Your Gift + Their Grit

January 5, 2024

Give to nursing students who never give up on their dreams—or their patients. 

After Dercas Caneus lost her father in 2021, she inherited his role as the head of her household. Continuing her nursing education seemed like it might be impossible, but she also inherited her father’s tenacity and grit.  


She persevered, and with the support of The Helen K. Persson Nursing Education Fund at Palm Health Foundation, she is becoming the caring, compassionate health professional she always aspired to be—and the kind of nurse we would all want in our time of need. 


Giving to nursing scholarships at Palm Health Foundation—or starting your own named fund—is a gift to a student like Dercas and a gift to strengthen the culture of health in Palm Beach County, a calling that benefits us all. 


Give now through January 31, 2024, and Palm Health Foundation will match your contribution dollar-for-dollar, doubling your impact!
Give Now

Dercas’ Story


“Palm Health Foundation’s scholarship is helping me become the first in my family to obtain a college degree and live out my dream of leaving a meaningful legacy that benefits the world.


As a child of Haitian immigrant parents, I saw the value of nursing and how it can impact the community and break down cultural barriers within healthcare. 


From the beginning of my nursing career as an orthopedic nurse assistant, I also saw how compassion and companionship can start the healing process. As I helped a knee replacement patient through her pain and discomfort, I saw her regain confidence and independence. Upon discharge, as I said goodbye, she grabbed my hand while tears formed at the corners of her eyes and thanked me.Her gratitude made a profound impact on me, capturing my heart for healthcare and nursing. 


I want to be the kind of nurse who can sit at eye-level with her patients, share those tender moments, and provide them the solace they seek, with non-judgment.

As I gained experience in my career, I learned that it was a privilege to be involved in patient care. Being with family during their loved one's final moments was an honor. It was a treasure to share the joys and smiles of a patient's recovery. I learned that sporadic hugs, melodic hums, and notes of encouragement to colleagues during a stressful day are like sustenance to the soul. 


Through it all, I valued the art of connecting with people, something that will be so important when I become a critical care nurse after I complete my education. When saving a patient's life, nursing combines intuition, constant communication, and anticipatory actions—for the patient and for the family that awaits their loved one’s return. And I will return my scholarship donor’s gift through every patient I am honored to serve throughout my career.” 


-Dercas, Palm Health Foundation nursing scholarship recipient
Give Now

Support more nursing students like Dercas. 

100% of your donation will support local students, and Palm Health Foundation will match your gift, dollar-for-dollar.



“Many of our health professions scholars have been primary caregivers to family members during their youth or saw firsthand how conditions in their communities contributed to poor health outcomes. They have lived through the challenges and are determined to be the solution. Our donors play a significant role in developing culturally competent health professionals to deliver community-based care.” 


-Patrick McNamara, Palm Health Foundation President and CEO
Give Now

Train the Brain: Brain Health, At The Kitchen Sink

October 27, 2026
Three artists, a room full of caregivers, and a sway that follows them home.

Train the Brain: How One Community Connector Heals Bodies and Minds

October 19, 2026
As OJ says, “Sometimes, just showing up with patience and kindness can make all the difference.”

Train the Brain: Filling the Prescription

October 19, 2026
Community Greening has planted more than 30,000 trees in South Florida. Some of the volunteers were sent by their therapists.

Train the Brain: On a High Note for Brain Health

October 19, 2026
Grace Notes Music Foundation is proving that music isn't just an art form—it’s brain science.

Palm Health Foundation Celebrates 56 Health Professions Scholars

October 13, 2026
Reception unites nursing, mental health, and behavioral health students with the donors and fundholders investing in their education 

Palm Health Foundation Welcomes New Leadership

September 26, 2026
Dr. Roger L. Duncan III and Elisa Cramer join board of trustees; Dr. Paul Rashid appointed to Community Investment Committee

How a Palm Health Foundation Scholar is Turning Experience into Advocacy

September 25, 2026
The Mike McNamara Scholarship Fund at Palm Health Foundation became her lifeline.

Palm Health Foundation Marks 10 Years of Train the Brain with Launch of Brain Health Network

September 24, 2026
"Connected Along the Brain Coast" campaign brings brain science out of the lab and into Palm Beach County communities this October

Palm Health Foundation Secures Grant to Bridge Gap Between Brain Science and Community Wellbeing

August 26, 2026
New initiative activates South Florida's Brain Coast to help close 17-year gap between scientific discovery and impact. 

Building Healthier Neighborhoods Through Connection and Trust

May 28, 2026
Aspen Institute spotlighted BeWellPBC , a Palm Beach County behavioral health movement supported by Palm Health Foundation, and their Community Connectors , a group of advocates that help improve the health and wellbeing of their neighborhoods by serving as a bridge between residents and private and public health services.  These Community Connectors are deeply trusted and have helped their communities navigate complex health challenges – like when one neighbor didn’t know what to do when her husband was admitted to a nursing home as his dementia worsened.