $4,500 selling Valentine’s Day baskets this year alone, part of the overall effort that made Memorial Miramar the event’s top fundraising hospital.