By Jill Fox
From babies to seniors in high school, the goal of one of the largest neonatology physician-led organizations in the country is to help children survive challenges.
Sunrise-based MEDNAX believes that with a little help, all children can overcome adversity and grow up to make their own positive impact on the world.
With just under 16,000 employees, MEDNAX, Inc. is a national medical group that comprises the nation’s leading providers of neonatal, anesthesia, maternal-fetal and pediatric medical and surgical subspecialty services in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
MEDNAX Senior Director of Finance, Todd Foote said his son Austin lost five friends, as well as his cross-country coach, Scott Beigel in the massacre on February 14, 2018.
Foote said he struggled for weeks trying to figure out how he could get involved, and give back by doing something for the families or the students after their lives were shattered.
With the support of the CEO of the $4 billion dollar company. Foote came up with the idea of something sustainable: As president of the MEDNAX Supporting Students Foundation, he has made the intent of the foundation broad so they could eventually branch out and use the funds for scholarships, school safety, mental and physical recovery and other student causes.
As part of the MEDNAX MSD Strong Scholarship, seniors can further their education and become an inspiration to others, while the funds provide financial assistance to them as undergraduates.
Foote explained that MEDNAX helps children survive difficult challenges in those first days of life, so they felt, what a great natural connection to the next stage in kids’ lives, when they’re leaving high school and moving into their adult life.
“How can we give them another boost? How can we help them move into that next phase through financial assistance rather than clinical assistance?” He asked.
The scholarship selection process focuses on academic performance, leadership potential, community service, volunteering and financial need. Students will explain how they will make a difference in the world in an included essay as well.
Last year, due to the time constraint, the organization was only able to provide four small scholarships. This May, they plan to award two $20,000 scholarships, $5,000 for each of their four years of college.
With two children at Westglades Middle School and two at MSD, Foote understands there are many causes to support, but encourages the public to consider donating to his foundation.
“My focus is to build as much money as possible to make sure that MSD Seniors are taken care of for years to come,” he said.
To apply, all Coral Springs and Parkland students attending Marjory Stoneman Douglas should contact college/career guidance counselor, Ana Farrand at ana.farrand@browardschools.com to receive the scholarship instructions and application directly. Applications, along with approved documentation, are due by March, 31, 2019.
To donate to the MEDNAX Supporting Students Foundation visit MEDNAX Foundation.
Author Profile
- Jill Fox is an Emmy Award-winning writer and producer. She has worked in public relations and television for over 20 years. Fox lives in Parkland with her husband and their two children.
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