Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital

03/03/2011

Miramar, Fla. – More than 2,000 people joined forces at the Second Annual ANF Tour de Broward to benefit the new Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Broward County's first stand-alone pediatric hospital. Under clear skies and warm temperatures, some participants walked, others ran and about 1,000 cyclists took to the roads in the early morning of Sunday, February 27.

"The turnout and support from the community was impressive and heartwarming," said Al Fernandez, president, ANF Construction Inc., and creator of the fundraising event. "At this year's Tour de Broward, we surpassed our goal and raised an amazing $300,000."

ANF Tour de Broward staged four different fitness challenges – a 3K Family Fun Walk, 5K Race, 50K and 100K cycling tours. For the kids, there was a fun-filled area called the Power of Play Kids Zone Play Zone, which included Florida Marlins baseball activities, Inferno's Challenge obstacle courses and Florida Panthers interactive games. Hospital employees, community volunteers, vendors and media gathered to show their support for the ANF Tour de Broward, presented by zMotion. Everything provided at the event – from food to goodie bags and entertainment – was donated by local businesses, organizations and many other community supporters. The Broward Sheriff's Office provided escort for the cyclists, with many participants crediting the deputies for providing a safe ride. Miramar Police Department provided law enforcement at Miramar Regional Park and handle road closures in the city.

"This was truly an amazing gathering of caring people, focused on improving this community through their support of a top-notch children's hospital," said Kevin Janser, vice president and executive director of the Memorial and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundations. "We are grateful to everyone who participated in one way or another to make this event a success."

Proceeds from the event will fund the new "Dreams" unit of the hospital, which will provide care specifically for children diagnosed with cancer. The hospital is scheduled to open in July 2011.

The new 160,000-square-foot expansion will include a host of pediatric specialty services, including oncology, imaging and surgical services, private rooms and a two-story pedestrian bridge that will connect the expansion to the existing Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. Critical services, such as the Wasie Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, will remain at the current location because its infrastructure supports other clinical areas.

While the new hospital remains under construction, children come and go every day at the existing Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood. Some may simply need a few stitches, or an X-ray, while others need evaluation for diabetes, kidney dialysis or chemotherapy. The broad scope of pediatric specialty services and team of board-certified physicians have earned Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital the distinction of being the leading children's hospital in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

For a complete list of sponsors or to donate toward the construction of Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, log on to tourdebroward.com. To learn more about Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, log on to jdch.com.

Al Fernandez (from left to right), President of ANF Group, Inc., and Chairman of Tour De Broward; presents a check to Frank Sacco, President and Chief Executive Officer, Memorial Healthcare System; and members of the South Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners: Kathy Durham, Chairman; Hobel Florido, Commissioner; Jose Basulto, Commissioner; Alfredo Avalos, Secretary/Treasurer; and Nina Beauchesne, Administrator, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.

Kristi Krueger, WPLG 10 Morning Anchor; Christa Barone, Pediatric Cancer Survivor; and Lotsy Dotsy, Clown for Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, prepare to kick off the Tour De Broward 50K and 100K bike races just as the sun comes up on Sunday morning.

Pat Patregnani, President of Zimmerman Advertising, leading the zMotion team at the start of the 100K bike event. Zmotion was the title sponsor of ANF Tour de Broward.