Your Source for Foundation News and Information | | Holiday of Miracles Toy Drive and Boat Parade
Spreads Joy this Holiday Season | | |
Our Holiday of Miracles kicked off on the water on December 6 with a dazzling boat parade that lit up the night and set the tone for a season of giving in support of children and families at Jackson Health System. Festively decorated boats filled Biscayne Bay with music, lights, and holiday cheer, creating a magical experience for Holtz Children's Hospital patients, spectators, and supporters alike.
The celebration concluded with the Holiday of Miracles Toy Drive and Wrap-a-thon on December 13 and 15, where community members, partners, and volunteers came together to collect and wrap thousands of toys for pediatric patients. These acts of generosity ensure that children receiving care at Jackson can experience the joy and comfort of the holiday season.
We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, Ocean Bank, NorthBeach Marina, AvMed, and FPL, as well as to all who participated, including boat captains, toy donors, and volunteers. Your generosity and support helped make this season a true Holiday of Miracles.
View photo galleries Boat Parade | Toy Drive
| | 26th Annual Guardians of the Children
Luncheon and Fashion Show | | Nearly 600 philanthropists and community leaders gathered at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach for Jackson Health Foundation’s 26th Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon and Fashion Show, presented by Saks Fifth Avenue.
The event raised more than $700,000 in support of Holtz Children’s Hospital. Highlights included a Best of Saks fashion show featuring Jackson-born designer Michael Toccin of TOCCIN, as well as an exciting chance drawing. Guests were also invited to bid on a luxury silent auction curated by Paradise a la Carte in partnership with Iberia Airlines, featuring exclusive travel and culinary experiences valued at more than $80,000.
Guests were especially moved by Emily Shipman’s story, which highlighted the groundbreaking first in-utero spina bifida surgery performed at Holtz Children’s Hospital. You’ll learn more about Emily’s remarkable journey below. Special thanks to the dedicated committee members and generous sponsors, whose continued support has helped the Guardian Angels raise more than $44 million to date, enhancing and expanding pediatric specialty programs across Holtz Children’s. | Guardian Angels Luncheon committee (l to r): Ines Lorenzo-Gomez, Guardian Angel and Golden Angel; Angela Andrade, Guardian Angel and Platinum Angel; Silvia Rios Fortun, Guardian Angel president and Golden Seraphim; Nicole Holtz Spielman, co-chair and Guardian Angel; Andria Ares Holtz, co-chair, Jackson Health Foundation board secretary, Guardian Angel and Silver Seraphim; Vivian Adrian, Guardian Angel and Silver Seraphim; Marilyn Samlut, Guardian Angel and Silver Seraphim; Deborah Robins, Guardian Angel and Golden Angel. Not pictured: Fana Holtz, naming benefactor of Holtz Children’s Hospital, Guardian Angel and Grand Seraphim; Mari Grimalt, Guardian Angel and Silver Seraphim; and Gloria Sesana, Guardian Angel and Platinum Angel. | | |
The 26th Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon and Fashion Show owes its success to the unwavering dedication of the event leadership: event co-chairs Andria Ares Holtz and Nicole Holtz Spielman, Guardian Angels president Silvia Rios Fortun, and committee members Vivian Adrian, Angela Andrade, Mari Grimalt, Fana Holtz, Ines Lorenzo-Gomez, Deborah Robins, Marilyn Samlut, and Gloria Sesana.
The event was made possible by the generous support of its sponsors, including Fashion Show Sponsor: Saks Fifth Avenue; Gold Sponsor: Florida National University; Silver Sponsors AvMed, Perdomo Cigars, Remedios Diaz-Oliver, and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood; Bronze Sponsors: Adrian Builders, BNY Wealth, Gail Atterman, Health Foundation of South Florida, Inspired Closets, Maria del Carmen Sarria, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Rene Garcia (District 13), Dina Goldentayer, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Micky Steinberg (District 4), Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, Renier Casanova, Rob and Debbie Sperber, Ryder Charitable Foundation, Silvia Rios Fortun, and Trujillo & Sons Inc.; Underwriting Sponsor: Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits; Auction Sponsors Iberia Airlines and Paradise à la Carte; Event Sponsors: Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Jassi & Co. Creative, and Passion Growers; and Media Sponsors: The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald.
Click to view photos.
| | To learn more about becoming a Guardian Angel, or supporting Holtz Children's Hospital: Please contact Gradon Hadaway, Senior Director of Development, at Gradon.Hadaway@jhsmiami.org or call 305-585-GIVE. | | A First for Holtz Children’s Hospital:
Life-Changing Surgery Before Birth | | |
When Emily Shipman learned her baby had spina bifida, she was told he might never walk. Refusing to give up hope, Emily turned to the expert team at the Holtz Children’s Hospital and UHealth Jackson Fetal Care Center, where doctors performed the first-ever in-utero spina bifida repair in South Florida.
On October 22, 2024, Emily’s son, Luey, underwent this groundbreaking surgery before he was even born. Just two months later, on New Year’s Eve, Luey arrived to the world with his spine closed and his brain abnormality corrected—proof of the incredible impact of innovation and compassionate care at Jackson.
Today, Luey is thriving thanks to the specialists at Holtz Children’s, who continue to guide his care and future.
Your support makes these miracles possible. Together, we’re giving children like Luey the strongest start in life.
Click to learn more about Emily and Luey's story.
| | |
Lynn Rehabilitation Center
Named Among Nation’s Best
| | |
We’re proud to share that the Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial has once again been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top rehabilitation hospitals in the nation.
For the third consecutive year, Lynn Rehabilitation Center earned a place among the top 50 rehab hospitals, moving up to #28 in the country, ranking in the top three percent nationwide. This recognition reflects the dedication of our expert team, who helps patients recovering from stroke, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and other serious conditions to regain independence and quality of life.
Using advanced tools like robotic therapy, water-based rehabilitation, and specialized walking trainers, Lynn Rehabilitation Center is helping patients recover in new and better ways.
At Jackson Health Foundation, we’re committed to supporting this life-changing work. Your generosity fuels innovation and hope, ensuring that patients in our community and beyond receive the best possible care.
Click to learn more.
| | Pioneering Hope at
Miami Transplant Institute | | |
This summer, history was made at Jackson Memorial Hospital when the Miami Transplant Institute became the first center in the U.S. to use the X° Port Lung Preservation System by Traferox. The device safely transported donor lungs from the Northeast to Miami, where patient Tanya Capozio received the gift of life through an eight-hour lung transplant surgery.
By preserving lungs at 10°C, this groundbreaking technology improves outcomes and expands possibilities for patients awaiting transplant. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Jackson continues to lead the nation in innovation and lifesaving care.
Your support helps ensure the Miami Transplant Institute can keep setting new standards in transplant medicine, giving more patients the chance at a new beginning. Read the full story here.
| | Donor Spotlight: Florida National University | | |
Aligned in vision and purpose, Florida National University (FNU) is proud to partner with Jackson Health Foundation to help bring vital resources and renewed hope to families across South Florida. With strong ties to the local community, FNU continues to champion the Foundation’s mission through meaningful advocacy and support.
FNU’s commitment is rooted in a shared vision with Jackson Health Foundation—one that reflects the values of their institution, the families they serve, and their broader network of collaborators. By supporting fundraising efforts, Florida National University plays an important role in strengthening the Foundation’s ability to better serve the South Florida community.
As an advocate, FNU finds inspiration in seeing the real and lasting impact of its contributions. While the University considers itself one of many “angels” supporting the mission, it clearly recognizes how collective generosity transforms lives today and will continue to do so for years to come.
| | In Memoriam
David A. Coulson | | |
Last fall, our Foundation family lost a dear friend. Jackson Health Foundation remembers David A. Coulson, Esq., a longtime supporter whose generosity touched countless lives and strengthened our mission in immeasurable ways.
For more than 15 years, David dedicated his time, leadership, and resources to advancing our mission. Most recently he served as Immediate Past Chair of our Board of Directors.
We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Jeannie, and his children. David’s spirit of giving will continue to guide our work and inspire others to serve with the same dedication and compassion he so generously shared.
| | Ice Cream We Love
Saturday, January 17 and Sunday, January 18 | | Golden Angels Gala
Saturday, March 28, 2026 | | One Day for Jackson
April 16, 2026 | One Day for Jackson will once again bring our community together for a powerful day of giving in support of Jackson Health System.
Every dollar raised will help fund the new state-of-the-art emergency room at Jackson Memorial Hospital, ensuring world-class care for everyone in Miami-Dade County. | | |
Dear Friends,
As we begin a new year, I'm reminded of the extraordinary power of community. At Jackson Health Foundation, we are privileged to witness every day how generosity, compassion, and innovation come together to change lives.
Because of your unwavering support, Jackson Health System continues to deliver world-class care to all residents of Miami-Dade County. Your philanthropy fuels lifesaving programs, breakthrough treatments, and moments of hope for families when they need it most.
Looking ahead, there is so much to be inspired by. We're excited to continue building momentum around our third annual One Day for Jackson, our signature day of giving that unites our community in support of lifesaving care. We also eagerly anticipate the grand opening of the new emergency room at Jackson Memorial Hospital, which will be one of the largest emergency rooms in the nation and a transformative milestone for patient care in Miami-Dade County.
This new year represents growth, innovation, and expanded access to care, made possible by donors like you. Your generosity ensures that Jackson remains a place where everyone receives exceptional care.
Thank you for believing in our mission and for standing with Jackson. Together, we are creating a healthier future for our community.
Sincerely,
| | |
Flavia Llizo
Chief Executive Officer
Jackson Health Foundation
| | CH 3178 – A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, 1-800-435-7352. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. | | | | |
