Sharks Spread Love and Cheer to Local Hospital Patients

On February 14, 2022, the Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Alumni Association delivered almost 1,500 handmade Valentine’s Day cards to spread love and cheer to pediatric patients and families at the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and patients at the Memorial Cancer Institute in Hollywood, Florida. The Shark Notes initiative was created as a way for the university to give back to the community, let local patients know that they were thought of, and help ease their hospital stays. The Shark Notes included creative artwork, notes of encouragement, personal stories, and Valentine’s Day messages.

NSU partnered with Babette Ferre-Kosar, Development Director of the Cancer Institute at the Memorial Healthcare System, to deliver the Shark Notes to patients.

“The patients and staff appreciated the abundance of notes. It was an impactful morale boost for both patients and staff, especially during active cancer treatment, compounded by the restrictions during COVID,” Ferre-Kosar said. “The support from NSU has made a difference in the lives of patients that face a difficult time in the medical infusion area. The notes and other items donated in the past by NSU bring a welcome distraction during treatment.”

The NSU Alumni Association called on fellow Sharks to show just how great the power of love can be. Whether it was at an in-person table on campus, virtually via forms, or as a class project, NSU students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the university took part in this initiative and shared their support.

Kevin Dibert, M.S., NSU alumnus and NSU’s University School’s Community Service Coordinator, went above and beyond to make Shark Notes a success. He assisted the NSU Alumni Association by coordinating with University School educators and their classrooms to create the homemade cards.

We would like to extend our gratitude and thank everyone who participated in this initiative.  Your Shark pride shined bright and without your support, it would not have been possible!

Posted 02/27/22