St. Joseph’s/Candler’s SmartWomen Luncheon & Expo raised yet another record amount – $282,031 – through sponsorships and donations for the Telfair Mammography Fund. The fund offers lifesaving mammograms and other breast health services for uninsured and underinsured women in the Savannah region.
“This unprecedented accomplishment could only be achieved through the sponsors, community members and the steadfast network of women who lead this effort every year,” said SJ/C President & CEO Paul P. Hinchey. “SmartWomen has once again created so much opportunity to help women who need life-saving breast health services. Concerns about affordability should not prevent our community’s underinsured and uninsured women from getting the critical breast cancer screenings they need, which is why the system created the SmartWomen Luncheon & Expo. I thank each and every person who contributed to and supported this year’s event.”
SmartWomen Committee Chair Andrea Dove expressed her gratitude for all involved in the event’s success, including the many sponsors.
“I am so thrilled at this year’s record-setting success,” Dove said. “It is especially gratifying because the volunteers and committee really rallied their passion and teamwork behind the event, the Fund the
saving at the holidays
Mission campaign and SmartWomen raffle, which helped contribute to this year’s total.”
This year’s event was held in October at the Savannah Convention Center. Nearly 1,500 people attended. The expo had 75 vendors and attracted 110 sponsors, including Presenting Sponsor Chatham Parkway Lexus and Hilton Head Lexus, Speaker Sponsor Savannah Chatham Imaging and Platinum Sponsors the Colonial Group, Inc., Genetech, International Paper, and Mr. & Mrs. James Corde Wilson III.
Stacy London served as this year’s speaker. The TV show host and author shared details about her life and career, along with her own health challenges. She even came down from the stage and interacted with audience members one-on-one, allowing local women to share their stories as well.
SJ/C Foundations Executive Director Vernice Rackett said that the event and London’s talk, “Demonstrate that health advocacy is a form of compassion. The Telfair Mammography Fund exhibits that compassion by empowering women to get screened and educated on breast health.”
Over the past 23 years, the SmartWomen event has raised $2,577,818 for the Telfair Mammography Fund.
At St. Mary’s Community Center, Shana Ellington works with people every day on their budget goals and financial questions. The advice she gives clients for saving at the holidays can help anyone who is trying to be both generous and budget-smart this year. Here are a few of her tips:
�� Consider making something such as a frame or care box or coupon book your loved ones can use throughout the year. It doesn’t always have to be an expensive gift.
�� If you get together with family or friends, consider a gift exchange. That way you don’t feel the pressure to buy for everyone.
�� Look for sales and special deals. Prices may go up on certain items, but many stores will run specials, such as 40 items under $40. This helps not only with gifts but with groceries as well.
�� Make a list of who you are buying for and what you have in mind to buy them and keep it with you! Being focused can keep you from overspending. Remember also to budget for things like wrapping paper and tape.
�� Keep next year in mind and consider starting a Christmas savings account. Put a small amount away per paycheck and watch it grow until December.
Members of the 2025 SmartWomen committee (left to right): Terri Doyle, Vernice Rackett, Allyson Harvin, Salita Hill, Gini Nichols, Andrea Dove (committee chair), Lora Reese, and Kathy Levitt.
Speaker Stacy London shared a message of compassion for others and ourselves as we navigate issues of physical and mental health, aging and self-esteem.
mission critical
Paint The Town Pink Raises More Than $70K
From the giant pink ribbon at the LCRP to the pinking of Savannah’s City Hall and every moment in between, the 18th annual Paint The Town Pink was a resounding success. Along with our partners at the Savannah Morning News and WSAV, SJ/C championed women’s breast health and the importance of early detection all throughout the month of October. Local organizations and individuals also joined in, making the campaign a true community effort with a region-wide impact. Altogether, the campaign brought in more than $70,000 for the Telfair Mammography Fund.
Light The Night
St. Joseph’s/Candler had a team of walkers at this year’s Light the Night event held by Blood Cancers United (formerly known as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). The event celebrates survivors and honors those lost to leukemia or lymphoma. Teams completed a one-mile walk with colored lanterns lighting their way.
rn mnit
(magnet nurses in touch)
It’s been an incredible year for nurses at St. Joseph’s/Candler. Whatever challenges arose, you met them as a team, with resilience, expertise, and, of course, great compassion. Being able to cap off this year with our 6th Magnet designation was a wonderful honor, one that we share with all of our SJ/C coworkers.
One phrase that repeatedly comes up for SJ/C nurses and co-workers is “above and beyond.” We heard it again last month when we recognized our latest DAISY Award winner, Laura Lewis, who serves in the Progressive Care Unit at Candler Hospital. She was nominated
Angels Of Mercy On Double Duty
November was a busy month for outreach, and our Angels of Mercy wouldn’t have it any other way. The Angels even had enough volunteers to pull double duty one weekend last month. One group helped The Salvation Army get ready for their special Angel Tree program, sorting and setting up toys for children in need. The Angel Tree program provides Christmas gifts for more than 1,000 children in the area. The other group of Angels joined a Habitat for Humanity project in West Savannah. A new house was being built for a family in need, and the Angels helped out with one of the earliest steps: cutting and installing siding along the roofline.
Breast Cancer Awareness Holiday Tree
The lighting of the Breast Cancer Awareness Holiday Tree at the Telfair Pavilion helps SJ/C start the holiday season with big dash of hope for those in treatment and for survivors starting their new lives. Breast cancer survivor Alyssa Acker (pictured above) lit the tree after sharing her story with the audience. The event also gives other survivors a chance to reunite with their caregivers and to celebrate their small wins for the year. Many of the individuals and organizations who participated in our Paint the Town Pink campaign also joined in on the celebration and presented their donations.
By Alicia Motley, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC Director, Professional Practice, Specialty Services & Infection Control, Magnet Program Director
by a former patient, who said this:
“From the moment Laura became my nurse, she went above and beyond to make sure I was not just cared for, but truly seen. She made it her mission to ensure I was comfortable and informed throughout my entire stay. She patiently explained every step of my care and answered every question my wife and I had with clarity and compassion. It was obvious that to Laura, I wasn’t just a room number or a chart, I was a person. I’ll never forget the way she cared for me during such a vulnerable time.”
Congratulations, Laura!
I want to thank everyone for the work you do every day. I wish you all a joyous holiday season.
Laura Lewis, RN, (right) receives the DAISY Award from Sherry Danello, Vice President of Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer.
The Savannah Morning News adds its donation to the Paint the Town Pink fundraising total. (L-R): Brooke Chase, Andrea Wood, Michelle Hood, SJ/C President & CEO Paul P. Hinchey, and Chris Corey.
Lientz recipient known for always helping, uplifting others
Her co-workers call her “Mama Maria.”
The nickname demonstrates the level of support, compassion, guidance and reassurance that Maria Bridwell, Resource Coordinator on 7 South at St. Joseph’s Hospital, provides to her co-workers every day. The patients on 7 South also find comfort in those very same qualities. Still, no one was as surprised as Maria herself when she was named the 2025 James R. Lientz Humanitarian Award recipient.
“I never thought I would receive such a prestigious award,” Bridwell said. “I felt very honored but also humbled.”
Bridwell was selected from among 115 of her fellow co-workers representing 65 departments. Coworkers are nominated by their peers for the example they set through their work at SJ/C, as well as for their humanitarian efforts that reflect the life of former Candler Board Chairman James R. Lientz.
SJ/C President & CEO Paul P. Hinchey presented the award to Bridwell during
a special ceremony in late October. He shared a few of the comments from her nominations, which spoke of Bridwell as “someone who instinctively runs toward those in need, never away.”
Aside from her compassion for patients and co-workers alike in Savannah, Bridwell often travels to remote communities in her home country of the Philippines, where she organizes outreach events and brings Christmas gifts for children in need. Her nominators noted that Bridwell balances her humanitarian efforts while also caring for her husband, who lives with a disability, and her son, who has been diagnosed with autism.
Part of her nomination read, “She never hesitates to help, no matter the task or the challenge. Whether it’s assisting nurses with patient care, offering comfort to those who are struggling, or simply listening with compassion, she pours her heart into every interaction. Patients know her by name, not because she is assigned to them, but because she
has touched their lives in a meaningful way.”
Bridwell has worked in healthcare since she was 17 years old, starting out as a nursing aide. She earned a degree in business management, but said that she always felt called back to nursing.
“To lift somebody up at their lowest moments also lifts me up,” Bridwell said. “I don’t know how to explain it, but to give someone else joy will give me more joy, more energy.”
december events
4 & 11
Generation V Craft Fairs
Discover the crafty talents of your SJ/C coworkers and pick out some great holiday gifts for your family!
The St. Joseph’s Hospital Craft Fair will be held on the main floor, near the cafeteria, on Thursday, December 4.
The Candler Hospital Craft Fair will be held in the Marsh Auditorium on Thursday, December 11.
Both fairs will be open from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
13
Brunch With Santa
SJ/C’s annual Brunch with Santa will be held on Saturday, December 13, in the Marsh Auditorium at Candler Hospital from 8:30–11 a.m.
Co-worker children and grandchildren are eligible to participate. The event is limited to 100 children. Please register your children by Monday, December 8th.
Volunteers are also needed to assist with crafts and all aspects of the event.
If you would like to register your children or volunteer for the event, please contact Carrie Wojtowicz at wojowiczc@sjchs.org or call (912) 819-8059.
31 2025 CBL Deadline
Co-workers are required to complete their Annual Required Training Computer Based Learning (CBL) programs by the end of the calendar year. Many of these CBL tests only take minutes to complete, but they do contain essential information for everyone who works for SJ/C.
To access your CBLs, simply go to the homepage of The Hub. On the right-hand side, find the “Co-Worker: I Want To” dropdown and select the link for “Complete My Computer Based Learning.”
Good luck!
Maria Bridwell points to her co-workers as she accepts the 2025 Lientz Award from SJ/C President & CEO Paul P. Hinchey. She said the team on 7 South at St. Joseph’s Hospital are like family and always grateful for each other’s help.
welcome to St. Joseph’s/Candler!
Please join us in welcoming the following new co-workers to the St. Joseph’s/Candler family:
Gloria Alindor | Physician Network – OB/GYN
Jabari Anderson | Laundry & Linen, St. Joseph’s
Letitia Askew | Physician Network
Andrea Barringer | Patient Accounting
Logan Betterson | Insurance/Payment Verification
Audrey Bowers | Primary Care in Statesboro
Kimberly Brady | Center for Hyperbarics and Wound Care – Moss Creek
Nancy Bright | CT Scan, St. Joseph’s
Zamariaha Brown | Envr. Svcs., St. Joseph’s
Adrianna Burgess | Primary Care in Pooler
Suzanna Burke | 4 North, St. Joseph’s
Nathaniel Carswell | Envr. Svcs., St. Joseph’s
Mckensey Chamlee | ED, St. Joseph’s
Fredrick Cheatham | Envr. Svcs., St. Joseph’s
Abbie Chomskis | Clinical Care Coordination
Derik Coney | Oncology Laboratory
Tamecia Covington | Laundry & Linen, Candler
Yulanda Cunningham | PCU, St. Joseph’s
Erica Davis | Patient Placement Centralized
Angelina Decicco-Jones | Transport, Candler
Courtney Diez | Specialty Phys. Rev. Cycle
Joy Edwards | St. Joseph’s Cardiology
Thomas Finney | Oncology Laboratory
Conor Floyd | Finance
Taylor Frazier, MD | Primary Care in Pooler
Sixto Garcia | Human Resources
Keshia Givens | CT Scan, St. Joseph’s
Stephen Glover | Envr. Svcs., Candler
Gabriell Goodman | Surgical Oncology
Beth Gust | Georgia Infirmary/CCSP
Monae Harper | 5 South, St. Joseph’s
Anisa Hodge-Greene | ED, Candler
Molatelo Hodges | 7 North, St. Joseph’s
Henry Housey, Jr. | 5 North, St. Joseph’s
Haleigh Howard | Pharmacy, St. Joseph’s
Christina Jackson | Physician Network – OB/GYN
Leslie Jackson | Medical Staff Services
Kevin Jenkins | Laundry & Linen, St. Joseph’s
Jameshia Johnson | Insurance/Payment Verification
Darius Kemp | Sterile Processing, St. Joseph’s
Sharon Knipher | 6 North, Candler
Kathleen Kulig | Histology / Cytology
Zachary Lynn | ED, Candler
Nicole Maciorowski | Telfair BirthPlace
Tasha Maiden | Progressive Care Unit, St. Joseph’s
Cicely Mason | Patient Placement Centralized
Maya Maxwell | Insurance/Payment Verification
Traci Mcallister | Surgical Oncology
Jesse Mcconnell, Jr. | Home Health – Brunswick
Teal Mciver | Specialty Phys. Rev. Cycle
James Miller | Safety/Security, Candler
Julieta Miramontes | Amb. Surg. Svcs., St. Joseph’s
Abby Montgomery | ICU, Candler
Tiana Myers | Surgical Oncology
Keiyanna Nelson | Insurance/Payment Verification
Anita Parham | Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion
Anquette Parrish | Envr. Svcs., St. Joseph’s
Heema Patel | Amb. Surg. Svcs., St. Joseph’s
Hannah Patterson | OR, St. Joseph’s
december birthdays
1 Stephanie Brown
Kimberly Camp
Sharon Durrence
Tawonna Ellison
Sean Hauck
Marsha Herndon
Kieran Holloman
Chantel Plummer
Lois Washington
2
Nicole Autry
Valorie Coen
Mackenzie Fair
Jill Foster
Emmeline Guerard
Gina Heyward
Kerry Kramer
Dorothy Luna
Abigale Rabon
Andrea Rogers
Marquita Wright
3
Marida Abla
Elicia Brown
Bobbie Burnside
Tonysha Chaplin
Danny Garrett
Tiffany Harkleroad
Megan Hinely
Tina Huynh
Tracy Johnson
Nguyen Lam
Marquisha Lewis
Louise Lynch-Lyons
Sharron Osborne
James Ryals
Latoya Singleton
Saleemah Tyson
Marcus Washington
Michelle Wilkes-Dubois
4
Andrea Baker
Cheryl Carter
Amanda Clendenen
Angela Cyree
Amya Hayes
Jordan Jaffie
Jacqueline Jones
Michael Mahan
Charlotte Mitchell
Rory Phillips-Powers
Pam Proman
Shavonda Simmons
Luce St. Peter
Gabriella Valentin
Andres Virguez
Tiffany Wilson
5
Jamarcus Abraham De'Janna Alston-Owens
Olivia Bryant Marie Chahin
Claudette Cliatt William Copeland
Lilian Perez | Infusion Services – Hilton Head Island
Alex Pierce | Wellness Center
Brianna Pope | Cardiac Recovery Unit, St. Joseph’s
