Jeanne Lillig-Patterson, First Hand’s founder, received an honorary doctorate from her alma mater during Avila University’s May 13th commencement ceremony.
She received the Doctor of Humane Letters – the highest honor that Avila can bestow on an individual – for demonstrating outstanding service and leadership to humanity, outstanding service to her community, outstanding contributions to education and for embodying the values of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
On behalf of our recipient children, dedicated contributors, school nurses and teachers, and First Hand team members, we send a heartfelt congratulations to Jeanne for this honor!
First Hand would not be where it is today without Jeanne’s encouragement and dedication to creating a healthier world. In 1995, she wanted to help one child whose family could not afford care. Today, 22 years later, over 250,000 children and adults have benefited from her vision and her foundation’s innovative health and care programs.
As Jeanne stated, “I’ll be my family’s first doctor!” With that sense of humor and an incredible passion, Jeanne continues to inspire generations to give back and to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
5/7/2021
“Thank you for giving us hope.” A patient said that to me at the first Operation Safe vaccination clinic, and the sentiment has been echoed by countless others throughout the 12 weeks, 32 clinics and nearly 100,000 COVID-19 vaccines administered since.
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