Annette Kitterman is living proof that it’s never too late to take charge of your health. A home health care provider by day, she spends her weekends paddle boarding and her weekdays boxing, strength training, and anything that keeps her challenged and motivated. “I have that kind of personality where I have to keep things fun,” she says. “My diabetes is under control, and I just feel really good at this time in my life.”

But this version of Annette is the result of years of hard work and intentional change. After losing her health insurance, she found herself without a way to access care. That’s when a friend told her about LVIM.

Since becoming a patient nearly three years ago, Annette has experienced the power of compassionate care. Through regular checkups, ongoing support, and access to specialists, her care team has helped her manage arthritis, monitor her blood work, and stay on track with her health goals. Most importantly, she has gained a new understanding of what balance looks like.

“It’s an ongoing thing, but my health is not about how I look now. It’s about my insides and physically how I’m doing.”

Annette describes LVIM as a place filled with compassion, where every patient is treated with dignity, regardless of their circumstances. “I feel like I need to hug and kiss everybody before I leave. I’m so thankful that they’re sitting there because I know they’re volunteers.”

Today, she says she feels stronger and more confident than ever before. “If I didn’t have Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, I wouldn’t be able to be who I am today… I honestly can say I am the best I’ve been in my entire life at 61.”

Annette’s story is a powerful reminder of what happens when people come together to care. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and community partners, stories like hers are not only possible, they’re happening every day.

We’re proud to celebrate Willie Ford, an LVIM patient who recently took home a $500 Publix gift card for her hard work and commitment to her health!

Willie participated in the Steps to Good Health Program, a wellness initiative offered through LVIM’s Healthy Living Coach Program, funded by BayCare. The Steps to Good Health Program is made possible through the George W. Jenkins Fund within the GiveWell Community Foundation, which allows LVIM to offer the program at no cost to patients.

To be eligible to win, Willie had to meet several key requirements over six months:

• Attend the YMCA and use health and wellness services at least 24 times
• Meet with LVIM’s nutrition counselor at least twice
• Maintain active eligibility at LVIM
• And most importantly—achieve a personal health milestone, such as losing weight, reducing A1C or blood pressure, or quitting smoking.

Willie not only met these goals, but she went above and beyond, earning her spot in the prize drawing and ultimately being selected as the winner of the $500 Publix gift card. She also received a $25 gas card for completing the attendance requirement.

Her success is a powerful example of how dedication, support, and community resources can make a real difference in someone’s life.

Congratulations, Willie! We’re so proud of your journey and the healthy steps you’ve taken.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

It’s your chance to win big and give back. From June 16 to July 31, you can enter to win 50% of the total jackpot, with the remaining half supporting free, high-quality healthcare for uninsured residents in Polk County through Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine.

Entry Prices
$5 = 1 entry
$10 = 20 entries
$20 = 50 entries

How It Works
All entries are tracked electronically. No physical tickets will be issued. Your name will be entered into the drawing based on the number of entries you purchase.

Drawing Info
The winning name will be drawn Friday, August 1 at noon, live on LVIM’s Facebook page. The winner will also be contacted directly.

Free Entry Option
One free entry per person is available by mail or in person. Please click on the link to the Official Rules to learn more details.

Eligibility
Must be a Florida resident age 18 or older.

Click here to view the Official Rules for full entry and eligibility details.

LVIM is excited to recognize Pam Harrington as our Volunteer of the Month for April! Pam has been an amazing part of our team for 1 year and 5 months, working as both a Scheduler and a Receptionist. She has given 572 hours of service, which is valued at $19,022.12. Pam’s dedication to helping others is truly inspiring.

Pam discovered LVIM during a time of change in her life. With her children grown and out of the house, she wanted to find a meaningful way to give back to her community. A quick Google search brought her to LVIM, and she knew it would be a great fit. Since joining, she has been a friendly face at the front desk, greeting and helping with scheduling appointments to receive the care they need.

For Pam, the best part of volunteering is the thank-you’s she gets from patients. When they let her know she’s made a difference in their lives, it keeps her motivated to keep giving her best. Pam also loves the welcoming environment at LVIM and the amazing people she works with, especially her supervisor, Nicole. Pam says Nicole is a great boss who always keeps things fun.

Pam doesn’t stop at LVIM! She also volunteers at Resurrection’s Food Pantry and the Polk Theatre. Volunteering helps her stay active and involved, and she enjoys that her role at LVIM challenges her to think critically while also keeping her computer skills sharp. She appreciates that her work requires focus and problem-solving, making every day engaging and rewarding.

When asked what she would tell someone who’s thinking about volunteering at LVIM, Pam said, “You won’t regret it.” She believes others will love the work, the people they meet, and the difference they make in the community.

Thank you, Pam, for your hard work, kindness, and support of LVIM’s mission. We are so lucky to have you on our team!

 

Super Tickets are on sale now for LVIM’s Swan Derby, giving you the chance to win incredible prizes while supporting a great cause! This year’s lineup includes exciting items like a Trek Bicycle, a Sky High Adventure with a private flight to Marathon, FL for lunch, a Chef’s Table experience at Nineteen Sixty-One, a Home Makeover Box with a $500 gift card to Shades & Co, and so much more. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to take home one of these amazing prizes—purchase your Super Tickets today!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS!