Aimee Yahn-Carmichael
Photo Courtesy Of Baptist Health
Back in 1962, Gloria and Robert Drummond’s children, 9-year-old Debra Ann and 3-year-old James Randall, were tragically poisoned and died before receiving medical attention. At the time, the nearest hospital to Boca Raton was a half-hour away — had it been closer, the situation may have had a vastly different outcome.
Following the youngsters’ deaths, the local community mobilized to raise funds to build a hospital, ensuring that local residents could access quality health care and emergency services when needed most. On Aug. 30, 1962, 18 compassionate and dedicated women joined Gloria, who led the fundraising effort, to form what is now the Debbie-Rand Memorial Service League (D-RMSL), named after the Drummonds’ children.
The effort was a success. In 1967, Boca Raton Community Hospital — now Boca Raton Regional Hospital (BRRH) and part of Baptist Health — opened its doors as a not-for-profit community hospital.
“Since then, the Debbie-Rand Memorial Service League volunteers have continued to play meaningful roles in the lives of patients, visitors and staff throughout the hospital and outlying facilities,” says Dr. Aimee Yahn-Carmichael, DBA, MAA, CDVS, regional director, North Region/Volunteer Operations/Retail Stores.
“Our president is Ana Maria Restrepo, who has asked me to act as the spokesperson, in that I have served as the leader of the organization for 18 years.” (Gloria remained an integral part of the nonprofit until her passing in 2011.)
The organization serves as the official auxiliary to the hospital. Its purpose is to coordinate all volunteer efforts and raise funds for equipment and programs. Volunteers help fulfill this mission by working in the gift shop, thrift shoppe, centers of excellence and the Emergency Department, and by supporting BRRH initiatives through donations and the hospital’s retail operations.
Yahn-Carmichael, 45, notes that the team includes eight retail staff members, a volunteer manager, herself and more than 350 D-RMSL volunteers who serve as welcome ambassadors to patients, employees and visitors. These volunteers lend a helping hand, uplift patients and offer support in more than 55 hospital departments and outlying areas.
Since the league’s inception, volunteers have served more than 9 million hours and the nonprofit has donated over $36 million to the hospital.
Today, D-RMSL remains a vital part of the hospital community, with a mission to continue the important work begun by Gloria.
For more information or to support the Debbie‑Rand Memorial Service League Auxiliary, Inc., call 561-955-4098 or visit baptisthealth.net.