FL Gov. Jeb Bush and 10-year old Britney Murphy,
at the cancer ward of Broward General Children's Hospital.
Governor Bush Presents Points of Light Award to Britney Murphy [a young cancer patient and activist]
-The Points of Light Award recognizes exemplary volunteers in Florida's communities-
For Immediate Release
Friday, April 19, 2002
Contact:
Elizabeth Hirst
(850) 488-5394
TALLAHASSEE -- Governor Jeb Bush recognized Britney Murphy of Fort Lauderdale as this week's Points of Light Award recipient. The weekly award recognizes exemplary volunteer and community service throughout the state.
"Britney's cheerful spirit and sense of duty in expressing the needs of children who are ill is truly reflective of the power and perseverance of our youth," Governor Bush said. "Britney has served as the voice of her community by helping increase awareness for the need of a children's hospital in her community."
At an informal ceremony on Friday, April 12, 2002, Governor Bush presented Britney Murphy with the Governor's Points of Light Award and his Chief of the Florida National Guard coin on her floor at the Broward General Children's Hospital. In turn, she presented him with a medal and gave him a tour of her floor where the Governor met her doctors, nurses, and other children.
At only ten years old, Murphy's efforts played a key role in renaming Broward General Medical Center to the Children's Hospital by writing a letter highlighting how instrumental a children's hospital would be to the community. "It was a very moving letter and detailed clearly why having a children's hospital would help children feel better and how it would help their doctors and nurses focus on each child's special needs," said Paul Sallarulo, Chairman of the NBHD Board of Commissioners. "Britney attended a board meeting to personally present her case on behalf of all children. The NBHD Board of Commissioners unanimously supported her proposal and changed the name of Broward General's pediatric center to Children's Hospital."
Murphy is a cancer patient at the Children's Hospital at Broward General Medical Center. Throughout her illness she has been an ambassador and an advisor to adults in her community, speaking out on behalf of children, families and their caregivers. She volunteers in the Cancer Center as a member of the Children's Advisory Council for the Children's Hospital and has appeared before the Fort Lauderdale Planning and Zoning Board to present her personally drafted recommendation to permit the expansion of Broward General Medical Center.
The Governor's Points of Light Award, sponsored by Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, recognizes a Florida resident or organization that demonstrates exemplary service to the community. Award recipients are announced weekly.
A panel of judges comprised of leaders in the areas of volunteerism and service evaluate incoming nominations and make recommendations to the Governor. Volunteer Florida!, a Governor-appointed commission that promotes volunteerism and service throughout the state, administers the award.
Britney, her doctor, and Gov. Bush.