DONOR SPOTLIGHT: KAREL FOTI
Michael J. Zinner, M.D. and Karel Foti
Karel Foti Those who have had the privilege of interacting with Karel Foti know she exemplifies kindness and compassion. She is genuine, cares deeply for others and is an inspiration to all who have crossed her path. Her generosity to Baptist Health and the care she has in her heart for our organization are unparalleled.
K
arel’s history with Baptist Health dates back to the births of her sons, Rick and Joel, at South Miami Hospital. She always knew she wanted to be part of Baptist Health in some capacity, so she began volunteering as a “Pink Lady” at Baptist Hospital. As a mother with a young family at home, in addition to a full-time job, Karel dedicated her time to help deliver mail, sell magazines, run errands to and from the pharmacy and other tasks. To this day, she wears the service pin she received for working 100-plus volunteer hours. Years later, Karel’s mother was under the care of Barry Katzen, M.D., founder and medical director of Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute. It
was their wonderful experience that inspired Karel to make her first large gift to Baptist Health, making it possible for the Institute to purchase important equipment. She became involved with various events and was asked by Dr. Katzen to serve on the Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute Council. She also co-chaired Baptist Health Foundation’s Grand Gala in 2016 and has served on the Board of Trustees for the last few years. About 12 years ago, Karel’s world shifted after the tragic passing of her beloved daughter-in-law, Shawnn, to cancer, leaving behind two daughters, 11-year-old Hunter and 9-year-old Madison. In the years following Shawnn’s death, she established the Shawnn Renee
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