About 100 people gathered in downtown Turlock on Tuesday at LaMo Cafe to honor a group of healthcare professionals who are not household names.

However, if Legacy Health Endowment president and CEO Jeffrey Lewis has anything to say about it, they soon will be.

The inaugural winners of the Jennifer Larson Healthcare Hero Awards include a physician, a school nurse, two non-profit leaders and six foster parents.

The awards were created and sponsored by Legacy Health Endowment, a Turlock-based non-profit organization that aims to improve the health and welfare of residents in 19 zip codes across both Stanislaus and Merced counties.

“These are people who don’t seek recognition, who just do amazing things to help people stay alive,” said Lewis, who is also the president/CEO of EMC Health Foundation. “This is just a simple way to say thank you to them for what they do every day.”

The recognition is in honor of Jennifer Larson, who served as the first chairwoman of the LHE board of directors, formed in 2014 following the sale of Emanuel Medical Center. Before her involvement with the LHE board, she was a member of the Emanuel Medical Center board for nearly 20 years. 

“I’m humbled and honored to be here tonight, but it really is not about me, it’s about all the recipients that are getting this award that was created in my name,” said Larson. “I told Jeffrey Lewis I was embarrassed when he said we have this wonderful recognition and honor.”

Those honored represent five areas within the healthcare field:

Families That Care for Others: 

“These honorees have opened their homes to countless foster youth over the past 30 years. Their commitment to children and youth is beyond reproach, and we are thrilled to be honoring them this evening,” Lewis said.

Yolanda and Ruben Aldama (Turlock) — The Aldamas have been foster parents since 1993. Since then, they have cared for 27 children, two of whom they eventually adopted. Yolanda has said she is most proud that she has had youth who have graduated from CSU Stanislaus and UC Merced.

"We really enjoy them. They keep in touch with us, often coming for holidays or they call us on special occasions. Ruben and I are still doing it," she said.

Rick and Jasmine Burns (Merced) — The Burnses are currently foster parents to an 18-year-old non-minor dependent who has been part of their family for the past three years. Previously, they had been his older brother's foster parents and bonded with both young men. Over the past 12 years, the Burns family has fostered more than 25 children. 

Kim and Fred Estrada (Turlock) — The Estradas have been long-term foster parents to several children over the years, focusing primarily on teen boys. 

Physician Hero: Dr. Jennifer Leoniak, DO, an infectious disease specialist.

“Dr. Leoniak is a gift to our communities,” Lewis said. “Because of her tireless efforts, working 23 hours daily during the pandemic at Emanuel Medical Center, she led an effort to save lives and help families through fear and grief. Even in the face of personal risk, her selfless dedication and care is truly inspiring.”

“Tonight’s honor is very nice, “ said Leoniak. “I did work really hard during the pandemic and there was a lot of hours I missed with my family to be with other people’s families.”

Community Health Executive — Chris Martin, executive director, United Cerebral Palsy of Stanislaus County

“Through Chris Martin’s leadership, caring, and compassion, UCP stands as one of the best in America,” Lewis said. “While Chris will always say it is a team effort, it starts with leadership, and she is an incredible leader.”

“To me, this honor means that the work that we do is recognized in the community as being important,” said Martin. “I appreciate that our organization — UCP Stanislaus — is recognized as a vital part of this community.”

Public School Hero — Teresa Hodges, RN, Denair Unified School District 

“With over 35 years of experience in clinical, surgical, hospice, and school settings, Teresa Hodges is a champion for the students and families,” Lewis said. In addition to helping the district navigate through the pandemic, Hodges has ensured that students have required immunizations and hearing and vision screenings. She also supports students with medical conditions such as diabetes or seizures.

“It means so much to me to be honored as a Jennifer Larson Healthcare Hero,” said Hodges. “She has been committed to our community and improving healthcare outcomes for many, many years. It’s such an honor.”

The Quiet Healthcare Hero — Erin Nelson, executive director, Jessica’s House

“Erin’s compassion is boundless,” said Lewis. “She stands tall as someone who redefines empathy and caring. As someone who has lived through losses, she has always taken trauma and created solutions to help ensure that this community understands there is hope, there is help, and there is Jessica’s House — a safe place for children and adults to address personal and family loss, knowing that they are being supported as they travel their journey of grief.” 

“To be honored by Legacy Health Endowment, especially in the name of Jennifer Larson, and to be among all of these other nominees means so much to me,” said Nelson. “I’m so grateful to be here tonight. LHE does so much for the community and Jeffrey’s generosity is so remarkable.”