Supporters of the Visiting Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast gathered poolside at the Quail Valley River Club to celebrate its 50th Anniversary and to honor one of its most ardent stalwarts, Ann Marie McCrystal.
“Today we celebrate our 50th anniversary; the 50 years that we have been serving Indian River,” said Carol Kanarek, VNA & Hospice Foundation board chair, welcoming and thanking donors, past and present board members, and staff for their support.
“As you all know, healthcare has changed and we are proud to have stayed the course and grown our agency for the past 50 years,” said Kanarek.
Thanks to their support, she said the VNA serves all county residents, whether insured or not, with skilled nursing care, home care, physical, occupational and speech therapy, private duty nursing, music therapy and hospice.
“We thank you, all of you, from the bottom of our hearts. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we also honor all of our founders – Ann Marie McCrystal, Celeta Arden, Pat Moore, Ted Chenault and Marion Oechsner, to name a few,” said Kanarek.
“These folks were instrumental in facing a community in need of healthcare in Vero Beach. Fifty years ago, think back, they were bright, young and determined to improve the healthcare of our community.”
Kanarek said McCrystal, “a force of nature,” had been an OR nurse when she started with the VNA.
“She has dedicated her life to serving others, and I personally believe that is her mission in life,” said Kanarek.
“Ann Marie continues to serve on our board and continues to challenge us with thoughtful questions and ideas. That is her mantra. I love Ann Marie and I thank Ann Marie with all my heart for everything that she does, will do, and can do on a daily basis for us at the VNA,” she added.
“We serve almost 1,000 patients a day here in Indian River County. There’s a lot of good that the VNA does every single day,” said Lundy Fields, VNA CEO, calling McCrystal an inspiration and trailblazer from the start.
“A lot has happened over the years,” said McCrystal, noting that while many VNAs have had to close down due to competition with for-profit agencies, ours is still standing.
“And there’s a reason for that. A lot has to do with leadership,” said McCrystal.
The difference here, she said, is having a strong board, unbelievable caregivers with the passion for helping people, and compassionate donors dedicated to the mission of caring for people.
“You all know that without you we could not have started the hospice program. Not all VNAs have a hospice program,” said McCrystal, thanking everyone.
“You helped us do that. We didn’t do it by ourselves. Our donors helped us build that beautiful Hospice House,” she said.
Once built, she said donors enabled the purchase of the land it sits on, refurbishments, an endowment for the future, and its various patient programs.
“I just want you to know this: This event is to honor you. I’m just one person. This is my passion,” said McCrystal, commenting that the VNA would not exist without their dedication, and understanding of the care needed by the community.
“And so thank you for that. There’s more to come. Believe me, there’s another 50 coming and this organization needs to be standing for the next 50 years. I won’t be here, but believe me, I will be watching all of you. So God bless all of you for helping celebrate these wonderful 50 years with me. Just keep up the good work,” said McCrystal.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
