Ultimate Medical Academy Rallies in Support of All Children’s Hospital
June 13, 2013, Tampa, Fla. – Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA) participated in the 30th Annual All Children’s Telethon, an 11.5-hour broadcast on WFLA News Channel 8. Since its inaugural televising in 1984, the Telethon has collected more than $84 million for All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla.
The June 2, 2013, event, themed “30 Years of Miracles,” marked the second year UMA volunteered for All Children’s. For one hour, 18 UMA employees worked the phones during the Telethon, which raised a substantial $4.2 million – nearly $500,000 more than 2012.
“UMA continues to focus on supporting children’s health initiatives and organizations both monetarily and by participating in events such as this telethon,” Steve Kemler, CEO of Ultimate Medical Academy explained. “As we train the next generation of healthcare professionals in our courses every day, we simultaneously strive to support the next generation of patients by promoting healthy living, nutrition and superior medical care. We are proud to support All Children’s Hospital as one of the leaders in providing exceptional pediatric care for children.”
In addition to volunteer hours, UMA – an All Children’s Corporate Grand Donor – pledged $25,000 to the hospital. The donation sponsors the entire cost of a new sensory gymnasium, an addition UMA is happy to support.
The Sensory Gym is a unique treatment space that allows children with sensory integration disorders to improve their balance and coordination skills and interpret visual, auditory, touch and movement information. The gym keeps children engaged and having fun while learning with toys, games and music as well as specialized equipment including swings, a ball pool, balance beams, stepping stones and “mountains” made of bolsters.
“The Sensory Gym was thoughtfully designed to provide the best opportunities for growth and learning for the children with sensory needs that we serve, and it has turned into one of the most popular rooms in the new Child Development and Rehabilitation Center,” said Maggie Reilly, Director of Occupational and Physical Therapy at All Children’s Hospital.
“All Children’s does a terrific job of meeting the healthcare needs of the patient while providing an environment that is less threatening to kids,” Linda Weldon, UMA’s Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Accreditation said. “Having worked in a hospital myself, I know how scary they can appear to kids, but this hospital isn’t. There is a recorded child’s voice in the elevator announcing the floor, signage is kid-friendly, even some of the more intimidating machines have been turned into delightful animals. Our contribution and sponsorship of the new Sensory Gym is just another way that we at UMA can give back. Thanks to all of the students, faculty and staff who joined together at 8:30 a.m. on a Sunday to make a difference. UMA cares and I am proud to be a part of that effort.”
