From my very first interaction with this team, I called them my “Outreach Angels”—and I’d like to share why they truly deserve that name. As the Community Outreach Clinical Coordinator for NYP, I received my first email from Maria del Mar Rodriguez, MSHI CNS BSN CNOR CPAN, Clinical Nurse Specialist for the PeriOp department, in November 2024. She expressed interest in volunteer opportunities for her team.

Around the same time, we received a request from NYP’s Turn 2 Us Program, which works in public schools, asking for support in collecting toys for students at PS 28 in Washington Heights for the holidays. The request almost went unanswered, but at the literal last hour, Maria emailed saying her team was on it. Within the hour, they had created a flyer and mobilized their department. In just one week, they collected and delivered 60 toys. After learning that the school’s dream was to provide every student with a toy, the team asked for more time—and in the following week, they collected an additional 400 toys, ensuring that every child received a gift.

Their compassion turned a near-miss into a holiday miracle! Many teams support one amazing event—but not this team. That was just the beginning for the Outreach Angels:
• 2.8.25: Volunteered at NYC’s annual Don’t Walk By event, a collaboration between the Salvation Army and Bowery Mission to support unhoused individuals with medical attention, food, and housing. The Medical Bay was led by NYP, and the PeriOp team’s presence was key to the event’s success.
• 3.25.25: The team cooked and served a gourmet menu for 30 residents of the Women’s Bowery Mission Shelter. The shelter supervisor shared: “The women gave the meal rave reviews! They were so grateful for the way you all went above and beyond.”
• 4.25.2025: Joined NYP staff to provide blood pressure screenings and health counseling for 24 families at the Lenox Hill Neighborhood Houses Health Fair.
• 4.30.25: Attended the Church of the Epiphany Screening event, offering 40 blood pressure and vision screenings, 62 pairs of reading glasses, health counseling, and dinner.
• 5.30.25: Participated in NYP’s Domestic Workers Event in St. Catherine’s Park. They provided 81 health screenings, educated 8 adults in CPR, engaged children in face painting, promoted hydration education, and distributed books with the NYPL.
• 7.26.25: Returned to the Bowery Mission’s Women’s Shelter to host a summer BBQ. They fundraised through a bake sale, created a menu, decorated, grilled, and even set up a virgin margarita station. Residents applauded their efforts, and the team has already committed to returning twice for the holidays.
• 9.25: Raised $750 to buy and deliver school supplies for PS 243 in Brooklyn. They are already planning another holiday toy drive.

What sets this team apart is not just their passion—but their consistency. Since their first outreach, they have remained deeply engaged, continuously seeking ways to uplift communities across NYC. Their actions embody every NYP value.

Their impact is echoed by our partners: “The compassion and dedication shown by the Cornell PACU team have made a meaningful impact on the communities we serve. Their partnership has strengthened our mission and deepened our commitment to supporting school communities. We are truly grateful for their unwavering support.” — Cindy Cajamarca, Turn 2 Us Program Coordinator

The PeriOp team has gone far beyond their clinical roles to become a beacon of hope, healing, and humanity. Their tireless dedication to service makes them not only deserving, but ideal recipients of the DAISY Team Award.