Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Emergency Care Technician Awarded - Jessie Salone Nursing Scholarship

The Foundations recently awarded the Jessie Salone Student Nurse Scholarship to Macy Grimsrud, a Fort Lauderdale Resident and Emergency Care Technician in the Pediatric Emergency Department at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. Grimsrud is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Nova Southeastern University and plans to practice as a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Nurse after graduating.

The Jessie Salone Nursing Education Fund was established in 2006 by Michael Salone in honor of his mother, Jessie Salone, who served as a nurse at Memorial Regional Hospital from 1963 until her retirement in 1992. Inspired by the care and compassion she demonstrated throughout her nearly 30-year career, the fund supports nurses who exemplify those same values — either those who have completed their first year of nursing study or nurses continuing their education. Administered through Memorial Foundation, the scholarship is open to nurses and nursing students working anywhere within Memorial Healthcare System, including Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, where Grimsrud serves as an emergency care technician.

"This honor means more to me than a scholarship," Grimsrud wrote in her acceptance letter to the Salone family. "It represents the legacy of Nurse Jessie and the principles she upheld throughout her career at Memorial. To me, this scholarship feels like a message from Nurse Jessie herself, who continues to serve as a mentor and reminder of why we do what we do.”

For Grimsrud, the recognition reflects more than personal achievement. It also reflects her pride in the nursing profession and excitement to join its ranks.

"Working alongside nurses for the past five years has been both inspiring and motivating," Grimsrud wrote in her scholarship application. "I am continually encouraged by their resilience, advocacy and dedication to patient care. Each shift reinforces my desire to join their profession and contribute meaningfully to patient outcomes.”

Grimsrud was recommended for the scholarship by her educational leader at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. She holds a 3.9 GPA, is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and earned a place on the dean's list. The scholarship will go toward her remaining tuition at Nova Southeastern University.

Before joining Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in August 2025, Grimsrud earned a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Human Physiology from the University of Iowa and worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Emergency Room Technician in Iowa. She earned her Florida Emergency Medical Technician Certification in 2025.

Beyond her work in acute care, Grimsrud has said she hopes to contribute to community-based preventative care, including free health clinics, wellness checkups for new mothers, and mental health crisis response.

For more information about the Foundations' nursing scholarships and education programs, or to support the next generation of nurses, visit: www.jdch.com/give-back/foundation - Or: http://www.mhs.net/give-back.

About Memorial Healthcare System

South Florida-based Memorial Healthcare System is a national leader in quality care and patient, physician, and employee satisfaction. Its commitment to deeper caring, smarter health, and community outreach prioritizes a person-centered approach that has delivered safe, positive outcomes for more than 70 years. Memorial is committed to healing the body, mind, and spirit of those in its care. For more information, visit: www.mhs.net - And connect on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

About Memorial Foundation

Dedicated to supporting healthcare for the community served by Memorial Healthcare System, Memorial Foundation is the central agency through which charitable contributions are made. A volunteer Board of Directors, comprised of prominent business and community leaders and physicians, oversees all aspects of the Foundation's operations.

About Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is one of the nation’s Leading Pediatric Hospitals, offering a comprehensive scope of healthcare services and programs in a caring, compassionate setting designed specifically for children. The level one Pediatric Trauma Center combines advanced technology, the expertise of some of the region’s most diverse, Board-Certified Specialists, and a patient and family-centered focus to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Part of Memorial Healthcare System, the pediatric hospital in Hollywood, Florida, recently doubled in size, adding four floors, including a Comprehensive Cardiac Care Floor, an intraoperative MRI, an inpatient rehabilitation gym, family and staff support areas, and the 14th Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone, among other offerings.

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation focuses on philanthropy to positively impact patients, families, and underwrite programs, facilities, and equipment that support the pediatric facility’s mission. To learn more, visit: www.jdch.com. And connect with: @jdchospital on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram.