Editors Note: This is a blog post written by UF Health Shands CEO Ed Jimenez.
Participating in The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award nomination process was a wonderful experience for UF Health. First and foremost, we were delighted to have the opportunity to recognize one of our most dedicated volunteers, Cliff Preston, as well as bring attention to the life-saving work done every day at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. Volunteers like Cliff make so much possible for our health care team as well as for patients and their families. The UF Health Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is often “home” for weeks at a time for our tiniest patients. Cliff’s faithful service to the babies in our NICU is both endearing and vital to our most precious and fragile constituency.
In addition to providing awareness, the grant funding provided crucial support for this special population, including unique equipment and supplies that can only be used in an NICU setting. More than 30,000 children in the state of Florida are born premature each year. The NICU at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital was the first of its kind in the state of Florida and today treats approximately 800 critically ill newborns each year. Having volunteers like Cliff in the NICU, supported by grants from organizations like The NASCAR Foundation, helps the staff to provide the best care possible to these newborns.
Thank you for making so much possible for our NICU babies, and for stewarding the dedication of volunteers like Cliff Preston. I know that Cliff was truly honored by the nomination for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, and we are very grateful for the attention shown him by NASCAR.
Ed Jimenez, MBA
CEO, UF Health Shands
Nominations are now open for The NASCAR Foundation’s Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award that recognizes NASCAR fans who are volunteering for children’s causes. Click here to nominate today. Nominations will be accepted through March 22.
