FULFILLING A TEEN PATIENT'S HOLIDAY WISH
Giving Is Year-Round Tradition for Matrix Home Care 'Family'
When Marbella Almeida, RN, director of nursing at Matrix Home Care, recently visited a teenage chemotherapy patient, she was deeply touched by his wish for a Kindle ebook reader. "He told me, 'There is a book I really want to read, but I have brain cancer and only have a few months to live, so I need to get started soon," Almeida said. "Needless to say, our team bought him that Kindle."
Throughout Florida, the Matrix Home Care "family" provides volunteer assistance to individuals, families and charitable organizations on a year-round basis. "Giving back to the community is one of our core values, not only does it defray stress of giving to one another, it builds a giving spirit throughout our company to those in need, providing a clear focus on our charitable activities" said Pernille Ostberg, MBA, RPh, president and CEO of the statewide service provider.
Janice Williams, CLTC, vice president, said each Matrix office selects a particular charity to support during the holidays. "We know this is a difficult season for many families, and we want to our part to make things a little easier."
In Broward County, for instance, Matrix has adopted Women in Distress as its charitable cause. "This full-service domestic violence program provides a life-saving service for women in our region," said Tammy Dillard, Broward operations manager. At a recent holiday party, the Pompano Beach office collected clothing, toiletries, children's toys and books for the program.
"Many of their clients have just moved into a safe shelter setting with their children," said Dillard. "It's particularly important for the children to have a stuffed animal or toy during the holiday season." Last year, the Matrix office staff and home health workers collected more than four tubs of necessities to Women in Distress.
Alexander Fiuza, PhD, director of client services for Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, adds that it's important to reach out to people of all ages. "Young children tend to get the most attention," he said, "but don't forget about the teenagers, parents and grandparents, who also need support during the holidays."
About Matrix
Based in West Palm Beach, Matrix provides a complete array of services, home health care, disability management so injured employees can quickly return to work, independent senior care based on the needs of the elderly and specialty nurses' services, including wound care, infusion therapy and rehabilitation nursing. Certified as a woman minority owned business, Matrix serves Southwest, Southeast and Central Florida from locations in West Palm Beach, Tampa, Bradenton, Venice, Fort Myers, Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, Coral Gables and Jupiter.
For more information, www.matrixhomecare.com.
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