Miami, FL (PRWEB) October 22, 2013 -- Inspirational doctors, nurses and student associations were honored for their remarkable medical mission work at the world’s first medical mission red carpet awards, the 1st Annual MEDDY Awards, by local charity Jose’s Hands and PhilanTropic Lifestyle last Friday, October 18. Held at the prestigious SLS Hotel South Beach, and presented by Jose’s Hands’ founder Alex Miranda, alongside NBC 6 reporter Kelly Blanco, the event attracted hundreds of guests to celebrate the extraordinary work of those who dedicated their practice to help underserved communities.
The following outstanding medical professionals, students and groups were awarded MEDDYs: Best Medical Mission Organization: Emmaus Medical Mission; Best Medical Mission Doctor: Dr. Orlando Silva, M.D.; Best Medical Mission Nurse: Jamie Canizares; Best Medical Mission Student: Stephany Giraldo (Florida International University); Best Medical Mission Student Organization: Medical Students In Action; Best Up and Coming Medical Mission Organization: Doctors in Christ.
In addition, celebrity-endorsed Kymerah, luxury salon Warren-Tricomi and talent agency Quintessential Promotions teamed up to produce a heart-warming fashion experience to reward attendees at the first-ever event. Fashion models angelically waltzed across the runway as powerhouse Miami DJ YSL and renowned local drummer David Silva combined their talents to create uplifting music for support.
“I felt humbled as I stepped onto the stage to welcome our guests,” said Alex Miranda, who founded Jose’s Hands to preserve the values and legacy of his late brother, José Jamil Miranda, U.S. Army Major and orthopedic surgeon, after his passing in October 2008. “Looking out into the crowd, I almost couldn’t believe that we brought together such an incredible group of medical mission workers and philanthropic supporters, all inspired by my brother’s dream.”
Designed to engage the local young demographic in philanthropic activities, the event raised enough funds to help support a new group of medical students, going to the Dominican Republic next year.
Jonathan Babicka, the philanthropy and social mastermind behind the event, inaugurated his agency PhilanTropic Lifestyle, at the 1st Annual MEDDY Awards. “Although we had quite a mixed crowd, majority of the attendees were the emerging local professionals who are paving the way of this new era by making it a habit to take part in philanthropic activities,” Babicka said. “They brought overwhelming support to the event and really helped fuel the invigorating atmosphere... We celebrated our award winners and nominees all night long.”
Miranda said he hopes the event fittingly honored the medical personnel for their mission work and also inspired attendees to continue to help those in need, either by doing the act themselves, or supporting those who support others. “The 1st Annual MEDDY Awards went off better than we envisioned it,” Miranda said. “I can’t wait to see how it will blossom in the coming years. Our mission is to make it the ultimate honorary event for medical mission workers in Miami.”
More information about Jose’s Hands and the MEDDY Awards is available at http://www.JosesHands.com.
About Jose’s Hands
José Jamil Miranda was a U.S. Army Major and orthopedic surgeon; a Yale M.D. graduate and also earned his MPH from Harvard School of Public Health. He was known for his selflessness and willingness to give and serve with competency and devotion. Before his sudden passing in October 2008, Jose had reportedly envisioned a medical mission project, which was brought to life by his brother, Alex Miranda, the now Executive Director of Jose’s Hands.
Jose’s Hands introduces volunteering medical students to medical missions in underserved and underrepresented communities abroad, exposing them to various foreign social, cultural, and health conditions facing a developing world community, and encouraging them to build and sustain a lifelong involvement in philanthropic medical service. More information about Jose’s Hands can be found at http://www.JosesHands.com and https://www.facebook.com/joseshands.
About PhilanTropic Lifestyle
Known as the “Marketing Agency for Charities”, PhilanTropic Lifestyle is an organization created to fuse entertainment and philanthropy catered to today’s young professionals and students.
With roots established in the arts, music, entertainment, and technological realms, PhilanTropic integrates company brands with nonprofit organizations, raising awareness about worthy causes through its HELPS Program – Honor, Educate, Listen, Produce, Support. More information is available at http://www.PhilanTropicLifestyle.com, and can also be obtained by contacting founder Jonathan Babicka directly at Jonathan(at)PhilanTropicLifestyle(dot)com or (305) 401-3949.
Natalia Pinheiro, PR Machine, http://www.joseshands.com, 954-507-0900, [email protected]
Share this article