PORT ST. LUCIE \u2013 Nearly 30 kids from Operation 300 suited up in scrubs and got a close-up view of surgical robotics at a recent event hosted by HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital.<\/p>\n
Operation 300 children are those that have lost a parent to a military related death.<\/p>\n
The children were also able to speak with hospital leaders and surgeons and have fun with robotics, simulating surgical procedures such as orthopedics, gynecology, and using robotic assisted devices.<\/p>\n
Stephanie Quesinberry, Director of Surgical Services at the hospital was at the event and talked about how much the event meant to her personally.<\/p>\n
\u201cI started my career in the military as a scrub tech and then transitioned to an RN,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s not only special to me because it\u2019s in the OR (operating room) and I get to show off what I do, but it\u2019s super special cause I was in the navy, and my daughter is actually in boot camp now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam Baldwin, Director of Marketing and Mentorship for Operation 300, was on hand for the event.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m excited to be here with the kids learning about robotics and being exposed to something a little bit different,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s what we\u2019re all about \u2014 bringing children from across the country who have all lost a father or mother in military action, training, or to service-related PTSD suicide. This is a place where they don\u2019t feel like the odd one out. Everyone here shares a similar story and gets the chance to try activities they might have done with their parents.\u201d<\/p>\n
Baldwin explained that the attendees traveled from all over the nation. While the group explored the robotics program, their mothers were attending a retreat in West Palm Beach. Each child was paired with a mentor provided by Operation 300, and all travel and activities were covered through the organization and local fundraising.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also host military youth camps and programs for children of fallen law enforcement officers,\u201d Baldwin added. \u201cWe even hold camps for fathers who have lost sons or daughters in the military. We run six military camps a year, usually with 40\u201360 participants at each one. We couldn\u2019t do any of it without our amazing community and supporters like this hospital. We\u2019re humbled and honored that people care so deeply about our Gold Star and White Star families.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the Operation 300 website, the organization was founded in honor of SOC (SEAL) Aaron Vaughn, who was killed on Aug. 6, 2011. It provides year-round support for Gold and White Star families and has hosted 66 camps over the last 12 years, each averaging 30\u201350 military-connected participants.<\/p>\n