Twelve years ago, Shelly found a lump during a breast self-examination. The mother of twins (then age 8), she was also a wife, an active tennis player and a full-time attorney.

Shelly didn’t have time for cancer.

She was quick to explore treatment options locally and throughout the United States. A diagnosis of Stage 2A breast cancer was shocking to this young mother, but the realization that she could receive the best care right here at home was a tremendous relief.

“When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, it is very unsettling to both the patient and their family. The added burden of facing not only the time and expense of travel for treatment, but also losing your support network, adds a

layer of toxicity that is unlike chemotherapy and radiation,” says Dr. Lee Scheinbart, Oncologist and Vice President of Medical Affairs for Health First’s Community Hospitals.

Shelly underwent surgery at Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center and received 16 weeks of chemotherapy at the Health First Infusion Center, with her husband, Eric, her children and her mother and father at her side. Shelly had another support network, too – her “Quiet Heroes.”

“My ‘Quiet Heroes’ are the doctors, nurses and caregivers, as well as friends, who supported me in my journey, without asking for anything in return,” Shelly says. “They gave me a sense of hope and comfort – their dedication, commitment and compassion truly helped me heal.”

Through the generous philanthropic support from community donors, Health First is able to continue offering cutting-edge technology and the most compassionate, highly skilled team of caregivers. This, in turn, enables us

to provide world-class care locally for you, your loved ones and our community.

“I am so grateful for all the ‘Quiet Heroes’ who have helped me in my cancer journey – my Health First doctors, nurses and caregivers – and I must add donors to that list,” Shelly said.

“Because of them all, it was possible for me to receive my treatment right here at home, surrounded by my family, friends and an incredible network of support. This year, I am celebrating 11 years cancer-free!”

Shelly Cooper is Corporate Counsel at Northrop Grumman Corporation. She supports Health First as a member of the Foundation’s Good Samaritan Society. Shelly joined the Health First Foundation Board of Trustees in 2010, and is an advocate for world-class health care in Brevard. She and her husband, Eric, live in Melbourne, and their children are now juniors in college.

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Celebrating Quiet Heroes

NEWS FOR OUR DONORS AND FRIENDS

SEPTEMBER 2018

Shelley Cooper with her family.

Philanthropically

Tribute gifts are a special opportunity to remember a friend or loved one in a way that impacts future patients and their families. Gifts can be made to honor a family member, cherished friend or compassionate medical provider.

The Foundation recognizes the generosity of donors as they honor special people who have touched their lives. Tributes made between October 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018, in honor or in memory of loved ones, are featured on our website. Visit HFgive.org to view the full list of tributes.

In Tribute...

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Marilyn has witnessed significant growth in Brevard County – and significant growth at Health First. Likewise, she has seen increased demand for services, even accompanying family and friends who use and depend on Health First for their healthcare needs.

“When it comes down to you, your family and your loved ones, where would you want them to go to get the best care?” she asks.

To Marilyn, having local, quality health care is a priority. That’s why she chose to make a transformational planned gift to Health First.

“A transformational gift, as the name suggests, is a gift significant enough to catalyze positive change, or perhaps to ensure a sustainable legacy for a program,” remarks Michael Seeley, President of the Health First Foundation. “These six- or seven- figure gifts and their positive impact become indelibly associated with the donor and the donor’s family – and will be remembered by generations to come. Marilyn’s thoughtful commitment is a perfect example of transformational philanthropy.”

Jeanene Donilon, Foundation Director, agrees, “Marilyn’s gift will have an extraordinary impact on our ability to care for the Brevard community,” Donilon says. “Planned gifts are a straightforward way to make these

Gift Continues Transformation of Local Health Care

Holmes is Where Her Heart IsA Special Gift to Health First Continues Legacy of Caring and Delivering High Quality Health Care to Brevard Community

transformational commitments today, while allowing donors to still retain control of assets, but at the same time focus their philanthropy in key areas that accomplish their long-term charitable goals.”

Making arrangements to include Health First in your will or estate plan is simple.

“It’s easy,” Marilyn said. “I tell my attorney, then I tell you. I just want to make a difference.”

Marilyn’s service, along with her decision to make a planned gift, embodies the true spirit of giving. Her support, designated to nursing scholarships and the Health First Cancer Institute, will ensure that we have the most skilled and compassionate caregivers and that patients receive the highest-quality care, close to home.

Health First shares Marilyn’s commitment to serving our community, and through thoughtful philanthropic gifts like hers, we will be able to do so now and in the years to come. We are inspired and honored by her generosity, which will make a positive difference for our patients in the years ahead.

We are pleased to list Marilyn in our Health First Legacy Society with a special recognition of “Volunteer Forever.” (See full Legacy Society listing on page four.)

If you are interested in learning more about supporting Health First through a planned gift, please contact the Foundation at 321.434.7353.

Brevard County has a long history of caring for its own. Not long after Marilyn Holmes Kitchel moved to Melbourne in 1962, she found herself becoming an integral part of that caring community.

In those early days, Marilyn had no idea that her new career at Brevard Hospital would begin a long history of service and helping others. It was while working as an executive secretary for Harry Underill, Administrator at Brevard Hospital – originally located on U.S. Highway 1 – that Marilyn met her future husband, James E. “Jimmy” Holmes. Jimmy served as chairman of the hospital board more than 25 years and was the owner of James E. Holmes Insurance.

A community effort to build a new hospital began in 1958. With local leadership and community support, construction started in 1961. On November 4, 1962, the new Brevard Hospital opened its doors. Upon Jimmy’s death in 1978, the name was changed to Holmes Regional Medical Center.

Marilyn has stayed involved with Holmes Regional Medical Center and Health First in a variety of ways – first as an associate, then as a volunteer, with years serving as an auxiliary member and being active in various hospital functions. Today, she serves as a volunteer at Health First’s Viera Hospital.

Marilyn Holmes Kitchel with Jeanene Donilon, Health First Foundation Director

Marilyn Holmes Kitchel with Jeanene Donilon, Health First Foundation Director.

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Community Support Funds Nursing Excellence

(Continued on page 4)

Thank You Corporate Partners

Thanks to wonderful community partnerships and many generous donors, more than $390,000 has been awarded over the last four years to help Health First nurses earn their Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing (BSN). Research demonstrates improved patient outcomes with a higher BSN-prepared nursing workforce, and scholarships encourage nurses to advance in their profession through much needed financial support.

“I am overwhelmed by the generosity and opportunity to further my education.” — Tammy, RNC Nurse Manager, Cape Canaveral Hospital Women’s Services (2018 Nursing Scholarship Recipient)

This past July, 25 nurses received a total of $62,500 in scholarships at Health First’s Nursing Scholarship luncheon held at

Suntree Country Club. The event celebrated the dedication and commitment of the scholarship recipients as well as the donors who made these awards possible. “We are honored to recognize the generosity of donors like Myra Igo Haley (Igo Endowed Scholarship Fund), Mike and Rashmi Shah (2018 Mother Baby Nursing Scholarship), Brevard Indo-American Medical and Dental Association (BIMDA) who made a multi-year pledge to support an annual scholarship, and continued support for the Mike Means and Larry Garrison Endowment for Nursing

Excellence,” said Mike Seeley, Health First Foundation President.

“At Health First, we are committed to supporting nurses striving to achieve higher level academic goals,” said Connie Bradley, Health First Chief Nursing Officer. “The Health First Foundation Nursing Scholarship is one avenue to promote lifelong learning for our nurses”.

The Health First Foundation stays committed to investing in our nurses, so associates

American Business InteriorsBarton Malow Company

BB&TBrevard Physician Associates, PLLCCoastal Health Systems of Brevard

Delta DentalFordHarrison

Harris CorporationHuntonBrady Artchitects, P.A.

Krasny & DettmerMilliman

Rossway Swan Tierney Barry Lacey & Oliver, PL

Sorensen Moving & Storagethree.two.one

Corporate Partners was created to recognize support from local and national businesses and corporations, providing a wide array of recognition beyond event programs

Health First is grateful to the following leading corporations and local business leaders who contribute to the continued growth of Health First through a shared investment in the health and well-being of Brevard County, supporting new technologies, facilities and programs.

Health First Corporate Partner recognition wall installed in the lobby of Health First corporate offices in Rockledge.

and signage. For information on becoming a Corporate Partner, please contact the Foundation at HFgive.org.

Save the date for #GivingTuesday November 27, 2018

Health First will once again be a part of #GivingTuesday, a global day of philanthropy to kick off the holiday season of giving, on November 27, 2018. This year, we ask you to make a gift to benefit the Health First Cancer Institute and our mission to provide world-class cancer treatment close to home.

Follow us on Facebook to see and hear stories directly from the patients we serve at the Cancer Institute.

Mark your calendar for November 27, 2018.

Call us at 321.434.7353 to learn more about how you can be a part of #GivingTuesday.

November 27

Pictured at the Nursing Scholarship Luncheon on July 18 are Rob Perers, Chairman, Health First Foundation Board of Trustees; Glad Kurian, BIMDA; Michael Seeley, President, Health First Foundation (back row); Rashmi and Mike Shah and Steve Johnson, President and CEO, Health First.

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like Roy Berkemeier can pursue advanced skills training. Roy shares, “Experience is great, but learning the latest, evidence based information is truly empowering. The education applies directly to my work at Health First, with an ability to share things with my colleagues and speak on topics that I knew little about before now. This truly gives me an increased feeling of confidence that I am bettering myself, helping my coworkers, my department, and my hospital. My most fervent hope is that I am able to pay this forward by making a difference with my patients.”

Throughout the years, evidence shows that there is improved mortality and earlier recognition of deteriorating conditions when there is a higher proportion of BSN prepared

(Continued from page 3)

Community Support Funds Nursing Excellence

Nancy Abu-Taha*Anonymous (4)Bess Balch*Marj BartokRichard C. and Gail BeagleyWilliam Bennix*James and Sandra BreitmeierPauline Brown*Richard C. Cameron, Sr.*Mildred Carter*Gene and Becky CavallucciJune Chambers*Madeline ChildsJoseph R. and Claire Creighton*Carl D. Coddington, Jr.James R. Crockett*Ruby Dalton*Margaret P. Davis*Larry and Anne DavisAgatha Doerer*Bobbie DyerElla Evans*Walter D. Finch, Sr.*Beatrice Finver*Sandra Flower*

Warren* and Evelyn FosterJohn Frelich*Riva Frenault*Edward J. Frink*Michael and Carol Ann GaichAllan Gair The Tina Goins FamilyMarilyn Grace*Jim and Sally Gray* Alfred and Lois Hansen * Bessie M. Hatch*Allen and Sandra HenryRobert S. Herman*Marie HoerleAlbert and Mary Lee Hunton*Vivian Johnson*Ione Jordan*Marilyn Holmes Kitchel Florence Kunneman*Annie F. Kurtz*Stephen and Jen LaceyEdna Lavandier* Ralph Littler*Leonard Macklin*Mike and Margaret Maguire

The Margaret Heins FoundationRoberta M. Merrell*Renee Moran*Helen C. Mullins*E. Lee and Alona Myers*Margaret Oswald*Dorothy W. ParkerCatherine M. Pellicoro*The Pridmore Family FoundationFrances Risley*Margaret Roebuck*Frank and Merriliece Rohan*Sylvia Rutherford*Turmy Lum SievekingThe Kenneth C. Smith FamilyAlice Stout*Eleanore Taylor*Patricia A. Tosques*Angelika TraylorHelen Tremont*Ruth Vosburgh*Patricia Wallburg*Leonard A. Zeiler

* Deceased Volunteer Forever

Philanthropically Speaking is published byHealth First Foundation1350 S. Hickory St.Melbourne, FL 32901321.434.7353HFgive.org

Foundation@Health-First.org

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Health First Foundation Board of TrusteesRobert Perers, ChairJessica André, Vice ChairBecky Dukes, Immediate Past ChairMichael Seeley, PresidentPatricia Pruitt, SecretaryNicholas Romanello, Assistant SecretaryStephen Lacey, Treasurer

Gobivenkata Balaji, MDRichard C. BeagleyStephanie A. BrownCarl D. Coddington, Jr.Shelly CooperDale A. DettmerBobbie DyerEvelyn FosterTina Goins

Danielle GreenspoonSteven Johnson, PhDChristine LancePolly MolnarRita MorenoBarry RichardsonNancy TaylorKenneth Tieu, MDWilliam A. Troner

Kevin Steele, Emeritus

Our MissionThe Health First Foundation helps improve the health and well-being of residents in our community by raising funds to support and advance the mission of Health First and its family of charitable healthcare providers.

These include four not-for-profit hospitals — Health First’s Cape Canaveral Hospital, Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center, Health First’s Palm Bay Hospital and Health First’s Viera Hospital — as well as many Outpatient & Wellness Services that include Hospice of Health First and Health First Aging Services.

The Health First Foundation, Inc., Florida Registration #CH-12568, receives 100% of all contributions. 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, within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.

Contact usfor more information on ways to support Health First through the Foundation.

The Legacy Society honors a tradition that recognizes the extraordinary generosity of our donors who have made a provision for Health First Foundation or a Health First hospital, program or service in their will or estate planning.

®

Legacy Society

nurses at the bedside. In the past three years, Health First has experienced a 33 percent increase in the number of BSN prepared nurses at bedsides. This means the highest quality care for our patients and families when they need it. “We’re committed to advancing education and applying new knowledge and skills to serve our patients at the highest level possible,” said Paula Just, Health First Chief Human Resource Officer.

Nursing in the 21st century is more difficult and skill-based than ever before. With philanthropic support from our community, Health First is able to continue supporting those who directly care for our family, friends and neighbors. To learn more about Health First nursing scholarships, and how you can support them, please contact the Health First Foundation office at 321.434.7353.

Roy Berkemeier (center, back row) with all of the 2017 Nursing Scholarship recipients