Dear Friends:

In the coming days, children will be heading back to the classroom, ready to embark on an exciting new school year. Jackson Health Foundation wishes all students and their parents well wishes for a safe and healthy school year full of great memories. 

As we look back on the summer, we are still beaming with pride over a new partnership between Jackson Health System, Jackson Health Foundation, UHealth – University of Miami Health System, and Shriners Hospitals for Children. Thanks to a major grant from Shriners Hospitals for Children, we will be building one of the region’s most sophisticated programs for pediatric orthopedics.

We’re excited to share our upcoming events for the fall season, including Ice Cream We Love and the 23rd Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon and Fashion Show benefiting Holtz Children’s Hospital. We can’t wait to see you all in person and hope you join us. 

Lastly, don’t miss the uplifting story of Ukrainian refugee Olena Orlova. After fleeing her war-torn country, she made the long journey to Miami, where she received lifesaving care at Jackson Memorial Hospital – made possible because of the generosity of complete strangers.

As always, your generosity is what makes healing possible for thousands of families in Miami-Dade County and beyond. Visit JacksonHealthFoundation.org to learn about more ways you can help us support UHealth Jackson Children’s Care and Holtz Children’s Hospital.

All the best,

$16 Million Grant Provided by

Shriners Children's Hospital

Last month, Jackson Health System, Jackson Health Foundation, UHealth – University of Miami Health System and Shriners Children’s announced a major $16 million grant to create a new regional center of excellence called Shriners Children’s Orthopedic Center at UHealth Jackson Children’s Care. 

This unprecedented grant will greatly support pediatric orthopedics. Whether needs of the community come from major injuries treated in our Ryder Trauma Center or potentially debilitating conditions like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and muscular dystrophy, the Shriners Children’s Pediatric Orthopedic Center will be a powerhouse of academic medicine.

With a signature space, new endowed chairs for pediatric orthopedics, and pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation, this center will supply advanced world-class care for children with traumatic injuries and debilitating conditions. The enhanced orthopedic program will align with other UHealth Jackson Children’s Care signature pediatric services, including organ transplant, cardiac care, neonatology, cancer treatment, neurosurgery, and much more.

This affiliation will also be the catalyst for a new, state-of-the-art facility exclusively focused on outpatient pediatric care, which will house all ambulatory children’s services from the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center campus under one roof - and they’ll be just steps from our pediatric emergency room, 379-bed Holtz Children’s Hospital.

Finally, this partnership will ultimately help us create the most sophisticated pediatric outpatient center in our 104-year history.

To celebrate these major announcements, we held a parade on campus, which featured a New Orleans-style jazz band, three small NASCAR race cars, and Shriners Dune Buggy Patrol cars.

Jackson West, Home of José Milton Memorial Hospital Celebrates First Anniversary

We are excited to share that José Milton Memorial Hospital and Jackson West Medical Center celebrated its first anniversary on August 2nd! Since its grand opening one year ago, more than 25,000 patients have been treated at the state-of-the-art hospital, and more than 200 babies have been born at the facility. 

José Milton Memorial Hospital is ranked among the top five percent of Florida hospitals, with patients consistently giving Jackson West high marks in quality of care and their willingness to recommend the hospital’s services to family and friends. In addition to excellent care it's also considered to have one of the top 50 emergency departments in the country, where patients are seen within 15 minutes. 

Happy first anniversary, Jackson West!

Celebrating accomplishments with the team are Eddie Borrego, SVP & CEO Jackson West Medical Center, Jackson Health System and Ana VeigaMilton, Chair of our Executive Board, philanthropist and president of the José Milton Foundation.  

Donor Spotlight: 

Hess Foundation Milk Bank

The Holtz Children’s Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides lifesaving care to hundreds of babies each year – some born as early as 22 weeks gestation. The highly-skilled team of neonatologists and NICU nurses rely on the latest technology and advances to help treat premature infants and other newborns with special medical needs. We’re excited to announce this unit will soon benefit from the creation of the Hess Foundation Milk Bank at Holtz Children’s Hospital, thanks to a generous $1 million gift from the Hess Foundation, Inc. The space will support breastfeeding mothers by allowing them to store their milk supply so that it is available for their hospitalized babies 24/7. It will also allow the medical teams to expand their human milk collection and fortification process, which supports the nutritional needs and growth of our neonates. Breastfeeding mothers using this space will also have the ability to see their baby via round-the-clock video access, which research has shown helps stimulate milk production. These technologies and comforts are what set us apart as the leaders in care and compassion.

Many thanks to the Hess Foundation for their support of the Holtz Children’s NICU.

Ukraine Refugee Receives Medical Treatment For Neck Tumor with Help of Jackson Health Foundation

After traveling fourteen days fleeing the warzone of her native Ukraine, 46-year-old Olena Orlova arrived in South Florida hoping to receive treatment for a cyst inside her neck.  Two years ago, Ukrainian physicians discovered the mass. At the time, doctors explained the gravity of Orlova’s diagnosis, and she was advised to seek the help of a specialist. However, while searching for the care she needed, the mass continued to grow, making it difficult for Orlova to swallow and move her neck easily.  As she began to worry about the severity of her condition, she received news that a doctor was available to take on her case. Orlova was scheduled to undergo surgery on February 24. Unfortunately, all that changed the day before the procedure was supposed to take place when Russian troops invaded her hometown of Kharkiv. As the country faced uncertainty, Orlova became more concerned about her health. She reached out to her son Oleh Orlov to determine how she could evacuate. Orlov, who lives in Miami, began his mission to help his mother and possibly save her life.

Through the assistance of loved ones, friends, and good Samaritans, the family was able to get the financial help they needed for Orlova to begin her journey. She traveled alone through Poland, the Netherlands, Mexico, and California before her son was able to meet her in South Florida.

Thinking his mother’s life was hanging on a thread, Orlov did not want to waste time. On April 21, he drove her to the emergency room at Jackson Memorial Hospital. She underwent evaluation and was seen by a multidisciplinary team that called on the expertise of Elizabeth Nicolli, MD, a UHealth – University of Miami Health System otolaryngologist who specializes in head and neck surgery. 

“While the mass was benign, it could continue growing and ultimately compress vital structures in her neck if left untreated,” Dr. Nicolli said. “There are important nerves and blood vessels in the neck, and our ability to speak, swallow, and breathe is centered there. We wanted to make sure to preserve and protect these areas.” 

Upon learning of her patient’s backstory, Dr. Nicolli wanted to contribute in her own way. She advised Orlova that she would waive her fee as a surgeon to perform her surgery and worked together with Jackson Health Foundation, the fundraising arm of Jackson Health System, to seek additional support for her. 

“This is an example of the community coming together to help someone in need,” said Flavia Llizo, the Foundation’s co-president and chief development officer. “Through the generosity of two private donors, we were fortunate to obtain the funds to pay for the additional hospital costs that cannot be financed by public bond support.”

On May 23, Orlova succe­­ssfully underwent surgery at Jackson Memorial to remove her cyst.

“I am very grateful for all the support I’ve received, and to everyone who has helped me along the way,” Orlova said. “Thank you to the donors, the medical staff, and everyone at Jackson that gave me this opportunity to improve my health.”

Orlova has since had her follow-up appointments, had her stitches removed, and has resumed normal activities with no restrictions. As she embarks on her new chapter, she hopes to start her life over in South Florida and spend quality time with her son.

Together, We Will Empower Our Nurses

Nurses are the heartbeat of Jackson Health System – highly skilled, dedicated, and compassionate. Their daily interactions with patients have a profound impact on their recovery, and they are often praised for being the best of the best. 

Jackson nurses truly embody personalized care throughout our health system system, handling complex communication with patients and families, along with establishing therapeutic relationships mindful of psychiatric, cognitive, and behavioral issues. 

But the nursing profession has dramatically changed during the pandemic. Across the U.S., there is an unprecedented shortage of nurses due to many leaving the profession for early retirement, burnout, or opportunities to work lucrative traveling positions. While the National Center for Health Workforce has analyzed shortages and surpluses in the nursing workforce across the U.S., reports project that 1.2 million new registered nurses (RNs) will be needed by 2030 to address the current shortage. 

Jackson is committed to recruiting new nurses to join our team and retaining our exceptional caregivers. Jackson supports its nursing workforce by offering career growth opportunities, and the chance to learn and expand their expertise by working in various medical specialties throughout the health system.  

Philanthropic dollars are key to supporting efforts that build capacity in nursing and fund innovative programs to support the incredible team of Jackson’s nurses. One of the Foundation’s priorities is to identify donors and community partners interested in supporting Jackson’s nursing programs and initiatives. If you’re interested in helping or want to learn more about these opportunities, please contact Alexandra Salcedo at [email protected].

Leading The Way In Nursing

Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital is hosting the first cohort of the Mental Health Nursing Residency this summer. The first of its kind on the east coast of Florida, the program is welcoming a cohort of up to 20 participants for each 14-week rotation. 

A successful Mental Health Residency Program translates into additional nursing staff joining the ranks at Jackson Behavioral Health, one of the largest freestanding behavioral health hospitals in Florida. It also creates increased awareness, expertise, and compassion around the treatment of patients with mental health issues among those nurses who opt to pursue other disciplines.

Join Us at South Florida’s Coolest Event: 

Ice Cream We Love 

September 17 and 18, 2022, 1 to 5 p.m. each day

Bal Harbour Shops

9700 Collins Ave Bal Harbour, FL 33154

Join us at Ice Cream We Love and help us kick-off the 23rd Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon. This fun-filled, two-day event presented by Bal Harbour Shops and Bal Harbour Village benefits Holtz Children’s Hospital and the compassionate care of its young patients. Take a break from the heat and enjoy famous ice cream brands from around the nation and their delectable treats.

For tickets to Ice Cream We Love and to learn more about the 23rd Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon on November 22nd click the button below.

23rd Annual Guardians of the Children Luncheon and Fashion Show: Save the Date

Tuesday, November 22, 11 a.m.

The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne

455 Grand Bay Drive

For more than two decades, the Guardian Angels have hosted the Guardians of the Children Luncheon benefiting Holtz Children’s Hospital in an exclusive location surrounded by those who embrace their mission. Join us this year to see an exclusive fashion show presented by Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland.

To become a sponsor or buy tickets for this event, click the button below. For more information, please contact Gradon Hadaway at [email protected] or 786-239-8708. 

Sponsor Highlight: RTR Financial Services

For today’s Donor Spotlight, we’re shining a light on one of our Corporate Miracle Makers, RTR Financial Services, a national leader in account management services dedicated to helping their clients improve revenue collections and helping make communities better for all. We are thrilled to have the support of RTR Financial Services, and all of our Corporate Miracle Makers. 

“RTR Financial Services is happy to support the Jackson Health Foundation as a Corporate Miracle Maker. With the help of your organization, we are able to give back by enhancing the health of the Miami community," said Angela Tooze.  

The Corporate Miracle Makers program is an opportunity to showcase your company’s investment as a leader in our community. We can help plan, collaborate and implement meaningful tailored programs that align with your company’s marketing initiatives, philanthropic goals, and objectives. 

For more information, please call 305-585-GIVE (4483) or email [email protected].

Advanced Technology: AiZtech Testing

AiZtech, a global tech company, has developed a new technology that can detect active COVID-19 infection from selfie images, based on detecting changes to the outer surface of the eye caused by the virus.

AiZtech and Jackson are conducting a non-invasive observational study to collect selfie images of eyes in four different directions: straight to the camera, right, left, and up. Study participants will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire and have photos taken of their eyes. The study will then compare the results of the new screening technology with PCR results to report their performance when testing for current COVID variants.

Parental Guidance: Parenting a Child with ADHD

Thursday, August 25

8 to 9 p.m.

When parenting a child with ADHD, typical strategies and routines don’t always apply. From identifying symptoms and seeking support for your child to navigating techniques for discipline and learning, learn how you can help your child with ADHD thrive.

Your Donations Give Young Patients at Holtz Children's Hospital a Chance to Smile

Please consider donating to help save the lives of young patients at Holtz Children’s Hospital. No amount is too small.  We truly appreciate your support!