Dear Friends: The start of a new year is the ideal time to take stock of the lessons we learned during the year behind us and look toward the future with anticipation for what lies ahead.   The COVID-19 pandemic challenged Jackson Health System to meet the demands of treating a highly infectious respiratory illness, and our frontline caregivers worked around the clock providing lifesaving patient care. As one of the nation's first healthcare systems to begin distributing the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, we will continue to have a critical role in helping our community combat the virus.   The pandemic also forced us to live and work in a virtual environment. On December 2, the Guardian Angels embraced this challenge and hosted a virtual fundraiser that raised more than $300,000 to support COVID-19 relief at Holtz Children's Hospital.   The Jackson Health Foundation will continue to host virtual events, including grand opening celebrations for our Critical Care Pavilion at Jackson Memorial Hospital and our Jackson West Medical Campus. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Jackson Health Foundation – another milestone that we may likely celebrate in a virtual environment. At the forefront of each endeavor will be our intention to raise funds for our frontline caregivers, patient care, and meet our world-class healthcare system's growing needs.   Thank you for your generosity throughout 2020 and in the years ahead. We wish you a happy and safe New Year. Sincerely,

Charmaine Gatlin Co-President & Chief Operating Officer

Flavia Llizo Co-President & Chief Development Officer

COVID-19 Vaccine Offered at Jackson to People Aged 65+

Jackson Health System was designated as one of only five health systems in the state, and one of the first in the country, to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for our employees.   The vaccine is being distributed and administered in phases, following criteria and guidelines set by the state. During the first round of vaccinations in December, Jackson inoculated more than 5,100 of its employees and providers. In early January, Jackson joined other hospitals around the state in administering the vaccine to anyone aged 65 and older.   This vaccine has the potential of bringing some much-needed relief to our caregivers, and can help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus throughout Miami-Dade County. Jackson Health Foundation’s fundraising effort for COVID-19 relief continues. To get involved and learn more, click here.

Our Family is Growing

We are proud to welcome the people and organizations who have joined the Golden Angel Society or increased their level of giving* in support of Jackson Health System BJ's Charitable Foundation, Golden Angel The Brunetti Foundation, Golden Angel Michael Comras, Golden Angel Goldman Sachs & Co, LLC, Golden Angel Matthew Gorson, Golden Angel David & Amy Kronrad, Golden Angel Shipley Foundation, Inc., Golden Angel Marvin and Philippa Carsley, Golden Seraphim FBMC, Platinum Angel Anonymous, Platinum Angel Rooms To Go, Platinum Angel Sol Taplin Charitable Foundation, Platinum Angel Hearst Foundation, Platinum Seraphim James Deering Charitable Trust, Platinum Seraphim Ron and Janie Kupferman, Platinum Seraphim Dr. Shulamit and Mr. Chaim Katzman, Platinum Seraphim Michael and Iris Smith, Platinum Seraphim Jayne and Leonard Abess, Silver Seraphim Claman Family, Silver Seraphim Crescent Heights of America, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Galbut, Mr. and Mrs. Sonny Kahn, Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Menin, Silver Seraphim​  *As of September 30, 2020

Guardian Angels Virtual Event Raises $300K to Benefit Holtz Children's Hospital

Beth Behr, child life specialist, and Flavia Llizo, Foundation co-president and chief development officer. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped raise more than $300,000 during the Guardian Angels virtual fundraiser on Wednesday, December 2. Your contributions will assist Holtz Children’s Hospital in addressing its most urgent needs in the battle against COVID-19. The fundraiser included more than 180 entries for a chance to win 24 prizes donated by individuals and organizations throughout our community. Congratulations and special thanks to Guardian Angels President Silvia Rios Fortun, Event Chair Andria Ares Holtz, and members of the event committee, including Vivian Adrian, Angela Andrade, Ana de la Fe, Fana Holtz, Ines Lorenzo-Gomez, Mari Grimalt, Debbie Robins, Marilyn Samlut, and Gloria Sesana. Deepest gratitude, as well, to our honorary co-chairs, Mr. and Mrs. Ron Kupferman.

Patient Highlight COVID-19 Survivor Is Home For The Holidays After Nine Months In The Hospital

Rosa Felipe with her family on the day of her discharge.

After a nine-month battle with COVID-19, Rosa Felipe, an electroencephalograph (EEG) technician at Jackson Memorial Hospital, was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday, December 8.  Rosa, 41, contracted the virus in March. Due to her compromised immune system and underlying conditions, she quickly fell ill and spent two months in Jackson Memorial’s intensive care unit where she was placed on intubation and dialysis. She continued her recovery with physical and occupational therapy at the Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial. Although she has been discharged from the hospital, Rosa still faces surgery to amputate her fingers that were deprived of oxygen during months of intubation. Rosa credits her recovery to all the Jackson doctors, nurses, and therapists who cared for her and believed in her throughout her medical journey, as well as her faith and the hope that she would once again see her family.   "This is real, coronavirus is real, and the effects are real," she said. "But what's more real is the love that I've received here. The dedication of my doctors and all the staff. Everybody here is amazing."

Support Jackson Health Foundation with AmazonSmile

Simply shop at smile.amazon.com and select Jackson Health Foundation to support us as your favorite charity. Remember, always start at smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases, at no cost to you. How AmazonSmile Generates Donations: The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible smile.amazon.com purchases. Tens of millions of products are eligible for donations. You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages at smile.amazon.com or with AmazonSmile ON in the Amazon Shopping app. Remember, only purchases made at smile.amazon.com, (not www.amazon.com) or with AmazonSmile turned ON in the Amazon Shopping app on your mobile phone will generate AmazonSmile donations. Learn more about AmazonSmile.

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