One day holds the power to create transformative change. When the Miami-Dade community comes together, the impact is truly powerful and lasting. This is the driving message behind One Day for Jackson, an annual day of giving benefiting Jackson Health System. Now entering its second year, One Day for Jackson exemplifies the mission of Jackson Health Foundation, which supports South Florida’s most comprehensive healthcare provider. Through the generosity of compassionate donors, the Foundation helps to fill the gaps of major capital projects and programmatic needs that are not financed by public bond support.
This year, Jackson invites everyone to mark April 3 on their calendars, encouraging the Miami-Dade community to unite in support of the city’s public healthcare system once more. Opportunities to support One Day for Jackson are plentiful across Miami-Dade leading up to and on April 3. Partnerships with more than 25 local retail locations offer visitors a chance to contribute through everyday activities. Whether it’s enjoying your morning coffee, grabbing lunch, attending a gym class, or indulging in a shopping spree, each act can support the Foundation’s mission. Participating partners include Sushi Maki, Raising Cane’s, Chill-N, Vicky Bakery, and more. Sports fans can also participate by attending the Miami Marlins vs. Mets game on April 1, where a portion of the proceeds will support One Day for Jackson. Brianna Denny, a former Jackson patient, will throw a special first pitch.
The true impact of Jackson is illustrated through the powerful stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed by its exceptional care. Faces of the 2025 campaign, Brianna Denny, Matthew Nuñez and Richardy Blanchard, are prime examples of this remarkable work, with their journeys now inspiring the community to recognize and support the mission of the Foundation. “Almost everyone has a Jackson story — if you haven’t been personally cared for at Jackson, you likely know someone who has,” says Jackson Health Foundation CEO Flavia Llizo. “Your contribution enables us to help patients like Brianna, Matthew and Richardy, ensuring the continuation of our life-saving care.”
Brianna, a central Florida pre-teen, was suddenly thrust into a world of medical uncertainty when diagnosed with a rare blood disorder at just 11 years old. Her condition evolved into autoimmune hepatitis, leading her to require a liver transplant at Holtz Children’s Hospital. Her situation was dire, but thanks to the dedicated efforts of the pediatric transplant team, Brianna received a lifesaving transplant just a week after being placed on the transplant list. “Thank you to the team of doctors, nurses, and everyone at the hospital who took care of me,” she gratefully reflects, having rediscovered life’s simple joys with this incredible second chance at life.
Equally inspiring is Matthew Nuñez’s recovery journey. Matthew is a Columbus high school student and dedicated athlete. While in the midst of a race, he suffered a brain bleed, a sudden and terrifying event that brought him to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson South. The immediate stabilization and treatment he received, followed by a carefully executed neurosurgery at Jackson Memorial Hospital, saved his life. After 45 days of skilled medical attention and ongoing rehabilitation at Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at UHealth/Jackson Memorial, he returned to his senior year of school and has reclaimed his passion for running competitively.
Richardy Blanchard’s path also shines a light on the exceptional care provided at Jackson. Having been told as a young woman that she might never have children, she was overjoyed when she became pregnant. However, her journey was threatened by complications when at 18 weeks, it was discovered that her cervix would be unable to support the pregnancy. The trust she placed in the team at The Women’s Hospital at Jackson Memorial was rewarded. She was admitted at 22 weeks, and following careful monitoring and care, her son, Samuel, was safely delivered at 30 weeks. Reflecting on her experience, Blanchard could not be more grateful. “Throughout this journey, I have experienced the best of the healthcare industry,” she says. “Thank you to every doctor who answered my questions, celebrated every day with me, learned my son’s name, and embodied God’s love.”
While the community depends on Jackson for world-class care, the system equally relies on community support to thrive. Contributions are welcomed from all – individuals and corporations alike. The beauty of One Day for Jackson lies in its accessibility; everyone can participate, whether by donating or spreading the word. Jackson Health Foundation values every effort, knowing that when each person adds their grain of sand, together, we create a wave of impact.
This year’s $1 million goal may seem ambitious, almost doubling last year’s donations, but Jackson believes in Miami-Dade’s spirit of unity and collaboration.
Direct donations can be made with ease, either online at OneDayforJackson.org or by texting “Jackson” to 41444. Giving to One Day for Jackson will be open through the end of April. This accessibility ensures that both Miami-Dade residents and supporters from afar can participate in this meaningful initiative. Each contribution, no matter its size, demonstrates a profound commitment to sustaining world-class health care, fueling the advancements and innovations that make a lasting difference.
Ultimately, One Day for Jackson encapsulates the transformative potential of a single day. It’s an opportunity to rally together to fuel the work that provides everyone in Miami-Dade County access to health care regardless of their ability to pay; OneDayforJackson.org.
