Do I need to worry about the holiday blues? The holidays can be stressful and that can lead to feelings of depression, but there are ways to reduce stress and avoid depression. Most people experience both joy and stress over the season, and existing mental health issues don’t take a break in December. Follow these tips for holiday self-care.

Does Santa gain weight from eating cookies late at night? How about the rest of us?Your stomach doesn’t care what time it is, and neither does Santa’s. Consuming more calories than you burn can lead to weight gain over the course of time. But beware–if you’re tired or tipsy you may be more likely to overindulge, consuming more calories than your body needs.

How can I increase my holiday cheer? Did you know that brain scans show that giving makes you as happy as eating chocolate? When you donate to a worthy cause, it activates the same region of your brain that’s responsible for cravings and pleasure rewards. Try it out today by making a gift to support education, research or care at USF Health to make life better for our community!

The post Want a happier, healthier holiday season? appeared first on Office of Development and Alumni Relations.

When you give to USF Health and its colleges of nursing, public health, medicine and pharmacy, your gift goes through the USF Foundation, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization. This means that when you support USF Health, your gifts are also tax-deductible to the maximum extent of the law.*

Did you know there are many ways you can give? Here are just a few:

• Online. Giving online is the easiest way to support the causes you love, and you can even schedule recurring gifts to make a lasting, automatic impact.
• Transfer from an IRA. Depending on your age, transferring funds directly from an Individual Retirement Account to a USF Foundation fund can have great tax benefits. This can be especially helpful if you are over age 72 – when minimum distributions are required. Be careful to work through your financial or legal advisor to make sure the transfer is properly done, and please let us know so that your intentions for the gift can be honored.
• Gifts of Stock/Mutual Fund Shares. By donating appreciated assets such as shares of stock or mutual funds, you may avoid paying capital gains taxes in addition to the tax savings you receive by writing a check.
• The Ultimate Gift.  Did you know that the largest charitable gifts are made through a will or trust? Leaving a specific amount, percentage or remainder of your estate to USF Health can create a powerful legacy. Let USF know now so we can honor your gift and make sure it will be used in the way you want.

* This article is not intended to serve as legal advice, so consult your legal or financial advisor to decide what’s best for you. If you wish to make a charitable gift to USF Health, our Gift Planning Team will be ready to work with you and your advisors.

The post It’s near the end of the year…how can I give to reduce my taxes? appeared first on Office of Development and Alumni Relations.

The accident injured Koulianos’s head, neck and back, which required multiple procedures to treat his spinal injuries.

“It made me think of all the times I was there to help people, and I had no idea what they were really going through,” said Koulianos. “Being on that side of it was incredibly surreal and really left me in a state of shock.”

Despite the pain in other areas of his body, Koulianos said the most debilitating symptoms were those resulting from his concussion. He experienced impairments in his speech, balance, memory recall and concentration, as well as effects to his mental health and sleep patterns.

“During the day, I was in a constant fog. I was always dizzy, had terrible headaches and found myself agitated for no reason,” said Koulianos. “I found myself in a perpetual state of confusion, depression and anxiety.”

The extent of his physical injuries ended his career as a paramedic. As a single father of three daughters, Koulianos worried the effects of his concussion would prevent him from reorienting his career path and supporting his family.

“The thought of not being able to provide for my children was the scariest thing I have ever felt,” he said.

Koulianos was referred to the USF Health Concussion Center, where he met the director, Byron Moran, MD.

Dr. Byron Moran, director of the USF Health Concussion Center, accepts gift from grateful patient Frank Koulianos

Dr. Moran, who is also an assistant professor in the Morsani College of Medicine, performed a thorough assessment of Koulianos’ condition and established a comprehensive care plan to treat the concussion symptoms. This included a combination of computer-based testing, physical therapy and medications.

“The USF Health Concussion Center changed the entire course of my recovery,” said Koulianos. “I hadn’t received any other help for my concussion before that.”

The combination of treatments and therapies quickly began alleviating the variety of symptoms Koulianos experienced. Although he continued to experience mild lingering effects, his condition drastically improved under Dr. Moran’s care.

“The care plan that Dr. Moran established dramatically reduced my symptoms and allowed me to pivot my career while continuing to heal,” said Koulianos. “I am so grateful that he took everything I was going through into account and properly assessed me.”

In February 2022, Koulianos began working for USF Health Development and Alumni Relations, combining his passion for healthcare and philanthropy.

Inspired by stories of other grateful patients who expressed their gratitude through making gifts to USF Health, Koulianos decided to make his own gift to the Concussion Center.

“I was truly moved by the stories of how other grateful patients expressed their gratitude by giving back,” he said. “I was in awe of the impact their generosity had on USF Health’s ability to further their mission of making life better.”

USF Tampa General Physicians President Dr. Mark Moseley presents Koulianos with a Culture Coin

USF Health presented Koulianos with a Culture Coin earlier this month for his drive to help build a stronger reputation for the Concussion Center and USF Health Neurosciences as part of his new role, and for sharing his own story as a grateful patient.

He hopes that his gift will inspire other patients to give back and take part in advancing the research and care provided by physicians and care staff.

“I wanted to do whatever I could so USF Health can continue to help people like me,” he said. “Thank you to Dr. Moran and everybody at the Concussion Center for making life better for my children and I with the care you provided.”

To support the USF Health Concussion Center, please make a gift online or contact advancehealth@usf.edu.

Story by Siham Kharfan. Photos by John Tipton/USF Advancement Communications and Marketing, and Ryan Rossy/USF Health Communications and Marketing.

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It was when a close friend’s youth leader was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis that Noll first witnessed the devastating effects of the disease, more commonly referred to as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Noll working at his tennis tournament supporting the USF Health ALS Clinic

As he researched the high costs and rigorous treatments associated with relieving ALS symptoms, Noll was inspired to combine his passion for tennis with his desire to help others by setting up a charity tennis tournament to give back to the USF Health ALS Clinic.

“It was really tough on my friend, and I realized how much I didn’t know about ALS,” said Noll. “If other people don’t have a lot of information about the disease, I thought a tennis tournament would be a great way to spread awareness.”

He was drawn to the clinic for their high level of involvement in ALS research and community outreach, as well as their friendly staff.

As a member of East Lake Country Club, he noticed that charity events rarely included high schoolers and other youth. To involve local youth in giving back, Noll decided that a charity tennis tournament at the country club would attract support from all ages, which would in turn help the ALS Clinic to continue treating patients affected by this disease.

“I feel like a lot of these charities are targeting more of the thirties, forties and fifties demographic,” he said. “I thought it would be perfect to include the youth so we can really raise awareness for kids and introduce them to different ways they can help.”

Noll presents a check to the ALS Clinic

More than 50 people attended the tournament, which required a $35 fee for entry. There were no other charges, but those attending the tournament and even locals visiting the club made additional generous donations to support the cause.

“I was very moved by their generosity,” said Noll. “Even if people hadn’t heard of ALS, they were still willing to give to help fight this disease.”

The venue allowed Noll to educate attendees about ALS and the work USF Health is doing to help. He also sent attendees home with commemorative gift bags to keep them thinking about ways to give back after the event was over.

“Overall, I think it was a major success,” said Noll. “I think it was a great way to get the word out there and I love working with USF ALS Clinic. They were so easy to work with.”

The tournament was his first steppingstone into future philanthropic endeavors. Donating to USF Health ALS Clinic inspired him to organize future charity events not only to support those with ALS, but other diseases and disorders as well.

A strong believer in the power of medical advancements and research, Noll plans to pursue a degree in biotechnology after high school.

“I love the idea of using innovation to help people,” said Noll. “Discovering and refining ways to make the medical system better really interests me.”

To support the USF Health ALS Clinic, please click here or contact advancehealth@usf.edu.

Story by Siham Kharfan, USF Advancement Communications and Marketing.

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USF Health doctors continue to make life better for their patients and the Tampa Bay community. On March 30, USF Health  patients sent uplifting notes of appreciation to their doctors for  National  Doctors’ Day.  Here are  just a few of the notes they received: 

“Without Dr. Nofsinger I wouldn’t be walking around. He listened to my concerns and used his skills to keep me mobile.  I am so indebted to him and his staff.” 

“We are grateful for the commendable and caring medical care and guidance that Dr. Guerra has provided us over the years we have been her patients.”  

“Dr. Derrick Robertson’s excellent care provides my  peace of mind and his expertise ensures my confidence in him and my treatment plan.“  

“Dr. Zesiewicz shows empathy and compassion every time I see her.  She takes the time to listen and doesn’t just brush off concerns.  She genuinely cares about me.  I trust her with my life, and I truly appreciate having a doctor that I know is incredibly competent, professional, and yet so down to earth.”  

“A big thank you on Doctor’s Day, Dr. Bhaleeya! I want to thank you for helping me regain my sight to where it is today and keeping me motivated!”  

“Dr. Patel and Dr. Qureshi gave me the double lung transplant that allowed me to get off of oxygen and dream of a better life.” 

“Dr. Spiewak is very intelligent thoughtful caring and shows great interest in my care health and well-being. She works diligently and takes time to listen, advise and help. I trust her and respect her. She is a very kind compassionate individual and Doctor. I truly thank Dr. Spiewak and honor her today.” 

Dr. John McCormick is a compassionate and very knowledgeable physician and my husband and I both feel very fortunate to be under his care. Lucky to have the best. 

The post USF Health Doctors’ Day 2022 appeared first on Office of Development and Alumni Relations.

Now her family is carrying on Jeanette’s legacy by supporting heart research that will help future patients live longer, healthier lives.

Jeannette’s daughters, Jean Gordon and her twin sisters Brenda and Linda, and their families have given $5,000 to establish the Jeanette Fultz Memorial Fund for Cardiovascular Health to support clinical, research and educational initiatives in the Department of Cardiology at USF Health.

At the time of her mother’s heart failure, Jean insisted that the paramedics take her to Tampa General Hospital (TGH) due to its reputation for heart care, even though it wasn’t her local hospital. Jeannette was treated by Drs. Bengt Herweg and Xavier Prida, and after receiving a pacemaker, she remained comatose in intensive care for several weeks. Once again, she proved resilient and eventually recovered.

Jeannette with Jean and Michael Gordon.

“Dr. Prida and Dr. Herweg were both very encouraging to her. Dr. Herweg is very knowledgeable and could answer any questions,” said Gordon. “Dr. Prida has that personality that patients like a lot.”

Following her release from the hospital, she regularly saw Drs. Herweg and Prida for checkups and testing, and had her pacemaker replaced in August 2021.

“As we care for our patients and their families, we want to do our best for them now and in the future,” said Dr. Prida. “Such a thoughtful gift will create impact for generations so that Jeanette Fultz will never be forgotten.”

To make a gift to support cardiovascular research at USF Health in memory of Jeannette Fultz, click here or contact advancehealth@usf.edu to learn more.

The post Cardiology patient’s family establishes research fund in her memory appeared first on Office of Development and Alumni Relations.

Laney Higgins at the USF Concussion Center

Laney Higgins has been playing volleyball for 10 years, more than half of her life. A 17-year-old senior at Carrollwood Day School, Laney experienced a series of concussions a few years ago that prevented her from performing and feeling her best on the court.

After many doctors’ appointments with no improvements in her symptoms, Laney’s dad, Rob, began seeking other options for rehabilitation options and a colleague referred him to the USF Concussion Center. During her first appointment, Dr. Dusty Narducci quickly diagnosed what other doctors couldn’t before and helped Laney to fully recover through a personalized treatment plan.

“As a parent, any time your child gets hurt, you always want to see them recover as quick as possible and get back to 100%. That’s exactly what happened when Laney was introduced to the USF Concussion Center and Dr. Narducci,” said Rob.

Now concussion-free, Laney has committed to play volleyball this fall at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia. She is also one of the first high school student-athletes in the country to sign a name, image, and likeness (NIL) deal, which was recently allowed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) last summer for college athletes to earn a form of compensation.

Her NIL partnership with Q-Collar, an FDA-cleared device that helps protect athlete’s brains from the effects of repetitive head impacts, made her the first volleyball player to represent the product.

“When extraordinary athletes such as Laney share their stories, they are spreading awareness about concussions and changing lives,” said Dr. Narducci.

Laney Higgins presents USF Concussion Center Director Dr. Byron Moran with a check

In appreciation of Dr. Narducci’s care, Laney has donated the profits from her NIL deal to the USF Concussion Center to help other young athletes who have suffered concussions but hope to continue their playing careers.

“A lot of people aren’t aware of how many head injuries happen in volleyball so I’m really passionate about wanting to create more awareness around the issue,” said Laney. “I believe that giving back will help future athletes who are struggling with head injuries like I did.”

To support the USF Concussion Center, click here or email advancehealth@usf.edu for more information.

Story by Jessica Martinez/Photos by John Tipton; USF Advancement Communications and Marketing. 

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Since becoming a patient at USF Health last fall, Downing has boasted about her uplifting and positive experience, starting with the valet attendants to her providers, including Jerrica Farias, APRN, associate director of the ALS Clinic. Because of her experience, Downing became inspired to give back to the ALS Clinic in honor of the care that she has received by donating a portion of her caregiver calendar sales to support research and patient care at USF Health.

Downing has more than two decades of experience in caring for others with neurological conditions as her mother suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and her World War II veteran father was diagnosed with dementia. She is also a consultant for seniors to make sure they are placed in the appropriate residence to age well. In 2013, Downing created two caregiver support calendars, one for caregivers and another specifically for veterans’ caregivers, as a legacy to her parents. The two calendars provide resources for caregivers to easily keep track of their loved one’s appointments and medications, a note and to-do list section, as well as motivational and inspirational quotes.

The calendars and other resources provided by Downing and Caregivers Comfort Creations have helped and encouraged many caregivers, even in the most difficult times.

For more information about the Caregivers Comfort Creations’ fundraiser for USF Health, click here.

The 2022 digital and printable calendars are available for purchase now, and the 2023 calendars will be released in the coming months. To purchase your calendar, visit https://www.caregiverscomfort.com/products and enter the promo code “USFH” to benefit USF Health.

Story by Jessica Martinez, USF Advancement Communications & Marketing. Photo courtesy of Julie Cook Downing. 

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In March 2020, the CARES Act was signed into law to help provide relief and economic security from the implications of the coronavirus to families, individuals, organizations, and businesses. As this year nears to a close, please keep in mind two key components of the CARES Act that have been extended through 2021 and may impact your end-of-year giving decisions:

• All 2021 individual taxpayers can deduct up to $300 above the standard deduction for charitable contributions, even if they have no other itemizations. New in 2021, the amount for couples filing jointly is $600.
• All 2021 individual taxpayers will be able to deduct cash gifts up to 100% of their adjusted gross income for gifts made through December 2021.

In 2020, all required minimum distributions (RMDs) from IRAs were waived. However, these RMDs resumed in 2021 for people who are 72 years and older. For those who are 70 ½ or older, you can make charitable gifts of up to $100,000 cumulatively per year directly from your IRA. While there is no tax deduction for such gifts, you will not have to pay income tax on these distributions, and they can count against your RMD.  You will need to contact your IRA administrator to get authorize the transfer.

More details on the CARES Act can be found here. You may contact the USF Foundation Office of Gift Planning at 813-974-8761 or speak to a USF Health development officer by emailing advancehealth@usf.edu.

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USF President Rhea F. Law

President Law shared with the LIFT members that USF continues to be recognized as America’s fastest-rising university, according to U.S. News and World Report, as it has risen 48 spots among public universities over 10 years, securing the ranking of No. 46 this year. The recent consolidation of USF’s three campuses has proven to be a benefit, providing students with the opportunity to move seamlessly throughout the university, allowing them to take courses at Tampa, St. Petersburg, or Sarasota-Manatee.

“I owe the majority of my professional career to USF, and I am delighted to be here – I feel like I’m home,” said President Law. “The entire university community is excited about USF’s momentum, and we’re looking forward to our next steps as a Preeminent University in Florida.”

Dr. Lockwood added that USF Health is transforming research, education, and patient care in the Tampa Bay area through its diverse and robust programs in the Morsani College of Medicine, College of Public Health, College of Nursing, and Taneja College of Pharmacy, as well as the practice plan’s newly enhanced partnership with Tampa General Hospital (TGH).

“One of most important things that has happened during my tenure as dean is our new affiliation with Tampa General Hospital. With this new structure, we’ll be able to hire exactly the kind of doctors in the numbers that the community needs, which will improve the overall health of our community,” said Lockwood.

USF Health SVP and Morsani College of Medicine Dean Dr. Charles Lockwood

Since early 2020, USF Health and TGH have been at the forefront of the battle with COVID-19, providing critical aid to the Tampa Bay community by running testing and treatment centers, conducting telehealth visits for positive COVID-19 patients who didn’t have assigned doctors, using research labs to conduct surveillance pool testing to keep the campus safe, conducting over 60 COVID- related clinical trials, and inventing a 3D flocked nasopharyngeal swab and sharing the formula with organizations around to the world to resolve the shortage on COVID-19 testing kits.

“Our response to the COVID-19 pandemic was the most remarkable thing I’ve seen during my career, of any organization. I could not be prouder of everyone at USF Health,” said Lockwood.

He also shared that USF Health is seeing about 1.2 million patients per year across 30 specialties. His vision for the new partnership with TGH is to expand the number of providers, build new facilities, invest in software and technology, and dramatically improve access. Between this strengthened partnership and the thriving colleges, USF Health is truly making life better for the Tampa Bay area.

The LIFT members will convene again in December to hear from Dr. Stephen Liggett, associate vice president for research at USF Health and the vice dean for research at the Morsani College of Medicine, to learn more about the advances in research at USF Health.

About the Leadership & Innovation Forum of Tampa, powered by USF Health

Launched in fall 2019, the Leadership & Innovation Forum of Tampa (LIFT), powered by USF Health, is an exclusive membership organization designed to unite innovators and leaders in Tampa, who are committed to advancing the economic and physical health of our region. USF Health LIFT connects the visionary talent of the community, sparking new ideas and collaborations that can benefit everyone. Members form new relationships, as well as partnerships, and hear from fascinating speakers who are reimagining the future of health from the environment, to the community, to the individual. LIFT members designate 85 percent of their membership fee to benefit student scholarships in a USF Health college.

To learn more about USF Health LIFT, please visit usf.to/LIFT or contact health-lift@usf.edu.

Story by Jessica Martinez, USF Advancement Communications & Marketing; Photos by Freddie Coleman, USF Health Communications

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