Ross Medical in Roosevelt Park Attends PORT Christmas Party

ross medical education center roosevelt park helen devos hospital port The word community comes from the Latin words for together and gift. In order to build a strong community it takes everyone to be a part of it. Volunteering is an important aspect of being part of a community; that is all about doing a good deed not because it’s required or because we expect anything in return, but to express genuine concern for specific causes or certain organizations. Community and volunteering are key components of the Ross Core Value of Social Responsibility.

“It is about loyalty to those we serve and being a part of something bigger then what we do on a daily basis,” shared Campus Director Lisa Picard from the Ross Medical Education Center campus in Roosevelt Park, Michigan. The Roosevelt Park campus is dedicated to the community they work to be able to support those around them. Over the years, they have made important connections with organizations and individuals in their local area. One of them that they were able to support once again this Christmas season was the Pediatric Oncology Resource Team (PORT) at Helen Devos Children’s Hospital. For those at the Roosevelt Park campus, that meant going to work at eight in the morning and not getting home until after 10 pm. But the feeling of giving back was more than worth it to be a part of such an impactful event.

The Roosevelt Park team was honored to be invited by PORT once again to volunteer at their annual Christmas Party. Campus Director Lisa Picard, Career Services Student Support Representative Amanda Holman and her son Josh Holman, a cancer survivor, and Director of Education Sharon Smith were thrilled to be a part of such an incredible event. The event was held at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum where those children and families that had ever been involved with PORT were invited to attend free of charge. Invited were children and parents of those currently battling cancer, those that are in remission, those that are survivors, and for those families that have lost a child to cancer. The children and families were able to tour the museum, visit Santa, ride the carousel, and enjoy complimentary dinner and drinks. The highlight of the night however was the play “Voldemort’s Very Scary Merry Christmas” performed by the Oncology doctors and nurses of Devos. Check out highlights of the play here on Youtube.

ross medical education center roosevelt park helen devos hospital port — Dr. Beth Kurt playing Ron Weasley, left, Dr. Jessica Foley playing Hermione Granger, Child Life specialist Rhys Vandemark playing Draco Malfoy, and Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital staff from the pediatric hematology-oncology department put on their holiday production called, ‘Voldemort’s Very Scary Merry Christmas’ play for past and present patients at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Taylor Ballek | Spectrum Health Beat)

“It was a wonderful experience, seeing all of the children and their families enjoy the evening,” shared Sharon Smith as this was her first time at the event. “There was so much positive energy and excitement, you could feel the spirit of Christmas. These families have gone through so much pain, it was an honor to be able to share this special evening with them.” Out of all the events that the Roosevelt Park team participates in throughout the year, this is definitely the most rewarding according to Campus Director Lisa Picard. “Just to be able to see firsthand the impact that it makes on the children and families and know that Ross is a part of it makes every minute so worthwhile,” she said. “It is great to be a part of the community and to be able to represent Ross at this event for the last two years, It says a lot of Ross’s sincerity about encouraging volunteering and the Core Value of Social Responsibility.”