Guardian Angels
Established in 1997 as a membership group within Jackson Health Foundation, the Guardian Angels have raised more than $44 million in philanthropic support to enhance and expand pediatric specialty programs at Holtz Children’s Hospital and throughout Jackson Health System.
Composed of more than 250 members, the group serves as a philanthropic partner actively participating in projects, committees, and events throughout Miami-Dade County. By becoming a Guardian Angel, you can help us fund major projects at Holtz Children’s and throughout Jackson Health System that cannot be provided by public support. With your help, we can continue offering accessible healthcare services to all residents in Miami-Dade County, regardless of their ability to pay.

Help Holtz Children’s Hospital
Holtz Children’s Hospital is one of the top pediatric hospitals in the country — serving 10,000+ children each year, from fragile newborns to teens in crisis. Whether it’s a tiny heart that needs surgery or a young life navigating cancer, Holtz Children’s is where care meets hope.
Every child deserves the best possible care, no matter their background. As a Guardian Angel, your gift helps makes that a reality — advancing emerging research, equipping world-class specialists with state-of-the-art facilities, and ensuring no child in our community goes without the care they deserve.
Here is just a sample of the projects funded by the Guardian Angels over the years:
- Over $550,000 to support the renovation of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit
- Remodeling of the “Little Miracles Maternity Suites,” featuring a spa-like atmosphere, high-tech equipment, and 20 private maternity suites
- Renovation of the Cancer and Organ Transplant floor
- Renovation of the Adolescent Unit at the Ryder Trauma Center
- A $1 million renovation of the Pediatric Referral Unit/Pediatric Transplant Surgical Unit
- $300,000 to purchase ventilators for the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units
Help Holtz Children’s Hospital
Holtz Children’s Hospital is one of the top pediatric hospitals in the country — serving 10,000+ children each year, from fragile newborns to teens in crisis. Whether it’s a tiny heart that needs surgery or a young life navigating cancer, Holtz Children’s is where care meets hope.
Every child deserves the best possible care, no matter their background. As a Guardian Angel, your gift helps makes that a reality — advancing emerging research, equipping world-class specialists with state-of-the-art facilities, and ensuring no child in our community goes without the care they deserve.
Here is just a sample of the projects funded by the Guardian Angels over the years:
- Over $550,000 to support the renovation of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit
- Remodeling of the “Little Miracles Maternity Suites,” featuring a spa-like atmosphere, high-tech equipment, and 20 private maternity suites
- Renovation of the Cancer and Organ Transplant floor
- Renovation of the Adolescent Unit at the Ryder Trauma Center
- A $1 million renovation of the Pediatric Referral Unit/Pediatric Transplant Surgical Unit
- $300,000 to purchase ventilators for the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units
Benefits Of Becoming A Guardian Angel
- Your name on the Jackson Memorial Hospital Donor Recognition Wall — displayed for the duration of your active membership
- Exclusive invitations to the Guardians of the Children Luncheon & Fashion Show, Pre-Event Trunk Show, and curated designer experiences. Recognition in our annual luncheon program.
- Volunteer opportunities that connect you directly with kids and families you’re helping.
Includes monthly rotating shifts with Child Life care team, feel-good events like Holtz Prom and the Holiday of Miracles Boat Parade, or create your own experience for the kids at Holtz. - Tickets to Ice Cream We Love, our annual ice cream tasting event in partnership with Bal Harbour Shops (limited availability — first come, first served).
- Private, behind-the-scenes look at the programs and people your giving directly supports and the impact of your philanthropic support.
- The knowledge that you’re making a significant difference to the patients we serve, by making big miracles happen for our smallest patients.
- Tickets to the Annual Miami HEAT Family Festival — a lively block party with players, prizes, and activities for all ages
Benefits Of Becoming A Guardian Angel
- Your name on the Jackson Memorial Hospital Donor Recognition Wall — displayed for the duration of your active membership
- Exclusive invitations to the Guardians of the Children Luncheon & Fashion Show, Pre-Event Trunk Show, and curated designer experiences. Recognition in our annual luncheon program.
- Volunteer opportunities that connect you directly with kids and families you’re helping.
Includes monthly rotating shifts with Child Life care team, feel-good events like Holtz Prom and the Holiday of Miracles Boat Parade, or create your own experience for the kids at Holtz. - Tickets to Ice Cream We Love, our annual ice cream tasting event in partnership with Bal Harbour Shops (limited availability — first come, first served).
- Private, behind-the-scenes look at the programs and people your giving directly supports and the impact of your philanthropic support.
- The knowledge that you’re making a significant difference to the patients we serve, by making big miracles happen for our smallest patients.
- Tickets to the Annual Miami HEAT Family Festival — a lively block party with players, prizes, and activities for all ages
Guardian Angel membership starts with a $5,000 commitment over five years — paid annually or monthly. Members who wish to elevate their impact may increase their commitment to as much as $25,000 over the same period.
Description
Guardian Angel membership starts with a $5,000 commitment over five years — paid annually or monthly. Members who wish to elevate their impact may increase their commitment to as much as $25,000 over the same period.
For more information, please contact Jessica Casinelli, Assistant Director of Development, at Jessica.Casinelli@jhsmiami.org or call 786-466-7183.
Description
For more information, please contact Jessica Casinelli, Assistant Director of Development, at Jessica.Casinelli@jhsmiami.org or call 786-466-7183.
Guardian Angels Help Make Big Miracles
Happen for Little Patients
Dylan’s Miracle: 8-Year-Old Boy Makes Remarkable Recovery at Holtz Children’s Hospital After Near Drowning
Brandon Smith was barbecuing, Tiffany Smith was back-to-school shopping on her phone, and the kids, 8-year-old Dylan and 13-year-old Olivia, were playing in the pool.
Read MoreA Brother’s Gift Helps Young Boy Beat Cancer Twice with Help from Holtz Children’s Hospital
“We targeted his cancer with 11 months of chemotherapy and 31 rounds of proton beam radiation, which is very precise,” Marisel said. “It affected the symmetry of his face, vision, teeth, and even cognition. But still, he fights through that – he’s super smart and never gives up.”
Read MorePediatric Transplant Team Give Central Florida Teenager a Second Chance at Life at Holtz Children’s Hospital
Brianna was listed for a transplant on April 17, and just seven days later, received the call that a liver had been found. On April 25, the team transplanted Brianna and gave her a second chance at life.
Read MoreTeenager Given Second Chance at Life Following Traumatic ATV Accident
“All of Kevin’s friends were older than him and had their licenses, but he was only 14 and had never driven on the streets with cars before, which is why I didn’t want him riding the ATV that day,” said Ileana Matos, Kevin’s mom. “It all happened so fast, I couldn’t wrap my head around what was happening.”
Read MoreOrlando Toddler Leaves Hospital After Long Battle of Liver Disease
When Danilia “Amor” Aquino was born prematurely at 26 weeks, she was showing early signs of liver disease. Two months later she was diagnosed with biliary atresia.
Read MoreSurgeons Perform Miraculous Surgery with Baby Still Attached to Mom
Nicole was 24 weeks pregnant when she went to see her obstetrician for a checkup. An ultrasound had already revealed that her baby had fluid around the heart.
Read MoreFirst-Time Parents Deliver Naturally-Conceived Quadruplets with Expert Care Team
Tests revealed that one of the babies was not getting enough nutrients and was at risk of dying.
Read MoreLittle Girl, Close to Death, Makes Miraculous Recovery at Holtz Hospital
When 6-year-old Victoria Bermudez came down with a low-grade fever, her mother, Judith Ferrer, did what most parents would: gave her Tylenol and Motrin.
Read MoreFive-year-old cancer survivor inspires with #Love4Salma
In March 2014, the Richani family was vacationing in Miami from their native Venezuela when then 4-year-old Salma had trouble walking and complained of severe back pain.
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