On March 25, PediPlace recognized  two local HealthCare Heroes: Texas State Senator Jane Nelson and Dr. Dan Corbitt and Staff of Orthopedic Associates for their work in providing access to care and the power of healing to thousands of children in need. “Both Senator Nelson and Dr Corbitt and their staffs have a direct impact on the health and well being of children, making a difference in their lives and future,” said Larry Robins, Executive Director of PediPlace.  “Each of these remarkable individuals exemplifies the best of our community.  We are honored to recognize them as our HealthCare Heroes for 2010,” he added.

     Emcee for the event was Jody Dean, a 35-year veteran of television and radio with a collection of some of the most prestigious awards in the industry. Jody leads the top rated morning show on KLUV 98.7FM. Health Heroes 2010 was held Thursday, March 25 at Celebrations Grand Ballroom in Highland Village.  At the event, a PediPlace parent also spoke about PediPlace’s role in keeping her premature son healthy during his first year. 

     HealthCare Hero Senator Nelson is a dedicated supporter of PediPlace and was instrumental in its founding. A former teacher, Senator Nelson understands that healthy children succeed and that we all benefit with a healthier community with fewer missed work days and more productive businesses. Medical Hero of the Year Dr. Dan Corbitt and his staff at Orthopedics Associates have provided expert orthopedic and sports injury medical care at no charge to PediPlace patients of uninsured families for almost a decade. 

     HealthCare Heroes 2010 featured a five-star dinner prepared by Master Chef Morris Salerno of The Grotto restaurant and paired with wine and beer from Ben E. Keith.  The event featured a silent auction and wine pull prior to dinner. For over 16 years, PediPlace has been North Texas’ healthcare solution for low income families providing primary care to over 35,000 children in 180,000 office visits.  PediPlace bridges the healthcare gap by exclusively serving uninsured and underinsured children whose medical alternative is the emergency room.  PediPlace is the only community based pediatric healthcare organization in Southern Denton County and one of very few in North Texas. 

PediPlace is located at 502 S. Old Orchard Lane, Ste 126, Lewisville Texas 75067 and can be viewed online at: pediplace.org 

- Special to The News Connection