May/June 2026

Your Source for Foundation News and Information

A message from our CEO

Dear friends,


This spring has been a remarkable season of progress and impact for Jackson Health Foundation.


Most notably, the new emergency room at Jackson Memorial Hospital is now officially open—a transformational milestone for health care in our community.

As one of the largest emergency rooms in the nation, this new facility reflects Jackson’s continued commitment to delivering faster, more advanced, and more efficient care for the patients and families who rely on us every day.


Just before opening, we proudly announced that $100 million has been raised in philanthropic support for the new ER—the largest fundraising achievement in Jackson Health Foundation’s history. This milestone was made possible through the extraordinary support of corporate sponsors, donors, and philanthropists who invested in the future of life-saving emergency care at Jackson.


This season also showcased the power of our broader community through One Day for Jackson, which raised $1.9 million. From major gifts to individual donations, our community came together with one shared purpose: strengthening access to world-class care for all residents of Miami-Dade County. No matter the amount, every contribution played a meaningful role in this collective success.


From these milestones to celebrations like our Golden Angels Gala and new partnerships on the horizon, we continue to see what's possible when our community rallies behind Jackson’s mission.


Thank you for being part of this journey. Your generosity is helping shape the future of health care in South Florida and bringing hope to countless patients and families.


With gratitude,

Flavia Llizo,

Chief Executive Officer, Jackson Health Foundation

Jackson Health Foundation raises $100 million for the next ERA of emergency care

Celebratory ribbon cutting with Jackson Health System and Foundation leaders, Public Health Trust members, civic leaders including Daniella Levine Cava - Mayor of Miami-Dade County, and Alexis Calatayud - Florida State Senator, along with founding benefactors and champions of the Jackson Memorial Hospital emergency room.

On April 16, Jackson Health Foundation celebrated the completion of the new emergency room at Jackson Memorial Hospital alongside generous benefactors, champions, and community leaders. During this special event, the Foundation announced that $100 million has been raised in support of the project, marking the largest philanthropic achievement in Jackson Health System’s history. This is an inspiring testament to the power of our community and its commitment to advancing lifesaving care.


The new emergency room officially welcomed its first patients
on April 23, standing as one of the largest emergency rooms in the nation. Spanning 178,000 square feet, the new emergency room is nearly three times the size of the previous ER and marks phase one of a broader $400 million transformation. Designed to deliver faster, more efficient, and more advanced care, the new state-of-the-art facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology and innovative patient flow systems to better serve our growing community.


We invite you to be part of what comes next. To coordinate a private tour of the new emergency room or to learn more about how you can get involved, please contact our team at 305-585-GIVE (4483).

Founding Benefactors 
Lennar Foundation 
Benjamin Leon, Jr. Charitable Foundation 
Miller Foundation 
Related Group 
Royal Caribbean Group Foundation 
Kadre Family 
Batchelor Foundation, Inc. 
Trish and Dan Bell 
Codina Family 
Gorson Family 
Harold Marzouka, Jr.
Françoise Marzouka Family Trust 
José Milton Foundation

Founding Champions 

Chaim Katzman

David Pyle

The Guiribitey Family - Taty, Pedro, Camila, Patricia, and JC 
In memory of Dr. Maria Regueiro 
Mary M. Spencer and Sash A. Spencer

Dr. Larry Pierre and Family Trust 
Fain Family Foundation 

Carlos and Martaligia Lopez-Cantera Marie-France and Rene Kern Rachelle Wolgin Gold and Jeffrey Gold

Ceferino Machado



One Day for Jackson 
raised $1.9 million in its third year

On April 16, we celebrated our third annual One Day for Jackson, a day of giving exclusively dedicated to raising funds for Jackson Health System. We're deeply grateful to everyone who played a role in this inspiring day. Your unwavering support will fund vital programs throughout Jackson, including the new ER now open Jackson Memorial Hospital.


A heartfelt thank you to our loyal supporters, community sponsors, and retail partners. Your dedication and collaboration made the day unforgettable, filled with joy, hope, and powerful connections.


Together, we did more than raise funds—we raised hope for countless patients and families across South Florida.


One Day for Jackson was made possible through the support of partners such as Brightside Restaurant; Chick-fil-A Kendall, Dadeland Mall, River Landing; 
City of Miami Commissioner Ralph Rosado, District 4; CKO Boxing; Dade County Federal Credit Union; Five Guys; Florida Fresh Markets; GLOW Pilates Reformer; Kennedy Kids; Lost City Brewing; My IV Spa; Raising Cane’s; Sunshine Gasoline; the Miami HEAT; and many more.

Make sure to mark your calendars for next year's

One Day for Jackson on April 8, 2027.

Philanthropy and impact shine bright 
at the Golden Angels Gala

Jackson Health Foundation Board Members (left to right):Gonzalo de Quesada; Dr. Shirley Press - Golden Seraphim; Flavia Llizo - CEO, Jackson Health Foundation; Ed Joyce - Board Chairman, Platinum Angel; Ana VeigaMilton - Diamond Seraphim; Bob McFarlin; Carlos A. Migoya - CEO, Jackson Health System, Silver Seraphim; Gregory Irizarry - Board Treasurer, Golden Angel; Matthew Grosack - Board Vice Chaiman; Armando Fernandez; Dr. Maya Ghaemmaghami; Russell Benford; Eddie Diaz; Alexa Duarte, and Cristina Abreu, Co-Chairs, Jackson Health Foundation Young Impact Collective

On March 28, more than 600 philanthropic leaders, healthcare advocates, and community supporters gathered at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel for the annual Golden Angels Gala, benefiting Jackson Health Foundation and Jackson Health System.

The evening celebrated the power of philanthropy in advancing world-class care at Jackson, while honoring the dedicated Golden Angels, whose generosity continues to transform lives across our community.


The program also featured a special tribute to Carlos A. Migoya, recognizing his 15 years of leadership and his upcoming retirement at the end of May, along with the announcement of the future Carlos A. Migoya Patient Care Tower at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

A highlight of the night was the story of 8-year-old Dylan Smith, whose life was saved at Holtz Children’s Hospital after a near-drowning incident. His family’s journey served as a powerful reminder of the lifesaving impact donor support makes possible every day. Read Dylan’s full story here.

The Golden Angels Gala owes its success to the generous support of its sponsors: Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirts, G City, Dr. Ino Halegua, José Milton Foundation, Trish and Dan Bell, First Horizon, TECO Peoples Gas, West Coast University, Perry Ellis International, Florida National University, Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Univision Contigo, Amor 107.5, S Revista, and Miami Herald | El Nuevo Herald.

Donor Spotlight
Opening of New
UHealth/Jackson Miami Burn Center Outpatient Clinic Powered by FPL 

Left to Right: Joanne Ruggiero - CEO, Jackson Memorial Hospital; Armando Fernandez Director, External Affairs for Miami-Dade FPL; Pam Rauch - VP, External Affairs and Economic Development FPL; Louis Pizano, MD, medical director at the Miami Burn Center; Flavia Llizo - CEO, Jackson Health Foundation; Scott Bores, President FPL; Senator Alexis Calatayud The Florida Senate and PHT member; David Zambrana - President and COO, Jackson Health System; Al Hernandez; Shevonne Satahoo, MD; and Carl Schulman, MD

On April 27, Jackson Health Foundation proudly hosted leaders, partners, and community supporters to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new UHealth Jackson Miami Burn Center Outpatient Clinic, powered by Florida Power & Light. 

Designed to enhance care, comfort, and recovery, this new space represents an important step forward in expanding access to specialized burn care for patients and families throughout our community.


We're deeply grateful to FPL for its continued investment in advancing health care in our community. Their support helps ensure patients have access to world-class burn treatment and outpatient services close to home.


We also extend our sincere appreciation to René García and Demi Busatta for their leadership and support in securing additional state funding to help make this new clinic possible. Their advocacy reinforces a shared commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving outcomes for patients across South Florida.


Together, these partnerships are helping expand access, elevate care, and bring hope and healing to those who need it most.

Miami Burn Center Impact


  • Serving patients since 1965
  • Treating more than 600 patients each year
  • Verified by the American Burn Association, leading the way in burn care in South Florida
  • Advancing mental health support for burn recovery
  • Pioneering the use of internal core warming to prevent hypothermia
  • Leading research to improve survival and healing outcomes
  • Early adopters of stem cell therapy for improved healing and reduced scarring

Click here to view photo gallery.

In the Spotlight
Welcome new board members

Cristina Abreu
Senior Wealth Management Advisor,
Grove Bank & Trust

Alexa Duarte
 Real Estate Attorney, 
Holland & Knight

As co-chairs of the Young Impact Collective, Cristina Abreu and Alexa Duarte will help inspire greater community engagement and philanthropy among emerging leaders across South Florida while advancing the Foundation’s mission to support life-saving care for patients and families throughout our community.

Upcoming Events

We invite you to secure your tickets or table for this year’s 27th Annual Guardian Angels Luncheon and Fashion Show, benefiting Holtz Children's Hospital. 

This event offers a blend of fashion, community, and philanthropy, and is an opportunity for you to make a difference in the lives of children in South Florida. 

Purchase your tickets or reserve an entire table today.

Jackson Health Foundation.org | #MakingMiraclesHappen

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