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Walk for Apraxia set for Nov. 8
TAMPA – The 2025 Tampa Walk for Apraxia will benefit children with apraxia of speech.
The rare motor speech disorder makes it difficult to speak. Treatment includes intense speech therapy and sometimes other therapies to help an individual reach their highest communication ability, but there is no cure.
The Walk for Apraxia serves as the largest community event that celebrates children with apraxia of speech. The day includes family-friendly activities, and a short group walk to raise awareness.
The event begins at 10 a.m. Nov. 8 at Waterworks, followed by a ceremony at 11:15 a.m. Registration is free. Visit https://www.apraxia-kids.org/walk-for-apraxia-splash-page/ to learn more about how to join the Walk for Apraxia.
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North seeks gift shop volunteers
LUTZ – The Bamboo Gift Shop at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz needs volunteers.
Liz Guarino, the gift shop’s manager, asks volunteers for a minimum of three hours per week and to be comfortable on a computer as gift shop cash registers are computer-based.
Guarino said volunteers will receive comprehensive training. Volunteers receive discounts on gift shop merchandise and meals, food and refreshments in the hospital’s Twigs Café.
“We will work with you around your schedule and are responsive to your needs when you are away or need time off,” Guarino said.
She also noted that volunteers have an annual celebration event.
Complete a volunteer application at https://baycare.org/locations/hospitals/st-josephs-hospital-north/volunteer.
Hospital honors families that experienced loss
TAMPA – Families, caregivers and AdventHealth Tampa team members gathered recently for Always in Our Hearts: A Pregnancy & Infant Loss Memorial Evening.
The evening offered space for healing and remembrance for families who have experienced unimaginable loss.
The event featured prayer, reflection and candle lighting led by hospital chaplains, with messages of hope and comfort from speakers including Rebecca Vires, women’s health director, and Dr. Sh’nai Simmons, licensed therapist and community builder, who experienced her own personal loss.
“Coming together in shared grief reminds us that even in sorrow, love endures,” said Chaplain Anthony Baffi, of AdventHealth Tampa. “Each light we lifted tonight represents a life that will always be remembered and a family that will always be cared for.”
Families were also invited to write their child’s name on a heart and attach it to a tree of light, to further honor and remember their children. The evening concluded with a candlelight ceremony to symbolize remembrance and healing.
Get answers on Medicare
ST. PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas.
Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.
They’ll answer questions at the following Medicare Basics programs:
- Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey; 727-853-1279
- Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes; 813-929-1214
- Nov. 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel; 813-788-6375
- Nov. 13 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City; 352-567-3576
- Nov. 25 at 10:30 a.m. at the Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday; 727-834-3204.
SHINE services are free, unbiased and confidential. Counselors do not sell anything. They can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.
