The Legacy Health Endowment will hold the 2nd annual Jennifer Larson Healthcare Hero Awards, honoring seven individuals whose dedication, hard work, commitment, and tenacity help provide exceptional services for the Valley community.
The award was created and is sponsored by Legacy Health Endowment, a nonprofit based in Turlock, whose mission is to improve the health and healthcare of people living within 19 select zip codes in the two counties.
Larson was the first chairwoman of the Legacy Health Endowment board of directors, which was formed in 2014 after the sale of Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock. Before joining the LHE board, she served on the Emanuel Medical Center board for nearly two decades, including 11 years as its chairwoman.
“Jennifer has tirelessly championed LHE's mission to pioneer and fund healthcare solutions,” said Jeffrey Lewis, LHE’s president and CEO. “She recognized the vital importance of equitable healthcare access, especially in rural areas like those in Merced and Stanislaus counties. Her personal experiences, including caring for an aging parent, fueled her passion to improve healthcare outcomes for all members of the community.”
This year’s honorees are:
1. Seity (Dr. Sam Romeo, Jr. and Dr. Chris Hawley): These two physicians identified a tremendous community need that they witnessed while practicing medicine full-time. While doing their “doctor” jobs, they worked nights and weekends to create SEITY, offering an alternative way of thinking about mental health – and to ensure that public school students understood the importance of being present in the moment and not afraid to talk about whatever is challenging them. Their work has caught the attention of many in the private sector who are committed to helping their employees with life’s daily challenges. Their work reflects giving back to the community where they live and work.
2. Marie Russell, Director of Communications for Turlock Unified School District: Russell is someone everyone should want on their team. She works 24/7, 365 days a year to help solve problems for students and their families. If she cannot create the solution, she will spend whatever time it takes to find it. Always smiling and never letting anything in life take that smile a way.
3. Dr. David Hilburn: Dr. Hilburn’s patients say he is not only an exceptional physician, but also a compassionate and dedicated individual who goes above and beyond. “In my experience, I know I will never find another doctor who cares for his patients the way he does. Dr. Hilburn combines expertise with a personable and caring approach that truly sets him apart. He’s been a wonderful support, always going the extra mile to ensure I feel heard and well-cared for, and he has been a constant source of guidance. His impact on my health and peace of mind has been invaluable. His genuine care for others has made an immeasurable impact on both his colleagues and the countless lives he has touched. For these reasons and many more, I strongly believe Dr. Hilburn is beyond deserving of this recognition,” wrote one patient.
4. Erica Ayala, Invest in Me: Invest in Me is a non-profit organization focused on self-empowerment, leadership, and civic engagement in Stanislaus County. Invest in Me provides participants with opportunities for self-development and growth on a personal and professional level, builds skills to become leaders in their school and communities, and provides guidance and mentorship to support a successful transition to education and/or career path. Ayala left a secure job in the private sector to follow a dream – to launch a nonprofit to help young women (and men) learn about empowerment (leadership, self-respect, civic engagement, etc.).
5. Sandra Chavarria, Center for Human Services / Christalyne Duarte-Ilano, Center for Human Services: These two healthcare heroes work every day to improve the mental health of our communities. They never seek recognition for what they do; they only want to offer care and guidance, recognizing that “they are your brother’s keeper.” The challenges they each face daily have never been a roadblock – it is a new opportunity to help change someone‘s life, someone’s mental health. Both invest in the care of our community and deserve our heartfelt thanks a thousand times over.
This year’s award reception will be held Nov. 4. For more information about the awards or reception, contact Legacy Health at 209-250-2317.
