Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary Club surprised a patient at HCA Florida Englewood Hospital on National Grateful Patient Day

ENGLEWOOD, Fla. September 8, 2023 – On National Grateful Patient Day, members of the Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary Club made a surprise visit to Virginia Marie Frig, a patient at HCA Florida Englewood Hospital. The club has launched a project to improve lives in the community which will have an effect globally. They have started at HCA Florida Englewood Hospital where they will present beautiful bouquets of flowers to three unexpecting patients monthly. 
 
After spending time visiting with Virginia, President Eric Howes of the Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary Club shared, “We wanted to do something for the community and brighten her day.”
 
National Grateful Patient Day honors patients who have overcome challenges as well as the healthcare workers and family members who take care of them. It was founded by former NFL kicker Rolf Benirschke who wanted to show his gratitude for those who cared for him through an illness and changed his life.
 
“We know that receiving visitors can help to reduce anxiety and flowers have a positive effect on the emotional well-being of our patients. We applaud the service that the Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary Clubs provides to our community and appreciate that they are taking time to support our patients in this way.” said  Englewood Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Andrea Truex.
 
Virginia Marie, who was named after her mother, has been a resident of Englewood for twenty years. She said, “It was super to see smiling faces. It was wonderful. Thank you so much for that. I’m very grateful.”

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