HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. (November 28, 2022) — HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital received 50 gift bags for pediatric emergency patients that include a handmade car, coloring book and crayons, all donated compliments of community member Anthony Caponigro. Caponigro, 82, has been donating these gifts for the past five years out of the goodness of his heart and the desire to give back to others.
“I’ve really been fortunate in my life,” Caponigro said. “I was a correctional officer for 25 years and I’ve seen the worst and the very best in people. I want to live my best and give back to others, especially to kids. To be in a hospital for a holiday has got to be terrible. I remember when I was 4 and I had my tonsils out and it was terrible! I want to brighten their day with these gifts.”
HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital’s dedicated pediatric emergency room cares for more than 800 pediatric patients each month. “We know that this handmade gift will make these kids smile on one of their worst days,” said Ken Wicker, CEO. “We also know the fact that someone in the community thought about these kids will bring a smile to their families, too. We wanted to extend our sincerest thank you to Mr. Caponigro for his generosity and kindness.”
PHOTO 1: Left to right: Jeremy Gallman, COO; Christina Barton, Manager of Emergency Services; Eric Foust, Unit Secretary; Shawn Statuto, RN; Anthony Caponigro and Ken Wicker, CEO
PHOTO 2: Taylor Graham, RN, Manager of Emergency Services, holds a wooden car handmade by Mr. Caponigro.
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About HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital
HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital has been serving the Nature Coast since 1984 and is the largest private employer and largest hospital in Hernando County with 350 beds. The facility offers Hernando County’s only heart surgery program. Other key services include the maternity suites, neonatal intensive care, women’s imaging, cancer care, orthopedics, and spine services. HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital’s healthcare delivery team is comprised of more than 600 physicians, 1,800 caregivers, and more than 100 volunteers. The hospital is a statutory teaching hospital training the next generation of physicians. For more information, visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com