When Linda and Donald Martin donate through the Centra Foundation each month, they support pediatric care for local children. Donald also makes a special note in honor of their daughter, Tina Roark, RN, a Caregiver in the NICU at Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital who is beloved by many local families.
“Keep up the great work with those newborns.”
“Love your dedication.”
“Keep on going!”
“GREAT JOB!! LOVE YOU MORE!”
When Linda and Donald Martin make a gift online each month to support pediatric care at Centra, Donald includes a small note of encouragement for his daughter, Tina Roark, RN, a Caregiver in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It’s a tradition he started many years ago.
“What she does is amazing,” Donald said. “She’s very compassionate and dedicated to her work. If we’re out in the community and she sees a family she cared for, she talks with them and has a great rapport. She’s making a real difference for local families.”
Linda agrees. “We are so proud of her. She really cares about the babies.”
A local need
Making a difference and giving back is something the Martins believe in and taught their two children, both of whom were born at Virginia Baptist, to believe in, too. “It’s good for you, it’s good for the community,” Donald said. “We want to share what God has blessed us with to help others, especially kids.”
A conversation with Tina made them realize they could impact the health of local children.
“I was giving to other organizations like St. Jude’s, and they’re good organizations, but I didn’t realize or think about the fact that we could also help kids here until Tina told us about the impact donations make on the children she helps,” he said. “She was like ‘Dad, we can do so much more with the support of the community. I see the impact every day.’ I’m glad to know I can be part of her work.”
Over the years, the community has helped to provide “NEO ONE, the neonatal ambulance, state-of-the-art equipment, the facilities … so much,” Tina said. “Healthcare is always changing. Support from the community helps us not only keep pace but provide really quality care for children. The generosity of others has been instrumental.”
A multi-generational family of givers, she also gives through the Centra Foundation and is an Ambassador for the Centra Family Campaign. “I tell people they really can make a difference. It’s going to a good cause.”
A passion for local healthcare
“A jack of all trades” who has “done a little of everything,” Donald spent part of his career with the rescue squad, as did Linda. Their son, Tina’s brother, is with Centra ground transport and a fire and EMS captain in Campbell County.
Tina decided to be a nurse when she was hospitalized in the Pediatric Unit at Centra as a teenager. “The nurses were amazing,” she said. “I began to imagine a future caring for those who were hurting.”
Now, after almost 30 years with Centra caring for the tiniest patients, there are few places she goes where she doesn’t meet someone affected by the work of her unit.
“Helping parents navigate our world from scary start to triumphant journey home is beyond rewarding. Many families keep in touch, and we often celebrate milestones years down the road right alongside them. Not many jobs give you that kind of joy!”
“We’re a medical family,” Donald said. “So we appreciate and understand Tina’s work on multiple levels. Healthcare is so important. And when the kids she helps grow up, they make their own contributions to the community.”
Messages of support
The proud father is glad to know his notes of encouragement are a bright spot, too. “I want her to know I’m proud of her and support what she does,” he said.
Centra Foundation Development Program Manager Heather Cassada looks forward to seeing his notes come through each month.
“It makes our day at the Foundation,” she said. “It is so heartwarming. It just goes to show that we really are a community organization.”
