 |
Esther Sock Dworak, pictured far right, and the UNMC College of Nursing class of 1965. |
The class, in cooperation with the University of Nebraska Foundation, established the Esther Sock Dworak Memorial Fund as a tribute to the late Esther Sock Dworak, a pediatrics instructor and class sponsor. The fund will benefit the needs of children at the Family Health Care Center (FHCC) in south Omaha.
“This money will meet many needs,” said class member Janelle Davis of Omaha. “We think this is fitting for Esther.”
In 1962, Esther Sock Dworak became the class’s first sponsor and continued relationships with her students until she died last fall. “She was always encouraging and looked to bring out the positive in people,” Davis said. “We decided to do more than send flowers.”
According to Davis, one-fourth of her class pursued a career in pediatrics, something she attributes to Dworak. “She was extremely influential,” she said.
However, Dworak’s influence extended far beyond the classroom.
Diana Reiser, a 1965 UNMC College of Nursing graduate and director of inpatient perinatal services at Saint Luke’s Health Systems in Kansas City, Mo., said she was able to use what Dworak taught her about using internal strength to overcome difficult circumstances. Reiser battled Hong Kong Flu during pregnancy, and, consequently, her daughter was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 11 months old.
“I know that Esther’s teaching of strength, respect for children, and basic values embracing those traits helped not only me, but family and friends as well,” Reiser said.
The group to date has raised nearly $20,000 from classmate pledges, but plans to implement fund-raising projects in the future.
“Our original goal was $10,000,” said class member Dottie Shapiro. “Once a few of us set the pace by giving, others came forward.”
The FHCC is a clinical enterprise of the UNMC College of Nursing and exists to reach underserved populations in the community. The funds raised will specifically help children treated at the FHCC whose parents cannot afford to buy equipment such as crutches, nebulizers and risk-flow meters.
If you would like to contribute to the fund, contact Patty Sherman with the University of Nebraska Foundation at (402) 595-2302.