Current news and updates regarding the Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine Community.

Fresh Faces, Healing Hands: Meet LVIM’s New Volunteer Providers!

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Rony J. Alvarado – Family Medicine at Watson Clinic LLP - Watson Clinic LLP

Meet Dr. Rony Alvarado

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Rony Alvarado to LVIM! Dr. Alvarado is a board-certified Family Medicine specialist with over 20 years of experience, currently practicing at Watson Clinic. He received his medical degree from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras. Dr. Alvarado and his team will be seeing patients at our Lakeland office. Welcome, Dr. Alvarado!

 

Meet Dr. Gus De Jesus

We’re excited to announce the addition of Dr. Gus De Jesus to our team at LVIM! With over 20 years of experience as a vascular surgeon, Dr. De Jesus is a seasoned professional dedicated to patient care. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. Dr. De Jesus will be seeing patients and performing procedures every 2nd and 4th Wednesday at LVIM’s Lakeland Office. Welcome aboard, Dr. De Jesus!

 

Meet Dr. Robert J Henning

Dr. Robert J Henning, an esteemed cardiologist with over 50 years of experience, will be joining us at LVIM! Holding a medical degree from Creighton University and affiliations with the Center for Cardiovascular Research at the University of South Florida College of Medicine, Dr. Henning brings unparalleled expertise to our team. As a dedicated Professor, he has contributed significantly to cardiovascular research and education. Dr. Henning will be available to see patients at our Lakeland office every 1st and 3rd Wednesday. Welcome, Dr. Henning, to the LVIM family!

 

Karen Suzanne Williams, APRN - Lakeland Regional Health

Meet Karen Williams, APRN

We’d like to welcome back Karen Williams, APRN, to LVIM this time as a volunteer provider! Karen is currently practicing Endocrinology at Lakeland Regional Health with Dr. Erjola Balliu, and will be seeing LVIM patients with Endocrinology referrals at our Lakeland office every 1st Saturday. She obtained her Master in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner from Florida Southern College right here in Lakeland, Florida. Many patients may recognize Karen’s friendly face, as she was previously a dedicated LVIM volunteer. Over three years, Karen generously contributed 670 volunteer hours, demonstrating her commitment to our mission and community. Join us in welcoming Karen Williams, APRN, back to LVIM.

Empowered by Care: Glady’s Story with LVIM

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Glady’s Story with LVIM

Before discovering Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine, Gladys Rodriguez faced numerous challenges following her type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Initially seeking medical care solely to manage her condition, Gladys received far more than she thought upon becoming an LVIM patient; she found a medical home where she feels not only comfortable but truly cared for by healthcare professionals who treat her like a friend.

Since becoming an LVIM patient, Gladys has embarked on a journey to better manage her diabetes and improve her overall health. Initially, her provider prescribed Metformin through the LVIM Pharmacy to help regulate her diabetes. However, experiencing discomfort with this medication, Gladys voiced her concerns to her provider. Thanks to the support from United Way funding for LVIM’s Pharmacy, which allows LVIM to offer a wide array of medications, her provider was able to adjust her prescription to Glipizide. This flexibility ensures not only optimal efficacy but also empowers providers to customize treatments to each patient’s unique needs, enhancing the quality of care provided at LVIM.

Gladys also enrolled in the Steps to Good Health program, which provides a membership to the YMCA, aiming to improve her health beyond medication. Reflecting on her experience with the program, Gladys emphasized the transformative impact of exercise on her physical and mental well-being, “The gym was 100% my favorite thing. I started losing weight, and I started feeling a lot more confident!” She enthusiastically described her favorite Zumba class and instructor, noting that regular gym visits helped her shed 15 pounds and boosted her confidence significantly.

Despite making strides in managing her diabetes through the Steps to Good Health program, Gladys’s A1c levels remained suboptimal. So, her provider prescribed her Lantus, an insulin medication. With increased physical activity and a combination of Glipizide and Lantus, Gladys successfully lowered her A1c from 13 to 10.

Recognizing her struggles with her mental health, Gladys participated in LVIM’s inaugural Group Therapy sessions led by Director of Patient Services, Londa Brown, MSW. Sharing her struggle with depression, Gladys credited Londa and the therapy group for their invaluable support. Regular gym visits not only improved her physical health but also provided a much-needed outlet for stress and tension, fostering an overall sense of well-being.

As another complication of her diabetes, Gladys experienced dental issues, resulting in the loss of several teeth. Fortunately, LVIM’s increased funding for its dental department enabled it to provide fully funded partial and full sets of dentures to eligible patients. Gladys received a partial set of dentures, significantly boosting her confidence and restoring her smile.

Eager to express her gratitude, Gladys highlighted how LVIM has transformed her life. She emphasized feeling supported by LVIM “all the time”, praising the staff and volunteers for their unwavering dedication. Gladys acknowledged LVIM’s pivotal role in the community and expressed how deeply she and countless others appreciate the invaluable services provided by the organization.

May 2024 Volunteer of the Month

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Congratulations to Cheryl Blanke, LVIM’s Volunteer of the Month for May 2024! Cheryl’s dedication shines through her roles as both a Medical & Clinical Assistant at LVIM. With over 280 volunteer hours, Cheryl’s contribution has a remarkable service value of nearly $9,000.

Before joining LVIM, Cheryl demonstrated her commitment to community health as the GI Manager at Lakeland Surgical and Diagnostic Center for over 20 years. During her tenure there, she collaborated with Dr. Eliezer Izsak, and it’s delightful to note that Cheryl now assists Dr. Izsak as his Medical Assistant at LVIM.

Cheryl’s enthusiasm for her work at our Bartow location reflects the strong bonds within our team. Cheryl’s positive spirit and dedication embody the essence of volunteerism, and we’re honored to recognize her achievements. Congratulations once again, Cheryl, on this well-deserved recognition!♥️

Bid on an Radiant Diamond from Spath Jewelers at the Swan Derby!

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At the Swan Derby VIP Reception, Spath Jewelers is hosting a special auction featuring a breathtaking 2.62-carat radiant cut lab-grown diamond. This exceptional diamond boasts a stunning J VS1 clarity, delivering remarkable brilliance and fire. Known for its eco-friendly and sustainable origin, this lab-grown diamond is an ethical choice for discerning collectors and enthusiasts alike.

With a retail price of $2,000, this diamond presents an extraordinary opportunity for attendees to add a touch of elegance to their collection or create a bespoke piece of jewelry. The diamond is offered without a setting, giving the winning bidder the creative freedom to craft a custom masterpiece that reflects their personal style.

Don’t miss your chance to participate in this exciting auction and bring home a glittering gem that is sure to captivate and inspire. Join us at the Swan Derby VIP Reception for an evening of elegance and unforgettable moments!

To watch a video and learn more about this partnership with Spath Jewelers CLICK HERE!

Swan Derby 2024 VIP AmFund Auction

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The VIP event at the Swan Derby on April 26th features a special AmFund auction, where attendees can bid on extraordinary trips while supporting LVIM. The auction will take place exclusively during the VIP party, offering guests the chance to secure unforgettable adventures while contributing to a worthy cause.

Here’s a glimpse of the incredible trips available for bidding:

Click on each trip for more details and get ready to embark on an adventure! Your participation in the AmFund auction not only gives you the chance to explore the world but also makes a positive impact on the community through LVIM. Join us at the Swan Derby VIP Reception for an evening of excitement, philanthropy, and extraordinary travel opportunities!

Thank you to our Sponsors!

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As we wrap up LVIM’s 2024 Volunteer Appreciation Week, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to these companies for their incredible support. This week has been a resounding success, thanks in no small part to their generous contributions!

Their donations of gift cards, door prize items, and meals for our volunteers are a true highlight of the week. They not only added excitement and fun to the events, but they also made our volunteers feel truly valued and appreciated. Their support played a crucial role in helping us celebrate the heart and soul of our mission: the amazing people who give their time and energy to make a difference in our community.

We are truly grateful for their partnership and commitment to our cause. Please find the list of our sponsors below:

4 Rivers Smokehouse
Abuelo’s
Azteca D’Oro Lakeland
Bonefish Grill Lakeland
Bradley Flower Shop
Burger 21 Lakeland
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen
Egg Station
First Watch N Lakeland
Fish City Grill
Flowers by Edith
Fuzzy’s Taco
Garden Bistro
Gibsonia Flowers
Good Thyme
Grillsmith Lakeland

Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
Jason’s Deli
Jeff Wells, Metrc, LLV
Jimbo’s Pit Bar B-Q
Kitty Cat Lounge
Palace Pizza Downtown
Polk Art Museum
Scout & Tag
Swan Brewing
Tijuana Flats

 

Thank you for being a part of the LVIM family and for helping us honor our volunteers in such a memorable way.

April 2024 Volunteer of the Month

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Join us in celebrating Christian Avian, our April 2024 Volunteer of the Month!♥️

Christian dedicates his Wednesday afternoons as a Patient Scheduler at LVIM and has accumulated over 200 volunteer hours over 11 months! His favorite part about volunteering with us is his connections with fellow volunteers and patients which truly enrich his volunteering experience. When he’s not at his full-time job or LVIM, he cherishes moments with his family and tinkers around the house fixing things.

Congratulations, Christian, and thank you for your invaluable contribution to our community. 🙌

Super Ticket FLASH SALE!!

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OFFER HAS EXPIRED.

We’re not FOOLING around… Super Tickets are HALF-PRICE this week only!🎟️✨ Purchase your tickets at HERE! 🦢 All winners will be drawn at the Swan Derby on Friday, April 26, 2024. Can’t make it? No worries – you don’t have to be present to win! We’ll contact you afterward to arrange pickup. Don’t miss out on this chance!

 

How the Heart Led the Way

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Edith’s Story with LVIM

When Edith walked past Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine on her way to work, she noticed the heart in LVIM’s logo. Curious, she decided to step into the clinic and learn more about it. From the moment she entered LVIM, Edith noticed a difference in the people she encountered compared to other healthcare facilities she had visited. From the enrollment volunteers to her healthcare providers, she felt that everyone wanted to help her and genuinely cared about her and the work they were doing.

Before finding LVIM, Edith struggled with Type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. She didn’t always have access to medical check-ups or the medication she needed. Alongside her diabetes, she also struggled with rheumatoid arthritis, which inflicted significant pain upon her. Through LVIM’s Collaborative Care model, Edith began receiving mental health services, including prescribed medications from LVIM’s Pharmacy and Publix’s pharmacy. She expressed that this comprehensive approach to her health, addressing both physical and mental aspects, had made a significant difference in her life. She feels cared for as a whole person, rather than just being evaluated for her conditions.

Through LVIM’s Steps to Good Health program, funded by the GiveWell Community Foundation, Edith received a free YMCA membership to help her in reaching her medical goals through physical exercise alongside her prescribed medications. This program enabled Edith to engage in regular exercise and even learn how to swim, which helped alleviate the pain from her arthritis.

Despite the obstacles posed by her arthritis, Edith worked very hard to manage her diabetes. With the support of the YMCA program and her medications, she successfully lowered her A1c from 13.7 to 8.8 and her rheumatoid arthritis pain has lessened. Additionally, her mental health is improving through the care provided by LVIM’s Collaborative Care model. Edith emphasized that without the cost-free services at LVIM, she would not have been able to afford the care and medications necessary to manage her health issues.