Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital recognizes their dedication to children’s health
Diane Bagnal-Moody and the University of South Carolina Dance Marathon (USCDM) were recognized for their decades of devotion to Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital and its patients, physicians, nurses and care team members during a ceremony at Spirit Communications Park hosted by the Champions Society, a Palmetto Health Foundation annual giving society. The award has been given annually since 1990 to the individual or organization displaying extraordinary devotion and dedication to the welfare and well-being of our community’s children.
Palmetto Pediatric and Adolescent Clinic pediatrician Catherine Miller, M.D., said, “Diane Bagnal-Moody works tirelessly promoting health and safety for all children. She does all of this with an amazing positive attitude. She is always smiling.”
Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital Senior Medical Director R. Caughman Taylor, M.D., said, “There could not be a better time for both of these recipients to be recognized because of what they bring to Children’s Hospital. It is fitting that this award honors them during Children’s Hospital’s 35th year.”
Taylor added, “Diane Bagnal-Moody is the glue, the energy and the can-do-anything person who goes well beyond her job description. Her passion, commitment, dedication and love come out every day in her work. Diane has accomplished so many things and does so much behind the scenes that people may not realize she is the person responsible for making it all happen.”
“USC Dance Marathon has amazed us with their ongoing dedication to raising money for Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital,” said Taylor. “During their first marathon 20 years ago, they surprised us by raising $55,000. This year, they managed to surpass their goal of raising $1 million and actually raised a record-breaking $1,025,171 in a single year! These dedicated college students have made it possible for us to provide so many things for our patients and families. Key among these is our Child Life Program, which will be fully funded by contributions from USCDM.”
“The inspiration the Dance Marathon participants provide is so important because we can see and feel how hard they are working to support our children,” said Taylor. “They inspire us to be our best and provide the best possible care for South Carolina’s children.”
The award initially was known as the Robbie Benson Award, named for actor Robbie Benson who helped raise funds for Children’s Hospital at a movie premiere in Columbia. In 2001, the name was changed to honor C. Warren Derrick, M.D., a founding physician of Children’s Hospital and Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, and in memory of Helen G. Lynch, vice president of Patient Care Services. “Helen is the unforgettable lady who helped birth, nurture and grow the Children's Hospital. She is so fondly remembered for her insight, energy, strength and advocacy for children,” said Children’s Hospital Administrative Director Diane Bagnal-Moody.
“Children’s Hospital has given me the opportunity to enjoy every day that I come to work,” said Bagnal-Moody. The advice she lives by is brilliantly simple – “Don’t let any single experience go by without taking advantage of it.”
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About Palmetto Health Children's Hospital
Palmetto Health Children's Hospital is South Carolina’s first children's hospital and has more than 150,000 children’s visits each year. It offers more than 30 subspecialties to meet the unique health care needs of children and has central South Carolina's only Children’s Emergency Center. With more than 350 professionals who work exclusively with children, Palmetto Health Children's Hospital has a team of highly skilled and trained experts unmatched by any hospital in the Midlands. Palmetto Health Children's Hospital is the place to go for children's medical care, because the best care matters.
About USCDM
The University of South Carolina Dance Marathon (USCDM) is the largest student-run philanthropic organization at the University. Throughout the year, USCDM students raise awareness and funding for the Child Life program at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital by participating in campus and community-wide events. Each year culminates with “Main Event,” when participants stand and dance for 14 consecutive hours during their final fundraising efforts. In 2018, USCDM celebrated its 20th year and raised a record-breaking $1,025,171. Proceeds will fully fund the Child Life program and will help build the Dance Marathon at the University of South Carolina playground at Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital. The playground will be a safe outdoor play space for patients and their siblings. It will offer specially-designed equipment that will accommodate IV poles, wheelchairs and hospital beds.
In 20 years, more than $4.6 million has been raised by USCDM for Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital. Learn more at USCDM.org.
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