Becca Grysko, PhD, CBIS, Special Education Teacher/School Liaison, Hospital School Program
 

Q: What inspired you to get involved with giving back and “go beyond” to Nemours?

A: “I am not just a Nemours Associate. I am also a Nemours mom. My two sons are both Nemours patients, and my youngest spent time in the NICU at NCH as a newborn. I believe in giving back so that all children, including my sons, can have a chance to grow up healthy and reach their full potential. “

Carlos Aleman
Child Life Gaming and Technology Specialist

Q: What does philanthropy mean to you?

A:  Philanthropy has always had a significant meaning to me since my battle with Leukemia. My community, healthcare providers and friends that I made along the journey have continuously inspired me to work hard so I can give back that some attention and care that was given to me when I was battling through my illness. 

Karen Hernandez
Hospital & Clinic Patient Access Manager

Q: Why should other associates get involved with giving back?

A: By giving back, you have the ability to positively impact lives. Giving makes people feel deeply rewarded bringing joy.  You gain a sense of purpose and feel of connection. You become part of the positive outcomes of Nemours. Each contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in someone’s life. Unlike many other aspects of life you may not be able to control, giving back/volunteering allows you to choose where and how to make a difference.  Make an impact!

Reginald Major 
Public Safety Officer

Q: What inspired you to get involved with giving back and “go beyond” to Nemours?

A: "Giving back and going beyond for Nemours is my profession. I was inspired by my love of the children, as well as doing the righteous thing. Somewhere I read teamwork makes the dream work. If we all kick in what a wonderful hospital this can become.”

Nancy Molello
Executive Director, Ginsburg Institute for Health Equity

Q: How have you been involved with philanthropy at Nemours?

A: At Nemours, my involvement in philanthropic efforts reflects the true meaning of philanthropy: a commitment to improving lives and fostering the well-being of the community. Developing the Ginsburg Summer Experience Program exemplifies this, as it increases access to enriching summer experiences for the children of Nemours Associates. After piloting the program in 2023, we were able to support 30 associates by sponsoring 43 children in summer camp in 2024.

Philanthropy, to me, is also about collaboration and leveraging resources for greater impact. Through partnerships with community organizations, we secured grants that align with our mission, ensuring vital programs receive the support they need. Additionally, my work with the Ginsburg Family Foundation focuses on advancing health equity and youth mental health initiatives, areas crucial for fostering a healthier future.

Seeing the tangible impact of our efforts on children and their families underscores the essence of philanthropy: a shared responsibility to uplift and empower our communities

Nicole Gandolfo, MA, CCLS
Child Life Manager

Q:  Why should other associates get involved with giving back/being a part of the Associate Giving Program? (impact)

A: The Associate Giving Program is a great way to share your passion for the incredible care provided at Nemours. When associates at all levels in the institution get involved with giving, it sends the message that this opportunity is not just at the highest levels. Everyone can contribute and have an impact in moving the institution forward because even small amounts can add up to big things for the special kids in our care.

Laura Mitchell, CCLS
Child Life Specialist Sr.

Q: What inspired you to get involved with giving back and “go beyond” to Nemours?

A: I want to be a model by giving and supporting. Philanthropy is accessible to our associates at every level. It is all about engagement and it keeps you connected to the mission providing an investment in our community. Giving back is an extension of the role you’re doing and how you are serving patients.

Mary Newman, DNP, RN, CPON, NE-BC
Director of Nursing, Lisa Dean Moseley Foundation Institute for Cancer and Blood Disorders.

Q: How have you been involved with Philanthropy at Nemours… Can you talk about the impact that it made?  

A:  I see the impact philanthropy has had from so many different foundations who give to Nemours, and it’s inspiring.  More recently, my experience with the Lisa Dean Moseley Foundation donation has transformational impact. When I met with the members of the Moseley Foundation Board of Directors, and saw their expressions, knowing the impact their contribution has made, it gave me pause, and I realized I could be part of that. I chose to participate in the Associate Giving program with a pledge through payroll deduction, and I was able to be specific about where I wanted those donations to go within Nemours.  

Suchat Pederson
Manager, Visual Media

Q: How have you been involved with Philanthropy at Nemours… Can you talk about the impact that it made?

A: In my role, I have the opportunity to capture photographs or video of grateful families and fellow associates. I am able to capture moments and stories that truly highlight the impact that philanthropy efforts have made on their lives and on our programs.  

Yvette Santiago
Director of Community Engagement

Q: What advice would you give to a fellow associate who wants to get involved?

A: My advice to associates is to find your passion and define how you want to give to support that passion. This can be done in a variety of ways but in ways that works for you. Get involved and get started. Start small and grow from there. Personally, giving back fuels my soul and enables me to live out my purpose every day.  In one way shape or form, my philanthropic efforts are positively impacting kids, families and communities and giving hope when it may be needed the most.

Kevin M. Neal, MD, MBA. Division Chief, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery & Pediatric Orthopedic Fellowship Director.

Q: How have you been involved with Philanthropy at Nemours… Can you talk about the impact that it made?

A: I personally cared for many children who have received funding through Nemours, which comes at least partially from philanthropic efforts, to allow them to have needed procedures and services.

Jennifer Pfieffer, MSN, APRN, PCNS-BC, ESMHL. Clinical Nurse Specialist and Clinical Director of ADAPT (Assisted Dog and Pony Therapy)

Q: Why should other associates get involved with the Associate Giving Program?

A: Associates should get involved with giving back or participate in the Associate Giving Program at Nemours because it creates a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of the children and families we serve.  As healthcare professionals, we already dedicate our skills to helping children heal. Through giving, we extend that care beyond the bedside, supporting programs that enhance patient outcomes and providing resources that directly improve children's health and quality of life.

Many of the groundbreaking initiatives we offer at Nemours are supported by philanthropic contributions. Donating helps fund research, new technologies, and specialized care programs like ADAPT, allowing us to stay at the forefront of pediatric healthcare and deliver innovative treatments to help children and their families.

Monica Mortensen, D.O., Endocrinologist & Associate Director of Clinical Endocrine Services

Q: What inspired you to get involved with giving back and “go beyond” to Nemours?      

A: Our Diabetes Camp is an opportunity for children with diabetes to meet other children with diabetes and develop a sense of community and support.   It is also a safe place for their medical needs to be met so parents and feel comfortable to have their children attend. For some children it has been their only opportunity to meet anther child with diabetes or the first time away from their family. We have also created quarterly events. I love being involved in these events as it has a huge impact on the kids and their families. It is great to see them outside the clinic and see a different side of them. These events and camp are free to the kids and families. They are made possible due to the support of Nemours and the generosity of our donors. 

Mary Mehta, MD, VP & Chief Medical Officer
 

Q: What advice would you say to a fellow associate who wants to get involved?

A: “I think first, they have to figure out their ‘why’. Find what their passion is! Whether it’s a personal donation or building a team, find an endeavor to help improve the lives of the children we serve. Whether it’s in our clinic or in our community, that’s what they should pursue. It’s really about that giving heart. That’s what makes the difference.”

Randi Danley, RN, BSN
Cardiology RN  

Q: What inspired you to get involved with giving back and “go beyond” to Nemours?

A: I was inspired to “go beyond” by hearing some of the stories about the impact that associate giving has made on our patients, such as our food drives and donated comfort items, as well as those who have been given financial assistance that was possible through funds such as the Nemours Patient and Family Support Fund.