We Care celebrated 30 Years of Caring during its annual gala at the Oak Harbor Club recently, although it was also an evening of bittersweet reflection, with the passing last year of We Care founder Dr. Dennis Saver.
Samba dancers kicked off the evening with the same high energy and vibrance that We Care infuses into the community by providing healthcare for those who cannot afford it.
Volunteer We Care physicians donate specialty medical care and services to uninsured and underinsured patients who are ineligible for Medicare or Medicaid and who struggle to afford healthcare.
Additionally, ancillary expenses, such as prescription assistance, wound care, orthopedic supplies, cataract lenses, and transportation vouchers for medical appointments are provided through funding from the We Care Foundation.
“We are here tonight to celebrate 30 years of We Care and the man who was responsible, Dr. Dennis Saver,” said Dr. Nancy Baker, board president and medical director. “Without Dr. Saver, We Care would not exist. He was truly a magnificent soul. We are here tonight to celebrate his legacy.”
This year, several individuals were recognized for their dedication to the nonprofit.
Dr. Greg Rosencrance, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital president, presented Aariha Ali with the We Care Foundation Award for the Outstanding Third Year Medical Student at the Florida State University Campus at Indian River State College for 2021, for her “extreme diligence and fortitude with her studies and dedication to the medical profession.”
“Hearing about his [Saver’s] legacy motivates me to continue on a path of advocacy and aiding communities that are often forgotten,” said Ali, a child of Bengali immigrants who grew up in Okeechobee.
The We Care Volunteer of the Year Award was presented by Robi Robinson, We Care executive director, to Dr. David O’Brien on behalf of New Vision Eye Center.
“There are so many staff people in all of these practices that contribute to the wellness of all the patients that we decided to make the award not just for a volunteer doctor, but for a volunteer practice and their staff,” Robinson explained.
“We couldn’t do this without our support staff. We’re grateful for your support. It’s also an honor to take this award on a night when we’re honoring a dear friend, Dennis Saver, and his family,” said O’Brien.
The We Care Legacy Award was given to the Bernard Egan Foundation for their sustained support of the We Care Program and dedication to its mission and vision, said Baker.
“Thank you to all the donors, physicians, healthcare workers and staff who make We Care happen and take such good care of so many people in our community who are in need,” said Bernadette Emerick, accepting the award with Jean Jacques Gilet.
Noting that Saver had been posthumously named the American Medical Association Volunteer Physician of the Year, Baker presented his family with a proclamation issued by Florida Rep. Erin Grall.
Before continuing with the festivities, new signage was unveiled, with Baker announcing that all We Care facilities will be renamed the Dennis Saver, MD We Care Clinic.
Visibly moved, wife Jeannie Saver said, “I know he’s so grateful that everyone came out tonight. Not only to honor him, but to continue the mission in the community. To continue to serve the marginalized and underserved.”
For more information, visitwecareofirc.org.
Photos provided
