The Elena A. Miranda Foundation held a reception on Wednesday, September 17 at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Kenneth C. Griffin Surgical Tower to celebrate a significant milestone: a wing of the lobby being named the “Elena A. Miranda Marketplace.” The recognition honors the foundation’s $500,000 donation to benefit the hospital’s Patient Assistance Fund.
Founded in 2023 by Carlos Fausto Miranda, founder and principal of Fausto Commercial, in memory of his late sister, the foundation aims to raise funds for underprivileged children facing life-threatening health issues whose families lack financial means and for whom public funding is unavailable. All administrative costs are covered by dedicated donors, ensuring that 100% of every contribution goes directly to supported causes, as emphasized by Miranda: “Because public funding is scarce, it’s vital that every dollar that enters the foundation goes into the hospital’s patient assistance fund to be used for life-saving medical treatment.”
The event featured remarks by Allison Baker, president of Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation and senior vice president of development for Nicklaus Children’s Health System, as well as Alejandro Mendieta, president of the Coastal Wealth Private Client Group and a foundation board member. Miranda reflected on the personal significance of the cause, stating, “Anyone who has childhood memories of being on this campus, either undergoing treatment themselves or in my case that of my sibling, knows that it can be difficult to return. But by investing every dollar received, we strive to yield an intangible difference, to save a child’s life.”
The donation underscores the critical need for private support in healthcare. The Patient Assistance Fund provides financial aid for families who cannot afford medical interventions not covered by public programs, bridging a gap that can mean the difference between life and death for many children. The foundation’s commitment to covering all overhead ensures that every dollar donated directly impacts patient care, a model that maximizes the effectiveness of philanthropic contributions.
For more information about the Elena A. Miranda Foundation and its mission, visit https://www.elenafoundation.com/.
