About Us

In 2016 a group of women – young mothers and grandmothers in South Dade recognized that a vast group of vulnerable children with extraordinary illness existed in our community, for whom medical care is just out of reach and whose needs were not being met. We were introduced to a non profit nursing center of nurses and therapists, PATCHES PPEC, a pediatric care center staffed with nurses and therapists, who understood the need and who were committed to changing the journey and outcome for this vulnerable group of children.

Many of us visited PATCHES PPEC over and over again. We learned of their deep commitment to providing healthcare and guidance to families who were struggling to care for their ill children, regardless of their ability to pay. We were often moved to tears at the plight of some of the children and even more touched by the hope and joy we saw reflected in many of the children who played in the sunlight, without a care in the world, oblivious to their conditions. We were moved by the compassion we saw in every nook and cranny – that every child was simply a child who needed love, care and dignity, in a body that needed repair.

We could not walk away.

We took their cause to heart and pledged to support their mission in as many ways as we can.

We funded and hosted diaper drives, collected books and art materials, and gently used baby clothing. But it became apparent that they needed more to sustain the invaluable programs that changed the trajectory of the children’s lives.

In 2018 our non-profit Heartbeats for PATCHES was formed and we hosted our first fabulous POWER UP FOR PATCHES Luncheon in the magnificent garden and home of Cyndi Gomez for 200 of our community of women, who turned out with heartfelt support. With the dollars raised we made a significant contribution to the Respiratory Therapy program, defraying the expenses of the therapist’s salary and equipment costs.

In 2019 Heartbeats hosted the First Annual Chip in For PATCHES Golf and Mahjong Tournament. A great golfing day was supported by Lexus of Kendall, Palmetto Ford Truck Sales and Shula Burgers while a fun mahjong day was enjoyed by 100 friends in the community.

Early 2020 we hosted our second POWER UP FOR PATCHES gala luncheon. Keynote speaker Congresswoman Donna Shalala addressed a jam packed ballroom with 250 women who shopped and partied at our fabulous pre-event marketplace with unique clothing, accessories and jewelry vendors that raised dollars!

While the Covid-19 pandemic forced us to take a hiatus from our fundraising events, in October 2021 we held our second highly successful golf tournament at Key Biscayne’s Crandon Park and raised over $100,000 toward improvements at PATCHES’ current facility in Florida City. Our generous sponsors included Driftwood Capital, Ocean Bank, Russomano & Borello PA., Stearns Weaver Miller, PA., Ocean Bank, Bonnie Yablon Foundation, Andes Global Trading, Coral Rock Development, UBS, Merrimac-Miami World Center and First American Bank, among many others.

PATCHES’ needs have never been greater, nor more urgent.

With the rising cost of health care, and the impact of COVID, PATCHES and the children it serves need our help more than ever.