Orlando Health Foundation - Fall 2021 Inspire

Fall ‛21

COMMUNITY • CARE • GENEROSITY

DEAR FRIENDS,

Over the past 18 months, Orlando Health has learned of the best as each of them gives so much every day to
many important lessons about COVID-19. First, this our patients and their families. I thank them for their
ever-evolving disease will remain a presence in our courage and dedication.
communities for an extended time. However, we have Even in the midst of a pandemic, Orlando Health teams
also learned, we are all in this together. As a healthcare have excelled and been awarded for their performance.
organization, we are working hard to prioritize the Orlando Health hospitals have been recognized as
health and well-being of our team members, physicians “Best Hospital” and “High Performing Hospitals” for
and communities throughout our pandemic response. 2021 – 2022 by U.S. News & World Report. In addition,
George Ralls, MD, chief medical officer at Orlando multiple Orlando Health hospitals have been named to
Health, recently shared five key principles inspiring our the Fortune/IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals® list.
ongoing focus: This marks the fourth time Orlando Health hospitals
have been recognized and demonstrates Orlando
1. We must remain resilient, so we can continue to Health’s ongoing commitment to prioritize patient-
expertly serve our patients and communities. centered care.
2. The well-being of our team members, physicians As committed as I am to our team members, myself
and other providers is key to ensuring we can and colleagues at Orlando Health Foundation are also
continue to serve our patients. inspired by your dedication to patient care. As you’ll
3. The decision to undergo a medical procedure read in the enclosed pages, philanthropic support helps
is complex and best made by the physician and the organization fight cancer, provide expert cardiac
patient. care, treat uninsured and underinsured teens and more,
4. Meeting the care needs of patients requires ultimately leading to the award-winning healthcare we
creativity, commitment and adjustments to our are known for throughout the southeast region.
routines. Thank you for your continued support,

5. Leaders are expected to provide their team with John W. Bozard, President,
the same commitment and enthusiasm they provide Orlando Health Foundation
to our patients.
As an Orlando Health leader, I especially take the
last point to heart. I continue to be impressed by the
dedication of our team members to care for and about
our community. Our team members are among the best

inspire - Fall 2021 —2—

4-5 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Highlights

6-7 Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Provides Grant to
Support Central Florida Residents Living with Paralysis

8-9 A Special Bond Between Mother, Son and the Hewell Kids’
Kidney Center

10-11 Pediatric Cardiologist’s Skills Strengthen Seventy-Four Year
Old Heart

12 Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips: Ensuring a Home Away From Home

13 Charitable Gift Annuity: Earn Income for Life While Making a
Difference in the Community

14-15 Meet the President: Q&A with Margo Shoup, MD

16-17 Dr. Neeraj and Avani Desai: A Force for Healthcare

18-19 A New Chapter Confirmed at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg

20 Spirit Halloween

21 Community Partners: Making a Difference for Local Kids

22 Meet Our Mission

23 Tribute Gifts

Campaign Updates

CHANGE MAKERS AT This past June, local Publix stores in Orange,
COSTCO Osceola, Seminole, Brevard, Volusia and Flagler
counties united to support Orlando Health
Each year, Costco provides a Arnold Palmer through their 12-day CMN Hospitals
meaningful opportunity for coupon campaign, raising over $210,000.
associates and members to come We are grateful to work alongside a dedicated
together to make a difference for community leader like Publix and share our deepest
their local children’s hospital. This gratitude with their frontline associates and generous
year, Costco reached new heights! For customers who continue to choose to make a difference
the 34th year in a row, Costco associates at warehouses in the lives of the patients and families we care for
across the country joined forces to help change kids’ each day.
health through their Children’s Miracle Network
Hospitals campaign in May. Across the four warehouses RE/MAX: AGENTS
in Central Florida, the excitement could be felt as the OF CHANGE
sound of cowbells, handclappers and cheers filled the
air when members donated to support the families RE/MAX has been a proud
and patients treated at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer partner of Children’s
Hospital for Children. Miracle Network (CMN)
No donation was too small, and with the support Hospitals since 1992. Since
of Costco members and local businesses, the local the partnership began, agents
warehouses had a record-breaking year raising more throughout Central Florida have
than $170,000. Thank you, Costco, for your continued contributed over $2.2 million by making donations
commitment to make a difference in the lives of kids in with each closed transaction.
our community year after year. Our local RE/MAX agents are not only committed to
helping you buy or sell your next home, but they are
CELEBRATING THE also committed to helping change kids’ health – a key
SPIRIT OF GIVING mission of CMN Hospitals. This is especially true of
AT PUBLIX RE/MAX Elite, where broker/owner, Justin Brown, and
his team have a long history of supporting Orlando
Since its founding in 1930, Health Arnold Palmer. With five offices and more than
Publix has had a long- 100 agents in Brevard County, the dedicated agents of
standing tradition of being RE/MAX Elite are focused on serving the communities
a company the community can in which they live and work. Justin and his agents have
count on. Throughout their 29-year partnership with built a strong culture of giving back, raising more than
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, the commitment $325,000 over the past 15 years. Through their efforts,
and generosity of Publix customers and associates has these agents of change are making a lasting difference
been seen and felt through the advancements they’ve for local kids and families.
made possible in pediatric healthcare at Orlando Health
Arnold Palmer.

inspire - Fall 2021 —4—

Miracle Network Dance Marathon
Programs Receive National Awards

This past July, Miracle Network Dance Marathon Royal-Thon at The First Academy
student leaders, advisors and participants - representing Hatterthon at Stetson University
350 colleges, universities and K-12 schools - came
together virtually to celebrate, learn and strategize at
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ annual Dance
Marathon Leadership Conference. Orlando Health
Arnold Palmer is honored to have the outstanding
efforts of three of our Dance Marathon programs in
Central Florida recognized as they received national
awards.

Congratulations to:

Royal-Thon at The First Academy

Marathon Programming Award

Hatterthon at Stetson University

Marathon Programming Award

Knight-Thon at The University of
Central Florida

Best Morale Dance Award

We’re grateful for the efforts of all of our Dance
Marathon programs and look forward to another
incredible year ahead!

Knight-Thon at The University of Central Florida

Over the years, philanthropic support from Upcoming Campaigns
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals partners
has changed kids’ health and changed the future IHOP Kid Chef: September 13 – October 31
for patients at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Great Clips: October 1 – October 31
Hospital for Children. We value our community
partners and invite you to support and thank The Torch Relay for CMN Hospitals: October 22 - November 13
Dairy Queen Miracle Treat Day: October 28
them during the upcoming campaigns. Extra Life National Game Day: November 6

For more information on the following initiatives, Panda Express Virtual Drive to Retail Campaign: November 16
please visit CMNOrlando.org.

—5— OrlandoHealthFoundation.com

“ “
“Our ultimate goal is to improve the
quality of life and empower individuals
to access personal health information,

increase their knowledge about their
specific conditions and modifiable risk

factors, and improve overall health
and wellness in the spinal cord injury

community,” says Stacy McGinnis.

Christopher & Dana
Reeve Foundation

Provides Grant to Support Central
Florida Residents Living with Paralysis

The Christopher & Dana Reeve
Foundation was founded in 1982 and
is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury
by funding innovative research, and
improving the quality of life for people

living with paralysis through grants,
information and advocacy.

inspire - Fall 2021 —6—

As Central Florida’s only Level One Trauma and positioning who provide
Center, Orlando Health Orlando Regional recommendations to individuals on
Medical Center (ORMC) sees an average of equipment and seating systems, along
79 patients per year that have been diagnosed with strategies for effective pressure
with a spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D). Our redistribution. Participation in the clinic is
team helps individuals with SCI/D progress through free, and is open to any individual living with
the rehabilitation program, from acute care through paralysis in Central Florida.
inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings.
The Orlando Health ORMC Institute for Advanced This assessment and education is a critical tool
Rehabilitation is the go-to program to care for these in maintaining the health and wellness of our
individuals, offering them education, wellness and community. Many individuals with SCI/D do not have
support throughout their lives. an opportunity to receive an accurate measurement
A SCI/D can occur in many ways, such as from an of their weight on a regular basis, nor can locate
injury, illness or disease that alters nerve function. accessible scales that will accommodate the size of their
These injuries can result in temporary or permanent wheelchair. The ability to monitor weight over time can
changes to normal motor, sensory or autonomic help these individuals correlate the impacts of nutrition,
function of the spinal cord. SCI/D can cause permanent physical activity and other medical conditions on their
and profound neurologic impairment, resulting in weight.
mobility deficits.
While individualized therapy helps to address As the largest organ in the body, the skin’s integrity and
independence at all levels of care for these patients, health is highly essential, especially in individuals with
there is still limited access to resources that can SCI/D. It is critically important that these individuals
help individuals living with SCI/D maintain a are aware of their positioning and areas of risk, in
healthy lifestyle. order to avoid the development of pressure related skin
To help provide these resources, the injuries. Having access to a pressure mapping system,
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation when used as a combined diagnostic and educational
recently provided Orlando Health with a tool, provides real-time feedback for the clinician and
$16,000 grant in support of individuals living participant, and has a direct impact on an individual’s
with paralysis. independence and well-being.

Thanks to this grant, Orlando Health is able to provide “Our ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life
community access to much-needed equipment, and empower individuals to access personal health
information, increase their knowledge about their
including a wheelchair accessible scale (pictured specific conditions and modifiable risk factors, and
above) and a pressure mapping system, as well improve overall health and wellness in the spinal
as offer a free seating clinic. The clinic is cord injury community,” says Stacy McGinnis.
coordinated by skilled specialists in seating “Through the spinal cord injury clinic, we aim to
reach 300 individuals with spinal cord injuries
and their families and caregivers annually, free
of charge.”

Thanks to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation,
Orlando Health has increased its ability to support
individuals with SCI/D in Central Florida. This
program has given these individuals the knowledge and
equipment needed to meet their specific seating and
mobility needs.

—7— OrlandoHealthFoundation.com

inspire - Fall 2021 A Special Bond Between
Mother, Son and the
Hewell Kids’ Kidney
Center

While waiting for the arrival of their first
child together, Florina and her husband
Jorge were feeling the excitement and
anticipation many parents experience.

It was during a routine check-up
where things began to change. During
a standard ultrasound, doctors
discovered that their son was showing
signs of minimal kidney function.

“I felt like my whole world just
collapsed,” recalls Florina.

Common parent concerns for what
might happen after the baby’s birth
turned into rapid fears of what
this would mean for the child’s
development during the remainder of
her pregnancy. Florina’s medical team
continued to closely monitor her son’s
development as the weeks progressed.
Then, in September of 2016, Nikolai
entered the world. Born six weeks
early, he spent a month in the Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit at Orlando Health
Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women &
Babies, undergoing multiple surgeries.
Immediately after he was born, Florina
and Jorge met with Jorge A. Ramirez, MD,
medical director for the Orlando Health
Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children’s Hewell
Kids’ Kidney Center to discuss a course of
action to treat Nikolai’s minimal functioning
kidneys.
Dr. Ramirez and his team did everything they
could to prolong Nikolai needing dialysis so soon
after he was born. Yet, at only nine months old,
Nikolai was out of options and began hemodialysis. For
three days each week, Florina took Nikolai to Orlando
Health Arnold Palmer to receive his dialysis treatment.
Each treatment lasted at least four hours. At the time, less

—8—

than a year old, Nikolai was the youngest treatment, Nikolai continues to thrive. He is a joyous
patient in the Hewell Kids’ Kidney Center kid who loves books, is very active and enjoys playing
receiving dialysis. in the water.

“We were there so much, we Because of the compassionate care Nikolai and their
started to build a relationship with family received from the physicians, nurses and staff,
the nurses and team there. They Florina and Jorge were inspired to give back to Orlando
became like family,” says Florina. “It
was the toughest part of my life, and Health Arnold Palmer. “We want to do whatever
the staff was there for me, providing
both personal and emotional support.” we can to support the hospital,” says
Florina. As members of the Champions Circle, Florina
Nikolai remained on dialysis for approximately
one year, awaiting the day he could receive a kidney and Jorge have given $100,000 to support our mission
transplant. While they were waiting, Florina was tested to provide the best possible care for local kids and
to see if she could be a potential donor for her son, and families. Their generous support not only honors the
results showed that she was a match and would be team who cares for Nikolai, but further demonstrates
able to give Nikolai her kidney. At just two their passion to invest in care for kids and families for
years old, Nikolai underwent a successful years to come.
kidney transplant surgery at a Florida
transplant center, all thanks to the
kidney donated by his mother.

Never expecting to be in this
situation with their child, Florina
and Jorge couldn’t imagine
getting through it all without the
help, support and care of the team
at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer.

“Dr. Ramirez was there with
us every step of the way. Both
before and after the transplant,
he consistently knew everything that
was going on with Nikolai’s care,” says
Florina. “I just want other parents to know

that there is hope and there is help out
there. I felt that I was in great hands and
was going to be taken care of. I felt that

from the beginning.”

Now almost five years old, Nikolai continues to
see Dr. Ramirez on a regular basis to manage
his care. In addition to seeing Dr. Ramirez

for nephrology, he also sees a urologist,
pulmonologist and gastroenterologist at

Orlando Health Arnold Palmer and has
received physical therapy, occupational

therapy and speech therapy to aid in
his development. Through all his

—9— OrlandoHealthFoundation.com

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGIST’S At the age of 44, Hal Mette underwent a specialized
SKILLS STRENGTHEN cardiac surgery known as the Ross procedure. A
procedure that, today, is considered too risky to be
SEVENTY- performed on adults and is reserved only for children –
FOUR YEAR who tend to have the particularly clear arteries needed
OLD HEART to help make the surgery a success.
A previously diagnosed aortic birth defect and heart
murmur was prematurely wearing down Hal’s arteries.
This diagnosis gave Hal a life expectancy of only
two more years, at most. Not wanting to accept this
reality without exhausting all options, Hal researched
treatment options that could extend his life. Once
Hal discovered the Ross procedure, he and his wife,
Jennifer, decided to take the chance on surgery, despite
the small percentage of positive outcomes. At the time
of his surgery, 29 years ago, only one in every five adults
survived. But for Hal, it was well worth the risk.
Because of that decision and the success of the surgery,
Hal’s heart has been strong, allowing him to spend time
with family and enjoy the hobbies he loves. However,
over time, Hal’s heart murmur became louder, his
breathing became heavier and he needed another
surgery.

FINDING HOPE IN PEDIATRICS

Because Hal’s original cardiac procedure is now only
performed on pediatric patients, Hal needed to find a
surgeon with the right experience. Hal was introduced

inspire - Fall 2021 — 10 —

to David G. Nykanen, MD, Hal’s medical team was recognized as part of the
director of cardiology at The couple’s donation, seeing the impact their extraordinary
Heart Center at Orlando care has on not only their patients’ physical health,
Health Arnold Palmer but their mental and emotional well-being as well.
Hospital for Children. Karen Iacono, MSN, ARNP, C-PNP, values the training
Highly skilled, Dr. Nykanen she received as part of the Roadmap Project, aiding
was the perfect physician clinicians to support the resilience and emotional health
to perform this challenging of pediatric patients with chronic conditions, their
procedure. families, and the medical teams who care for them.
“I knew it was important to let Hal tell me about
“Dr. Nykanen amazed me right from the himself and who he was as a person. Through
beginning. He treated me like a human being and learning some of his anxiety around the procedure,
really cared about me,” Hal recalls. I knew I wanted to be a consistent part of being
compassionate towards his needs and partner
The surgery, performed at Orlando Health Orlando with he and Jennifer to enrich his resilience,” says
Regional Medical Center, was a success and a true Karen.
collaborative effort between our adult and pediatric
teams. On the following day, Hal could already breathe To show appreciation for the care you or a loved
significantly better. His wife, Jennifer, although one received, consider making a gift to the
extremely nervous during the procedure, felt confident
in Hal’s team. “You could really feel how much Dr. Orlando Health Foundation in honor of your
Nykanen and his entire team cared about us. They caregiver(s). Your generosity not only honors and
were there for us every step of the way and helped recognizes those who provided excellent care, it
to put us at ease,” says Jennifer.
also allows us to continue providing life-saving
Inspired by the authentic care and compassion of and compassionate care to our community. Visit
Dr. Nykanen and his team, the Mette’s decided to OrlandoHealth.com/HonorACaregiver to make a
honor their work through a $5,000 Honor a Caregiver gift in recognition of a team member who made
donation. In addition, they joined our Champions
Circle giving society, which helps support the ongoing your experience exceptional.
needs of the hospital. Because of his care team, Hal (407) 841-5194
is now 74 and can keep doing the things he loves
most, such as riding his motorcycle and participating [email protected]
in “SaddleSore” rides (completing at least 1,000
continuous miles on a motorcycle).

Ensuring a The Perry Pavilion is a two-story hospitality lodge
Home Away designed to house family members within our hospital
From Home while their loved ones receive acute care treatment.
This “home away from home” gives family members
The Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips from outside Central Florida a place to stay at an
Foundation, Inc. is dedicated affordable price, allowing them to be close to their
to taking action in order to loved ones who may be critically ill. Often, the guests
create lasting change in our who stay at the Perry Pavilion are vacationers whose
community. At the beginning family member suddenly requires medical attention.
of 2020, members of the Thanks to the pavilion, families can focus on the health
Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips of their loved one, close at hand, rather than worrying
began making plans to support about an unplanned and extended stay at a hotel.
Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips
Hospital, feeling a connection The Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips is comprised of many
to the Cynthia C. & William members who are a part of the large hospitality
E. Perry Pavilion at Orlando industry here in Central Florida. These individuals
Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital. understand, better than most, the hospitality needs of
out-of-town families facing a sudden challenge.

When the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips pledged $100,000
in early 2020 to help launch an endowment to support
the Perry Pavilion, they could not have anticipated
the challenges COVID-19 would soon bring. In order
to keep the health and safety of patients and visitors
as the highest level of priority, the Perry Pavilion was
temporarily closed at the beginning of the pandemic.

This closure did not stop the Rotary Club of Dr.
Phillips from supporting a cause they believed to
be important. Knowing that Orlando Health Dr. P.
Phillips has plans to re-open the Perry Pavilion once it
is safe to do so, the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips moved
forward and advanced the full amount of the gift.

Michael Handley, former President of the Rotary, and
a key leader of the Rotary Foundation said, “It is more
important than ever to support this mission, re-open
the pavilion when it can be done safely, and help ensure
those services will be available for years to come.”

Through their giving, the compassionate members of
the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips are leaving behind a
legacy that will help to serve families in Central Florida
for years to come.

inspire - Fall 2021 — 12 —

Earn Income for Life

While Making a Difference in the Community

What if I told you there was a way you could make a gift and receive money in return? A charitable gift annuity
(CGA) is a way to make this possible for you and your family.
With a simple agreement between you and the Orlando Health Foundation, a gift annuity can be established with a
donation as low as $10,000. Fund your charitable gift annuity with cash, stock or other appreciated assets to lessen
capital gains taxes. Once established, receive an immediate tax deduction and guaranteed fixed payments for life.

Gift of
Assets

1

3 Remainder
To Charity

Donor Charitable
Gift Annuity
Income Tax
Deductions & 2
Fixed Payments

A CGA may be an option, if you want to:
Secure fixed payments now, or in the future, for you and/or a loved one
Sell appreciated stock and lessen your capital gains tax
Receive an immediate charitable deduction

FOR A FREE PERSONALIZED GIFT ILLUSTRATION: OrlandoHealthFoundation.com

Visit OrlandoHealthPlannedGiving.com
or call (321) 843-9844.

“This type of charitable gift appealed to me
because it provides a regular income during my
lifetime while fostering the continuation of high-
quality health care in the Central Florida area.”
- Grateful Donor

— 13 —

Meet the President:

Q&A

with Margo Shoup, MD

Margo Shoup, MD, MBA, FACS has joined Orlando realized the long-term positive impact physicians can
Health as the new President of Orlando Health have from a physical, mental and emotional standpoint.
Cancer Institute (OHCI) and Vice President of
Orlando Health, where she will have oversight of the WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO ONCOLOGY
organization’s oncology services and strategic growth AND WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?
and development efforts.
As a medical student, my first clinical rotation was with
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF. surgical oncology. I absolutely fell in love with surgery.
I later became highly passionate about patient care and
I am the youngest of three siblings and grew up in the the constantly evolving aspect of oncology.
Boston area before moving to Indianapolis with my My first oncology position was as a practicing surgical
family. I attended college in Colorado Springs and spent oncologist at Loyola University Medical Center after
most of my adult life in the Chicago suburbs. I’ve been completing a fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering
married for 31 years, and we have two grown children. Cancer Center. When I started, there was no division of
I enjoy active vacations with my family - walking, surgical oncology; we were all part of general surgery.
hiking and being on the water. We once spent eight days My first initiative was to develop a division of surgical
on a river rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. It was oncology. This truly changed the way patients were
an absolute blast, even for teenagers. being treated in a subspecialty model.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GET INTO WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING
HEALTHCARE? FORWARD TO AS THE LEADER OF
ORLANDO HEALTH CANCER INSTITUTE?
I was a competitive pairs figure skater until the age
of 21. During those years, I suffered many injuries Our cancer teams are amongst the best in the country,
and often depended upon my orthopedic surgeon for and I am thrilled to be part of such a great institution.
help. I was fascinated by his ability to not only help me I am looking forward to getting to know the people
physically, but I was also greatly impacted by his care here so I can have a better understanding of their goals
for me as a person and his determination to not let an individually and as a group. I am also looking forward
injury stand in the way of my goals. When I started to advancing our technology and adding more unique
college, I immediately focused on medicine because I programs, so patients can benefit from care that is not

inspire - Fall 2021 — 14 —

only of the highest quality, but also cutting edge. As a scenes data analytics and quality infrastructure, so that
cancer survivor myself, I can appreciate being on the everything we do is what is best for the patient. It can
receiving end of treatment. I am determined that each be easy to get wrapped up in the financial return of
of our patients have a great experience during what is investments, but my goal is to offer the highest quality
otherwise the hardest time of their lives. care possible, with the best patient experience possible,
and we need additional funds to be able to do this.
WHICH NEW OR EXPANDED PROGRAMS
WILL BE YOUR FIRST TO FOCUS ON? HOW DOES PHILANTHROPY DIRECTLY
IMPACT PATIENT CARE AT ORLANDO
Having recently added a bone marrow transplant HEALTH CANCER INSTITUTE?
program led by nationally renowned leader Yasser
Khaled, MD, we are now equipped to offer the same Philanthropy provides our cancer institute with the
full spectrum of services seen in top academic centers. type of facilities and services needed to continue
Looking to the future, we will turn our focus towards enhancing our care and offer ground-breaking research.
enhancing and expanding our care for the growing Philanthropic support will enable our vision to be a
population. I am excited about how we can transform nationally recognized cancer program by providing a
cancer care by bringing subspecialties and technology full spectrum of high-quality care, which will better
to our regional sites located across the state, which position us to recruit top physicians.
would provide the same high level of service for the
most common types of cancer closer to home. In the DO YOU HAVE A MESSAGE YOU’D LIKE
research field, we will continue our focus on clinical TO SHARE WITH CANCER INSTITUTE
trials, and plan to conduct additional research leading DONORS?
to novel therapeutic modalities for our patients. Our
institute is actively recruiting physicians in these areas, I would like to thank the donors for their support.
bringing new expertise to our hospitals. We are amid a very exciting time, as we have great
physicians and staff and the commitment from our
WHY IS PHILANTHROPY IMPORTANT IN leadership to enhance cancer care for our patients. With
HEALTHCARE? continued support, I am confident we can build upon
what we already have, to give patients a reason to stay in
Philanthropy helps us provide the most advanced Orlando for their care and become a destination site for
care possible including ancillary services, behind-the- cancer treatment.

— 15 — OrlandoHealthFoundation.com

inspire - Fall 2021 — 16 —

Dr. Neeraj and Avani Desai: I am a maternal fetal
A Force for Healthcare medicine physician at Orlando
Health; therefore, I am within the four
Neeraj Desai, MD, and Avani M. Desai have been active donors,
volunteers and advocates of Orlando Health Arnold Palmer “walls of the hospital daily and I know any
Hospital for Children and Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital patient here will get world-class patient
for Women & Babies for nearly a decade. Since 2012, Dr. Desai care, says Dr. Desai. However, I have also
has been a part of Orlando Health Winnie Palmer’s Maternal-Fetal
Medicine division, working closely with community obstetricians been a father with a child admitted to
to deliver the highest quality care to women during their Arnold Palmer and a husband with a wife
pregnancy. Avani is a leader in her field, serving as the President
of Tampa-based Schellman & Company, LLC – in 2018, she was admitted to Winnie Palmer, and the
the only minority head of a “Top 100” CPA firm, and one of only a care and compassion my family
handful of female leaders. has felt is bar none.

Dr. Desai and Avani are “ Avani, a member of the Orlando Health Children’s
steadfast champions of our Foundation Board, has hosted and co-hosted multiple
mission and both remain events on our behalf – from family-friendly activities
active in helping to connect to social, in-home fundraisers. Through each effort,
and engage others in our Avani has shared her personal passion for our mission,
work. The couple’s values encouraging friends and peers to also consider giving
are rooted in philanthropy, back and volunteering with Orlando Health. Through
raising their young children her persistent advocacy, she has aided us in raising
to lean-in to the power of needed funds and support, helping our healthcare
giving back. In fact, their organization provide the best care possible to local
son, Sahil, at only 11 years old, shares, “I feel lucky that I children and families.
have been healthy, but I know not all kids are as lucky as Together, the Desai’s personal and professional
me, my sister, and baby brother. I want to make sure that commitment to support our mission is exemplary.
I can help them any way I can.”
A LEGACY OF GENEROSITY
“ After moving back to
Orlando in 2012, I knew Most recently, Avani and Neeraj have stepped
this was the community I planned forward with a commitment to support a soon-to-be-
on raising my children and where we announced high-priority project at Orlando Health.
could put down deep roots, says Avani. Once The Desai’s are building a legacy of generosity that is
here, I wanted to make sure our family’s legacy already serving as an example to their three children,
wasn’t about the material aspects of life, but rather as well as others. As ambassadors for our mission, and
the value of leaving this small part of our map members of the Champions Circle at Orlando Health
a better place than when we came into it—we Arnold Palmer, they exemplify what it truly means to
knew that supporting Orlando Health and the be an advocate for change.
system’s mission meant we were supporting

our community, and we will continue to
do so as we instill the same social
responsibility in our kids.

— 17 — OrlandoHealthFoundation.com

A New Chapter Confirmed at Moore and team put together an action plan focused
Bayfront Health St. Petersburg on not only growth and innovation, but a true culture
change. Of the many improvements and initiatives
Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, acquired by Orlando implemented, some of the most visible to the
Health in October of 2020, is the city’s first and largest community have been:
hospital. Under new leadership by Orlando Health,
with John Moore at the helm as President, Bayfront • Improved hiring strategies to attract top-quality
Health St. Petersburg has shown significant growth and applicants
improvements in less than one year’s time.
• Enhanced education opportunities for staff,
“After the acquisition, our including a tuition reimbursement program
team’s focus was to identify
the most important issues to • Upgrades to the patient record system, moving to
the hospital and community,” a new electronic health record
said John Moore. “We
conducted an extensive • Substantial investment in the newest equipment
listening tour, speaking with available
team members, patients,
physicians and community • Updated safety and quality improvement protocols
members. This feedback consistent with Orlando Health
was critical in understanding
the culture and determining what areas needed “This is just the beginning,” Moore has said.
attention and what changes to make.” “You will continue to see us focus on quality
and improving and making Bayfront Health St.
Petersburg the best place for patient care in the
region.”

inspire - Fall 2021 — 18 —

The next important step in the transformation of the To learn more about how you can support Bayfront
hospital is investing in the quality of the facility. Health St. Petersburg Foundation, please contact
A study is underway to assess numerous aspects of the Blake Bard at (321) 843-1976 or
facility, including operational efficiency, and improving [email protected].
the patient experience. The facility master plan study
will be complete in late spring; however, smaller campus
improvements have already begun. Architectural
enhancements for the façade will come later. Plans are
currently in the early stages and will require additional
design review, permitting, and then construction.

In addition to the plans above, Bayfront Health
St. Petersburg is working on a community health
assessment to identify the county’s needs over the next
year.

This assessment, along with the facility master plan, will
drive the hospital’s overall needs pertaining to patient
safety and access, adjacency within departments,
functionality, and to accommodate for future growth.

As needs are identified to support growth, technology
and patient care, a newly established Foundation,
Bayfront Health St. Petersburg Foundation, will partner
with caring individuals, foundations and organizations
to raise crucial funds for the hospital.

— 19 — OrlandoHealthFoundation.com

*Photo taken prior to COVID-19.

SPIRIT HALLOWEEN

At the heart of Spirit Halloween is Spirit of Children, a program which provides fun and funding to its partner
hospitals during the Halloween season. Since 2007, Central Florida Spirit Halloween stores have supported
Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and have raised more than one million dollars to help make
hospital stays less scary for kids and their families.
Spirit of Children champions the extraordinary work of Child Life Specialists. These unsung heroes help children,
and their siblings, parents and caregivers, navigate through difficult medical challenges.
Whether in the hospital or at home, kids just want to be kids. Child Life staff members and partners like Spirit
Halloween help kids turn the scary into fun.
Help Spirit Halloween bring the transformative magic of Halloween to kids across the country.
Cut out the coupon below and visit your local store to save 10 percent off your entire order while giving
10 percent back to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer.

inspire - Fall 2021 — 20 —

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Making a difference for local kids

These funds have supported:

SOUTHEAST PRODUCE COUNCIL • Patients and families at the Haley Center for
Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Orlando
Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) began with a Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
vision to become the premier produce resource in the
Southeast. Today, SEPC has carried out their vision • Our Healthy Lifestyles Program, which is focused
standing over 3,000 members strong from over 25 on helping youth achieve their health and wellness
states, Canada and Mexico. goals.

For over seven years, Orlando Health has been • Aided the expansion of our Neonatal Intensive
fortunate to have SEPC’s support and are deeply Care Unit at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer
grateful for their continued contribution to our mission. Hospital for Women & Babies, allowing us to
Not only have their members volunteered time and continue to care for premature newborns and the
provided in-kind donations, SEPC has generously complex medical conditions they often face.
donated over $270,000.
David Sherrod, President of Southeast Produce
Council, shares, “Our organization supports
the health and wellness of those living in the
communities we serve. We are proud to support
the hospital’s efforts to build a healthier future for
children.“

DUNKIN’ SOUTHEASTERN GROCERS

Central Florida Dunkin’ locations helped spread joy Since opening their first supermarket in 1924,
this summer to kids battling cancer by selling their Southeastern Grocers, parent company of Winn-Dixie
specially-created Gold Joy donut. From July 1 through and Harveys Supermarkets, has had a proud history of
July 15, participating Dunkin’ restaurants helped raise being ingrained in and committed to giving back to its
funds and spread awareness for childhood cancer. local communities.
With every purchase, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood
Foundation matched $1 to be donated to the Haley Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets across Central
Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Florida showed their support for Orlando Health
Orlando Health Arnold Palmer, raising over $40,000, Arnold Palmer by inviting their customers to round up
to support local kids. their purchase upon checkout. Shawn Sloan, Regional
Vice President of Southeastern Grocers, shared, “We
“More than 40,000 kids in the U.S. receive treatment for are tremendously proud to be part of a community of
cancer every year. Dunkin’ is proud to stand with their associates, customers and partners who care about our
families and shine gold for childhood cancer awareness. neighbors in need. It is through their generosity that we
We are grateful for the work of the Haley Center for are able to support Orlando Health Arnold Palmer with
Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Orlando Health a donation of nearly $52,000 to help provide the highest
Arnold Palmer and honored to support them.” – Carlos quality care.”
Andrade, Dunkin’ Franchisee

— 21 — OrlandoHealthFoundation.com

YOU’RE INVITED TO

Meet Our Mission

During a 45-minute virtual experience, you will learn more about our mission through inspirational
stories of hope, healing and compassion shared by grateful families and organizational leaders.

This emotion-packed experience will help to reiterate the impact of your gifts.

Orlando Health Orlando Health -
South Seminole Hospital Health Central Hospital

Orlando Health South Seminole is a Orlando Health - Health Central Hospital’s
comprehensive community hospital, committed commitment, attitude and actions reflect 60
years of service to its surrounding communities
to delivering quality, compassionate care. We and neighbors. Our staff, coupled with the most
are also home to Orlando Health’s Behavioral advanced equipment and technology, ensures
Health Department, promoting mental health by that every patient receives the safe, quality and
addressing clients mental and substance abuse
issues with compassion, structure, knowledge and personalized care they deserve.

concrete solutions.

SIGN-UP BY VISITING:

MeetOurMission.com

inspire - Fall 2021 — 22 —

TRIBUTE GIFTS | May 1, 2021 - July 31, 2021

An ideal way to celebrate the life of someone special is through a gift in their name. Not only does your gift honor
the individual, it also enables Orlando Health to carry on life-saving care for others.

Tribute for James P. Asbury Mr. and Mrs. Charles V. Lafferty Tributes for Katherine E. Munoz
Mrs. Janet Symmonds Mr. and Mrs. John L. Landon Mrs. Lorena Cowles
Mr. Robert Lavoie Dr. Tamera Ensor
Tribute for Charles M. Barley Mr. and Mrs. Richard T. Lee Mrs. Laura King
Mr. and Mrs. Huston R. Crane Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. McDonald
Mr. Robert Meyer Tributes for Robert S. Ott
Tributes for Brad P. Brewer Mrs. Karen L. Muller Anonymous
Jamie Durham Mrs. Gail P. Mumford Anonymous
Mr. Richard L. Falconer Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Page
Mrs. Patricia R. Glorvick Mr. and Mrs. H. Dan Pugh Tributes for Hugh K. Pratt
Ms. Lynn Heartman RE Property Advisors, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Cairns
Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Holzman Mrs. Mary Ann Richardson Czes-Heard Design, LLP
Ms. Betsy Kadwit Ms. Francine Roche Mr. and Mrs. Peter F. Fox
Mr. Eric R. Korb Mr. James J. Rutkowski, Sr. Dr. and Mrs. Charles W. Heard, Jr.
Mrs. Julie Krumenauer Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Blair B. Howard
Dr. Timothy Millea Anonymous
Mrs. Sheryl S. Moran Schwab Charitable Tribute for Terrence Price
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel R. Wilcox Mrs. Elizabeth W. Sigel Mrs. Patricia Garner
Mr. Hal W. Slaton
Tribute for Charles A. Cattaneo Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Slattery Tribute for Roger S. Roman
Lockheed Martin Mr. Harold Smith Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. Mark W. Smithberger
Tribute for Joseph S. Columbus Mr. Harry Stadelmayer Tribute for Doris C. Rosenblatt
Ms. Amy E. Columbus Mrs. Mary Ann Stead Mr. Mark Robbins and Mrs. Nancy Bangel
Mrs. Sally Stevenson
Tribute for Maynard L. Day Mr. and Mrs. Terry A. Strine Tributes for Anthony L. Scott
Mr. Richard W. Snyder Mrs. Karin A. Thompson Mrs. Mary Y. Craig
Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Utsey Dr. Charles Mahan
Tribute for Marlie K. Dodson Mrs. Mary B. Vehlewald
Ms. Sarah Dodson Mr. Neil Weissman Tributes for Thomas M. Shields
Mr. and Mrs. Brian D. Wenger Ms. Nancy M. Bloomfield
Tribute for Sallie L. Douglas Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Yount Jr. Mr. Steve Connell
Dr. Scott D. Greenwood and Tribute for Christine L. Grussaute Mr. Sean Cunningham
Dr. Pamela G. Freeman Mr. Brian Grussaute Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Grone
Tributes for Robert M. Harrell Mrs. Jennifer Kephart
Tributes for Carolyn B. Giles Mr. and Mrs. James H. Leverett Ms. Caroline T. Kiessling
Mrs. Rita Bailey Patricia Y. Leverett Mrs. Janet C. Lamonica
Mr. John F. Boyle Tribute for Joanne M. Helbourg Ms. Jennifer Laudato
Mr. O. Gordon Brewer Jr. The Liquid Group, LLC Mr. Richard Marvas
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph O. Bunce, III Tribute for Wen-Chien Hsiao Mrs. Sandra Mastropieri
Mrs. Patricia Bussard Mr. Yeong-Ren Lin Mrs. Patricia O’Donnell
Catholic Community Foundation Tribute for Thomas J. Hutcheson Ms. Janine Rudin
of Minnesota Dr. Scott D. Greenwood and Mrs. Nancy Seitz
Ms. Lisa O. Cattermole Ms. Marikay Speckert
Mr. Brian and Meg Coffman Dr. Pamela G. Freeman Ms. Marie L. Trask
Ms. Donna M. Cohen Tribute for Jared S. Larson Mr. Michael Troup
Mr. and Mrs. Harry G. Cronon Mrs. Arlene L. Turco
Mr. James Dodson Mr. Philip M. Browne Ms. Jacqueline Ward
Mrs. Maryanne Ennis Tribute for Charlotte B. Malsberger Mrs. Cecy Wentworth
Mr. James Erisman
Mr. Thomas B. Evans, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Richard G. Randa Tributes for Gregory W. Taylor
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Fahey Tributes for Naomi K. Mansell Ms. Lea Ahlers
Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Ferris Mr. and Mrs. John W. Bozard
Mr. James Fitzpatrick Mr. Mark Baker Mrs. Tracey Choroco
Mr. Jeff Flynn Mr. Colin Bowman Mr. Michael F. Hester
Mr. and Mrs. John V. Flynn, Jr. Mr. Andrew Burrell Ms.Carol Ketcham
Mr. and Mrs. Peter F. Fox Mr. Dave Letorey Ms. Kaye K. Woodlief
Mr. Kevin Furlong
Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Giffin Tributes for Stella L. Wilson
Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Holzman Mr. Ben Altom
Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Keller Mr. Ari Bargil
Mr. and Mrs. John J. Konicek, Jr. Mr. Sean Kane
Dr. and Mrs. Arlyn T. Koula Mr. Lonnie Kitterer
Mr. Donald R. Kurz Mr. Skyler Stone

Please consider giving a lifesaving gift today! You may call us at (321) 841-5194, send a check
in the envelope enclosed or make a secure online gift at OrlandoHealth.com/Give.

— 23 — OrlandoHealthFoundation.com

Orlando Health Foundation Non-Profit
3160 Southgate Commerce Blvd., Suite 50 Organization
Orlando, FL 32806 U.S. Postage

PAID
Permit No. 3299
Orlando, Florida

Ways to Give

Did you know that community-owned Make an online donation that is safe,
hospitals provide 95 percent of all vital but secure and simple. You can designate your gift
often unprofitable health services? As Central
Florida’s only community-owned hospital, to a number of areas or programs.
Orlando Health reinvests all available revenues Go to:
into programs, equipment, facilities, and
medical staff. We are governed by a local board OrlandoHealth.com/Give
of trustees who serve without pay and whose
interests lie in placing patients before profits, Make a credit card or check donation by mail
and community needs before returns. to support Orlando Health at:
Only through the financial investment of Orlando Health Foundation
committed donors can Orlando Health continue
to provide excellent, leading-edge medical care 3160 Southgate Commerce Blvd., Suite 50
in a warm and healing environment. We hope Orlando, FL 32806
you will join us in helping to secure a legacy of
excellent medical care for our community. Make a donation by phone by
giving us a call at:
(321) 841-5194

Follow us on Facebook!
@TheOrlandoHealthFoundation

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR ORLANDO HEALTH FOUNDATION, A FLORIDA-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH577),
MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE LOCATED AT HTTPS://
CSAPP.800HELPFLA.COM/CSPUBLICAPP/GIFTGIVERSQUERY/GIFTGIVERSQUERY.ASPX. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

You may elect not to receive any further fundraising communications from the Orlando Health Foundation.
To do so, you may write to us at Orlando Health Foundation, Attn: Director of Development/3160 Southgate Commerce Blvd., Suite 50/Orlando, FL 32806,

call our toll-free line at 1.855.678.6889 or e-mail [email protected].