Heart of a Hero Awarded Posthumously to Emma June Kent
“This inspires me to be a better physician and work harder for my patients and their families,” Health First Cardiologist says.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The capes and cowls came out April 6 for the third annual Heart of a Hero gala now at the Crowne Plaza Oceanside, but beneath the disguises were authentic healthcare heroes who daily demonstrate commitment to patients and families, setting the standard for excellence anywhere.
Health First was the title sponsor of the Brevard Heart Foundation’s latest awards banquet, which honored nearly two dozen healthcare professionals.
The foundation is set up to improve the health, quality of life, and well-being of Brevard County residents and visitors by supporting these healthcare professionals and future ones through scholarships.
“Health First has a long history of providing excellent, advanced care close to home for our community. One of the best ways to be able to provide excellent care right here in Brevard is to invest in future nurses and doctors, which is just one of the reasons we love this Foundation and their mission,” said Cheyana Fischer, Health First’s Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer, during remarks introducing the Excellence in Leadership award to Paula Ludwig, Director of Patient Care Services at Hospice of Health First.
Along with Ludwig, the following Health First physicians, clinicians and staff received awards:
■ Interventional Cardiologist Steven Karas, MD
■ Cardiologist John Hoyle, MD
■ Cardiac Electrophysiologist Vishal Patel, MD
■ Michael Perry, Cardiac Cath Lab Coordinator, Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center
■ Katie Kennedy, Nurse, Pediatric Emergency Department, Holmes Regional
■ AnneMarie Lake, Nurse, Health First Home Health
■ Sarah Belmont, Nurse, Health First’s Palm Bay Hospital
■ Cameron Humes, Nurse, Palm Bay Hospital
■ Bailey Bonnett, Nurse, Health First’s Cape Canaveral Hospital
■ Makayla McCombs, Nurse, Cape Canaveral Hospital
■ Leigha Bartram, Medical Assistant, Cape Canaveral Hospital Medical Plaza
■ Charles Parker, Pastoral Care and Grief Counseling, Hospice of Health First
“This was certainly an inspiring event,” Parker said. “Seeing all of the wonderful examples of selfless service that so many in the Brevard healthcare world do for others. I’m humbled and honored to be a part of it.”
Additional awardees include the following:
■ Pediatric Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist Bhavya Trivedi, MD, Children’s Cardiology Clinic
■ Pediatric Pulmonologist Kimberly Hartzell, MD, Children’s Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists
■ Lara Chicone, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Parrish Medical Center
■ Anthony Kelly, Paramedic, Brevard County Fire Rescue
■ Andy Robinson, Licensed Practical Nurse, St. Francis Reflections
■ Alexis Sorrentino, Rebecca Morgan and Stephanie Viebel, Hospice Nurses, VITAS Healthcare
■ Shawn Sima, Impact Director, Who We Play For
■ Jital Patel, Occupational Therapist, Coastal Occupational Therapy
Heart of a Hero Awarded Posthumously to Emma June Kent
The Heart of a Hero was awarded posthumously to Emma June Kent, who lost her fight with cancer last October at the age of 17. Her parents at the Team Emma June table were invited to speak, and several hospice nurses who cared for her were welcomed to the stage for awards. The most moving presentation of the night, it was a tribute to the teen’s impact.
During a “reverse auction,” several guests made significant contributions to the charity. Inspired by Ron DeGraw who said he would match $2,000 worth of contributions, the following pledged $500 gifts to the nonprofit: former board president Travis Proctor, Guillermo Eraso, VITAS Healthcare, METCA Nursing Academy, John and Susan Hopkins, Mr. & Mrs. Scott Henderson, Drs. Lauren and Jordan Loftis, Team Emma June, Andy Waterman Realty, Abbey Redden, CPA, and Cheyana Fischer.
In all, 15 Health First associates and leaders were honored or invited to the stage to give remarks during the event – none more than Health First Cardiologist Kevin Campbell, MD, FACC, who emceed the evening and was earlier this year picked board president of the nonprofit.
“I am so fortunate to serve in both of these roles, as a Health First Cardiologist and the board president for the Brevard Heart Foundation,” he said after. “Each allows me to serve my fellow Brevard County residents.
“It was an honor to publicly recognize the good deeds of my Health First colleagues and friends. Hearing stories of patients and their families who are positively impacted by these good deeds – it inspires me to be a better physician every single day and work harder for my patients and their families.”
“As board president, the partnership between the Brevard Heart Foundation and Health First is incredibly important, and we are deeply grateful for the support Health First provides and look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.”
“The students that graduate from these programs are our future,” Fischer told the crowd.
“These healthcare professionals not only serve our family, friends, and neighbors but will develop into leaders who are the future of not only Health First but all aspects of care across the Space Coast.”
“In our third year, the Brevard Heart Foundation has established this as a meaningful event that not only raises money for our unique scholarship program that empowers future medical professionals, but also recognizes outstanding work at all levels of healthcare,” said Stacy Cartechine, Executive Director.
“It’s moving, inspiring, and quite honestly, comforting knowing that right here at home we can find this level of care.”
“We’re ready to make an even bigger impact in our community through initiatives and empowering future healthcare workers, but we need continued support.”
Funds raised by the event go to the foundation’s local healthcare initiatives and scholarship program for Brevard students. To learn more about the Brevard Heart Foundation, visit Brevardheartfoundation.org, or on Facebook, Brevard Heart Foundation.
The 2024 scholarship application period opened April 1. To view the application and rules, go to BrevardHealthFoundation.org/scholarships/.
The Brevard Heart Foundation was begun 65 years ago by Dr. Jack T. Bechtel, one of the first in active practice at what is today Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center.
Visit HF.org/news to keep up on the latest at Health First.
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