Arthritis Foundation raises awareness at Jingle Bell Run
TAMPA BAY – More than 1,000 participants were expected for the 2024 Jingle Bell Run on Dec. 15 at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
The holiday-themed 5K, which occurred after the Laker-Lutz News deadline, was expected to raise $112,500.
Nationwide in more than 100 cities, the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run benefits nearly 60 million Americans, including 300,000 children, living with arthritis every day.
Monies raised help fund cutting-edge research for new treatments, advocating for health care access, and helping those living with arthritis attain everyday victories.
The following people were honored at the event: Vedashree Panthulu (Sunshine Rheumatology), Kevin Cronin (Florida Orthopaedic Institute), Hannah Pugh (adult honoree), Mila Munchel (youth honoree) and Raleigh Roo (dog honoree).
The Jingle Bell Run is nationally presented by Zoetis with signature sponsor, Novartis. The event was locally sponsored by Tampa General Hospital, Sunshine Rheumatology, HCA Florida Healthcare, IV Solutions Rx and WellMed.
On the web: JBR.org/Tampa
CEO appointed for AdventHealth North Pinellas
TARPON SPRINGS – Andrew Santos has been appointed president and chief executive of AdventHealth North Pinellas. He starts his new role Jan. 12.
Santos will lead operations and growth plans for the campus and report to Jennifer Wandersleben, regional CEO, providing market leadership for Hardee, Highlands, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties.
“Andrew is a dedicated and compassionate servant leader who has served AdventHealth for well over a decade,” Wandersleben said. “It has been a joy to see him grow over the years and I’m confident he will lead AdventHealth North Pinellas to new heights as the top hospital in Pinellas County for whole-person care.”
Santos most recently served as vice president and chief operating officer for AdventHealth’s Heartland Region. Since 2012, he has served in leadership roles within AdventHealth’s West Florida, Central Florida and Multi-State divisions.
Family donates $1M to celebrate hospital’s 50th birthday
TAMPA – The Dutkowsky family of Tampa has given $1 million to support the construction of a renovated lobby at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital, in celebration of the hospital’s 50th birthday.
The Dutkowsky Family Lobby will serve as a comforting hub for women and families throughout Tampa Bay.
“The goal of the new lobby is to create a life-giving space for the families who spend time at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital, and specifically in the lobby – the heart of the hospital,” said Kate Sawa, president of St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation.
Lorraine and Bob Dutkowsky have been longtime supporters of St. Joseph’s Hospitals Foundation.
Lorraine has served on the foundation board and Philanthropic Women of St. Joseph’s.
Bob and Lorraine co-chaired the foundation’s Heroes Ball in 2017, helping raise funds for a second pediatric ambulance at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. Bob, former CEO of Tech Data, passed away in May.
St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers support groups, classes
LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North offers free in-person support groups and classes during January about breastfeeding and newborn care.
Events are held in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North classrooms.
- Breastfeeding Support Group – Breastfeeding mothers receive support from other breastfeeding mothers and breastfeeding consultants. Offered Thursdays, Jan. 9 and 23, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
- Understanding Breastfeeding – Expectant mothers and their support person learn about breastfeeding basics, skin-to-skin contact, returning to work and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant. Offered Jan. 9, 3 to 7 p.m.
- Understanding Your Newborn: Expectants mothers and their support person learn about safe infant care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, signs of illness and cues and communication. Offered Jan. 23, 3 to 7 p.m.
Register for the free events at BayCareEvents.org (choose “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter). Register by phone at 855-314-8352 and pressing “2” at the prompt.
Pasco County opens Elfers Senior Center
PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Senior Services announced the Elfers Senior Center is open in New Port Richey.
Older adults can engage in arts, crafts, bingo, birthday celebrations, game day, holiday celebrations, karaoke,
live entertainment and volunteer. Register for activities and a free weekday meal if you’re 60 or older by calling 727-844-7703 or emailing .
“We love our senior community,” Community Services Director Brian Hoben said. “The new center opens the door for our seniors looking for a convenient place to engage with others in food, fun and fellowship.”
Elfers Senior Center opens from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 4136 Barker Drive, New Port Richey.
On the web: mypas.co/SeniorServices.
