FOUNDER OF MIAMI CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION, AMBASSADOR DAVID M. WALTERS, HONORED AT THE FOUNTAIN DEDICATION
The Ambassador David M. Walters Serenity Fountain is intended as a peaceful place for meditation and escape for those coping with illness
Miami, April 4 - Miami Children's Hospital Foundation honored the memory of its Founder on Friday with a dedication ceremony of a Tribute Fountain at Miami Children's Hospital named for the late Ambassador David McLean Walters. Ambassador Walters is recognized as one of the best friends of children of South Florida. The Serenity Fountain is for those families coping with the illness of children while at Miami Children's Hospital.
"The Ambassador’s granddaughter Shannon Joy was diagnosed in the late stages of leukemia and before she could be relocated to another facility for care, the six year old passed away," relayed Lucy Morillo, President of the Foundation. "This event was the turning point for Ambassador Walters’ mission when he vowed that no child should have to leave South Florida to receive the best pediatric healthcare. My goal as President of the Foundation is to continue the Ambassadors mission and I know I am following in some mighty footsteps."
The Ambassador enjoyed tremendous success in his many career and philanthropic endeavors. Awarded the Bronze Star as a counter-intelligence officer in World War II, he went on to run a prosperous law firm. His leadership as a political fundraiser led to his appointment by President Jimmy Carter as U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican.
In 1982, after serving on the Hospital Board, Ambassador Walters activated Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation as an organization to provide the funding support for Miami Children’s Hospital to take its place in the forefront of pediatric medical care.
"Thanks to the Ambassador’s foresight, leadership and dedication, the once tiny Variety Children’s Hospital was transformed into one of the best hospitals for children in the United States," states Ms. Morillo. "Today Miami Children's Hospital provides state-of-the-art healthcare for children around the world, thanks in large part to Ambassador David M. Walters, our founder and leader."
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Miami Children's Hospital Foundation's (MCHF) is a non-profit 501 (C) (3) organization whose sole mission is to create awareness and generate funds for Miami Children's Hospital (MCH), the only licensed specialty hospital in South Florida exclusively for children. The Foundation's guiding principle is that children’s health care is the primary concern of all and that children are precious like diamonds and thus must have access to state-of-the-art pediatric care. MCH, a 275-bed freestanding facility, is Florida's only pediatric hospital to be included in U.S. News & World Report's 2007 listing of "America's Best Children's Hospitals."