Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of the Florida Keys (VNA/Hospice) sadly announces the resignation of Don Lanman from its Board of Directors. Don unselfishly gave of his time to the VNA/Hospice Board for six years, most recently as Vice Chairman. He was instrumental in the development and execution of its marketing program and worked directly with the organizations marketing manager during the initial phase of its new marketing initiatives.

With Don Lanman’s extensive financial and creative business background in marketing and public relations, he was instrumental in obtaining community support for the organizations mission and numerous public events. His volunteer work enhanced VNA/Hospice’s ability to provide compassionate home care services to those recovering from illness, housebound or terminally ill and support groups for cancer patients and the bereaved throughout Monroe County.

“We were fortunate to have had Don on our Board during our time of growth and restructuring. He brought a wealth of knowledge, was a dedicated team member and will truly be missed. We also extend a heartfelt thank you to First State Bank of the Florida Keys for encouraging one of their key employees to become involved,” stated board chairman, Peter Rysman.

Don served 6 years at First State Bank of the Florida Keys as the Senior Vice President of Marketing. His many accomplishments included numerous banking awards and leading the bank’s Green initiative that included the sinking of the USS Vandenberg artificial reef project. Besides volunteering for VNA/Hospice, Don offered his professional talents to many local nonprofits such as the Key West Chamber of Commerce marketing committee, Forgotten Soldiers Outreach Board, Military Affairs Committee and representing Monroe County on the South Florida Workforce Investment board. Don has relocated to West Palm Beach where he intends to provide business and marketing consulting services in addition to continuing his active involvement with the community, local non-profits and philanthropy.

On behalf of the Lisa Taylor COURAGE Fund for Hospice, the Ocean Reef Community Foundation presented a $6,000 gift to Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of the Florida Keys (VNA/Hospice) for their philanthropic work caring for their uninsured and underinsured hospice patients throughout Monroe County.

Pictured (L-R): Mary Turick, RN, Diann Barber, clinical administrative assistant, chief operating officer, Kathleen Ryzoc, Mavi Simo, intake coordinator, Nicole Weirback, LPN, and Jennifer Harrison-Vansant, director of clinical services.

Lisa Taylor, daughter of Connie and John Taylor, died in 2007 at the age of forty-seven after a four-year cancer battle. An inspiration to her children, family and friends, she believed that life is a celebration to be cherished even in its darkest hours. The Lisa Taylor COURAGE Fund supports the central principles of hospice that every terminally ill individual should be able to die pain-free with dignity and that they and their families be afforded the support to allow them to do so regardless of ability to pay.

Last year alone, VNA/Hospice provided a quarter million dollars of charity care to Florida Keys residents. To find out how you can support the many services and programs provided by VNA/Hospice contact development director, Kim Sovia-Crandon at their Middle and Upper Keys Corporate office in Tavernier at 305.852.7887. On line donations can be made by visiting their web site at www.vnahospicekeys.org.