Veteran’s Daughter Leaves Legacy of Love for Generations of Veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is known to many across our country, regardless of whether one served in the military.
What many don’t know, is that a large part of the reason VA is able to provide quality care to our Nation’s heroes is because it is an ever-evolving institution of research and learning. VA Research is unique because of its focus on health issues that affect Veterans and since 1925, VA’s research has benefitted our Veterans and Americans across the Nation.
“Research ties into Veteran wellbeing because it is the foundation of all healthcare knowledge,” said Allison E. Williams, ND, PhD, Associate Chief of Staff/Research and Development. “Research looks at the biology of a person, their genetics, their modifiable and non-modifiable behavior, and we systematically evaluate that to determine the type of care we provide to our Veterans.”
Improving health care outcomes is a key element of our mission to care for Veterans but progressing wouldn’t be possible without the support of those who are aligned with our mission of serving those who served. Our facility is fortunate to have the support of many selfless organizations and people. People like Adele S. Bernett, who chose to contribute to countless generations of Veterans when she passed in late 2021.
“Adele was beloved by her friends and family. She was known to all as fun, charismatic, genuine, and loving, with a particular enthusiasm for fitness and travel,” said Simon Canasi, family friend of Ms. Bernett. “It was her wish to leave a legacy of love upon her passing. She was a very generous person, and her generosity will live on in perpetuity through her memorial fund, which will benefit more than 75 organizations.”
The Bay Pines Foundation, Inc. (BPF), an independent non-profit corporation and partner of Bay Pines VA, received the $100,000 donation from the Adele S. Bernett Memorial Fund, in loving memory of her father, Mortimer I. Bernett, a U.S. Army Veteran who is interred at the Bay Pines National Cemetery. Thanks to her gracious gift, the Bernett Memorial Fund will be used to further the mission of the BPF, providing funding in support of their education initiatives, which in turn will allow them to continue providing the best care for our Nation’s Veterans.
“Ms. Bernett named numerous charities across the Tampa Bay area as beneficiaries of her estate, and Bay Pines Foundation is honored to have been chosen as one such organization,” said Caitlin Mahaney, CCRC, PSM, Executive Director of BPF. “No matter the amount, every bit of funding we receive goes towards education and research advancements for Veterans and we are eternally grateful to those who are willing to give back to those who have given so much to protect the freedoms we hold dear.”
Our current focuses in research include Oncology, Pulmonology, Infectious Diseases, Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Dermatology, Cardiology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Neurology (Traumatic Brain Injury). Over the last year, BPF has facilitated more than 25 clinical trials and generated more than $1.1 million in research funds. Sponsored research activities yielded direct participation of more than 200 Veteran patients, with both the prospect of direct benefit to Veteran participants and the general advancement of medical practice.
“From the very beginning, studying, evaluating and implementing new knowledge has been tied into optimizing healthcare for Veterans and their families,” Williams said. “It’s essential for us to have donors because all our work depends on money from grants, awards, or donations. Choosing to contribute to our research mission is really an investment in scientific exploration and society at large.”
Those who are interested in contributing to BPF or learning more about their mission, can contact the Bay Pines Foundation Admin office at vhabaybpfadmin@va.gov.