OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2024

Your Source for Foundation News and Information

Welcome Our New Executive Officers

On behalf of Jackson Health Foundation, we're excited to welcome our newly appointed executive committee. We are eager to see the positive impact each of them will make in these leadership roles. Their involvement will undoubtedly help enhance patient care, and ensure that Jackson Health System continues to thrive as a world-class medical institution. Join us in welcoming our Board of Directors Executive Committee!


2024-2026 Executive Committee

Chairman - Ed Joyce

Vice Chairman - Matthew Grosack

Secretary - Andria Ares Holtz

Treasurer - Gregory Irizarry

Guardian Angels President - Silvia Rios Fortun

Board Appointed - Caroline O’Connor

Jackson Health System President and Chief Executive Officer - Carlos Migoya

Immediate Past Chairman - David A. Coulson, Esq.

Jackson Health Foundation Chief Executive Officer - Flavia Llizo

Honoring the Claman Family:

A Legacy of Support for

Rehabilitation and Stroke Care

Photo: Larry Claman, Susan K. Claman, and Susan Claman

The Claman family's connection to Jackson Health System began in 2017 when the patriarch, Jeffrey Claman, suffered a massive stroke. He was rushed to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where the family received exceptional care from dedicated doctors, nurses, and staff, leaving a profound impact on them. In memory of their beloved family member, who sadly passed away, the Claman family chose to partner with Jackson Health Foundation to create a telestroke program aimed at improving stroke patient outcomes.


In addition, the Clamans' support can also be seen at Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial, where they've funded a patient and family lounge – recognizing the importance of having a dedicated space for patients' loved ones to congregate – and contributed to the recreational therapy program, empowering patients to rebuild their strength and resilience.

Empowering Innovation:

West Coast University's Transformative Gift for

Virtual Reality in Nursing Education

We extend our sincere gratitude to West Coast University for its invaluable support of our virtual reality (VR) program for nursing staff. Their generous contributions have been instrumental in enhancing our training efforts by providing essential software, equipment, and resources for our nursing teams. Since the program's launch in 2023, we’ve successfully onboarded nearly 1,000 RNs and LPNs, along with another 1,200 support staff members. Through VR courses covering critical topics, such as maternal emergencies and advanced cardiac life support, we've significantly boosted our nursing staff's confidence and preparedness to apply their skills in clinical settings.


Looking ahead, we're excited to continue our partnership with West Coast University as we develop customized content to address immediate training needs and align with national patient safety standards. Together, we're making meaningful strides to improve the quality of care in our community. Thank you to West Coast University for being an essential partner in this important endeavor!

After Nearly 14-Year Battle with Both Breast and Thyroid

Cancer, Former Jackson Memorial Mammogram Technician Fights Lymphedema with Help from Specialized Therapy at Jackson North

Tamera Johnson, a former radiology and mammogram technician at the Roberta Orlen Chaplin Digital Breast Imaging Center/Taylor Breast Health Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, has faced a relentless battle against both breast and thyroid cancer over the past 14 years. Diagnosed with breast cancer at 36, she underwent a double mastectomy, a total hysterectomy, and extensive chemotherapy and radiation. After years of treatment and resilience, she was declared cancer-free in 2022.


However, Johnson also struggled with lymphedema, a painful condition resulting from her cancer treatment. Seeking specialized therapy at Jackson North Medical Center, she worked with occupational therapist Erica Poulin to regain strength and mobility in her arm. Through targeted exercises and therapy, Johnson improved her quality of life and regained confidence.


Now cancer-free and dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, especially in the Black community, Johnson encourages others to fight their battles with strength and support.


Click here to read more about her inspiring story.




Support our Breast Health Fund today, by visting: https://jacksonhealthfoundation.org/donate/.

Shopping Events for a Cause

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent shopping events to support Holtz Children’s Hospital! Together, these events have made a significant impact, and we appreciate everyone who participated. Stay tuned for future opportunities to support our mission.

FashionArtBeats

A fabulous night of fashion, shopping, and music unfolded as we celebrated FashionArtBeats with Elio's Kitchen at Regatta Grove on September 19. Attendees enjoyed a silent auction and stunning designs by world-renowned designer Odalys Marino, complemented by live art from Floyd the Rock Artist. The event rasied more than $10,000 to support music therapy at Holtz Children's Hospital.

Roberto Coin at Saks Dadeland

On September 26, guests attended a champagne reception and were treated to an elegant evening showcasing the latest Roberto Coin jewelry collection. Saks Dadeland generously donated 10 percent of sales from the event, helping us continue our mission to provide essential care to young children at Holtz Children's.

The Showroom Shopping Event

On October 16, Silvia Rios Fortun, Inez Gomez, and Marilyn Sanchez, and Jackson Health Foundation's Guardian Angels hosted a shopping event at The Showroom Miami where 10 percent of sales supported Holtz Children’s Hospital. Community engagement was at its finest, and we're grateful for the support!

Donor Spotlight

Thank you to the Hispanic Police Officers Association for giving a

generous donation to José Milton Memorial Hospital at Jackson West Medical Center. Ana VeigaMilton, former Jackson Health Foundation Board Member graciously accepted the contribution on behalf of the hospital.

Upcoming Events

25th Annual Guardians of the Children

Lucheon and Fashion Show

November 25, 2024

Purchase Tickets

Join the Waterford 5K: A Run for Fun and a Cause!

Grab your water bottles and lace up your sneakers!

On Thursday, November 7, take part in the Waterford 5K, Miami's

premier run/walk event held in the beautiful Waterford Business District.

Beyond the excitement of the run, a percentage of the event’s proceeds

will benefit Holtz Children's Hospital. Click to learn more or to join our team.

Bring Joy This Holiday Season

Support the Holiday of Miracles Toy Drive

November 20 through December 15

Join us as we bring holiday cheer to all the children across Jackson Health System. For more information, please contact Gradon Hadaway at Gradon.Hadaway@jhsmiami.org or 786-239-8708.

Learn More

A Letter from our CEO

Dear Friends,


I'm incredibly grateful for your unwavering support! Thanks to your generosity, we continue to provide life-changing care to countless families across Miami-Dade County. As we enter the season of giving, I warmly invite you to join us in making an even bigger impact.


I'm also thrilled to share that I’ve recently stepped into my new role as Jackson Health Foundation's chief executive officer. It’s an honor to lead such a remarkable organization, and I’m excited to work closely with our foundation Board of Directors to further our mission of strengthening Jackson Health System and providing the best care possible.


There are many ways you can continue to make a difference. Please consider supporting our upcoming events, including the Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon and Fashion Show on November 25, the Holiday of Miracles Toy Drive November 25 through December 15, and One Day for Jackson on April 3, 2025. These initiatives provide incredible opportunities to get involved, donate to projects like our adult and pediatric emergency room expansion, and help us improve the health and well-being of our community.


Visit JacksonHealthFoundation.org to learn more about ways you can help us support Jackson.


With deep gratitude,

Flavia Llizo

Chief Executive Officer

Jackson Health Foundation

Jackson Health Foundation.org | #MakingMiraclesHappen

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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.