The Helen B. Skelos Nursing Education Fund

The Story

Helen worked at NYU Winthrop University Hospital for over fifteen years. Her last job was in the legal department as a risk manager. On September 13, 2019, while at work going from building to building, Helen was struck as a pedestrian crossing the street. My wife sustained severe brain trauma as well as other bodily injuries. After a six week battle, operations, and procedures, Helen left us to go to heaven.

Helen

There is a Greek word that I came across recently. The word Filotimo does not exist in any other language. Filotimo involves personal pride, dignity, courage, duty, sacrifice, and logical thinking. It is courtesy among others, one self, and your duty to show and demand it. Helen liked to make everything and everyone around her special. It was her natural way, she didn’t even have to think about it. When you spoke to Helen, she listened, she cared what you said. Helen always showed people respect. My wife worked hard, always doing her best at work. All who came into contact with her would say Helen always cared. At home with family and friends, we all were touched by her natural way.

NYU Winthrop/SICU

From the first moment of Helen's care, until the very last moment, Helen was in good hands. The entire staff at NYU Winthrop are extraordinary people. The special care that Helen received was incredible. Dr. Joseph, Dr. Hannah, Dr. Baldasar, Dr. Rubin, Dr. Grant the gifted surgeon, as well as so many other doctors. All the PA’s, technicians, Shun the pharmacist, Lyndsey the dietician, physical therapists deserve so much credit and recognition. All were such caring special people. They were always willing to explain everything, always taking the time. They all saved her life, gave her a chance for a miracle. When Helen was transferred to Good Shepherd Hospice at Mercy Medical Center, the special care continued. The staff at Good Shepard were so compassionate to Helen, myself and family.

SICU nurses

Spending six weeks in a SICU unit can change the way you see things in life. I’m an observant person. And what I saw were young men and women who truly have a passion for what they do. I will never forget Helens first two nurses. Kristen, and Suzette. They worked so hard keeping my wife alive, the pressure on them was palpable. All the nurses following days and nights, weeks showed such care and compassion. Curran, Danielle, Jessica, Anthony, Russell, little Faye, Faye, took care of my wife but also took care of my family. Nurse manager Nicole is a very special person. It was our conversations that gave me the idea of this nursing fund.

The Helen B. Skelos Nursing Education Fund

Education in this country is so important, whatever industry or career. Observing the layers of staffing in a hospital really impressed me. Coordinating all these layers, medically, technically, communicating must be very complicated. For nurses to continually educate themselves is one of the aspects that makes our health care industry so special. Raising two sons, both getting their degree, and further, I’m fully aware of the burden of tuition and the cost of education. I would like to help relieve part of that burden. That is my goal, to offer a scholarship to a nurse in critical care who wants to further his or her education.

Goal

The second week of May is National Nurses Appreciation week. At this time the Helen B. Skelos Nursing Education Fund will present the scholarship to critical care nurse seeking further education. Through donations and fundraisers, we hope to make this fund sustainable for years to come. Helen would be so humbled by this Nursing fund, but she would also be so excited to help young nurses.

COVID-19

2020 has been a very difficult year. Many families lost loved ones due to this virus. Many people put their own lives and the lives of family at risk, none more than health care workers around the world. Nurses are at the front lines of this pandemic. They deserve the respect and recognition of all of us. Helen would not have done well in these socially distant times. Helen always wanted to touch, hug, hold, and kiss the people she cared about.

Family

Nothing was more important to Helen than family. Billy and George were raised by a very traditional Greek mother, who taught them the importance of love of family, love of god and church, and to respect others. Helen was very close to her mother, extremely proud of her brother. Valerie was Helen's little sister, and there was nothing the two of them wouldn’t do for one another. She adored her little sister. My siblings loved Helen so much, and she loved them equally. To Helen it was very important to have a close relationship with all her nieces and nephews. We were all so devastated by this tragic accident, I don’t know where I’d be without the love and support of our families.

 I don’t want my wife’s tragedy to go in vain. Helen always helped people, she was a giver. Please consider a yearly commitment to this fund.

Update - Looking to 2021 for The Helen B. Skelos Nursing Education Fund!

Approximate total funds raised $30,000.      

This past year has been difficult for all of us. So many people have suffered loss of family members, friends, and colleagues. On top of that loss of employment, loss of family businesses have added to the hardship in our communities.

I feel fortunate to have a strong supporting family and many good friends.

If Helen were alive during this pandemic, she would have had a mission. My wife would have taken up the responsibility of checking on so many of her family members, friends, coworkers to make sure everyone was ok. If anyone needed to talk or just have the comfort of companionship, Helen would be there for them. A funny story with a good laugh would have been her way to cheer everyone up.

Her legacy is the overwhelming response and generosity of so many to the nursing scholarship fund in Helen's name. It’s so humbling to know that many people are willing to contribute to this good cause. Even during this difficult year, the good in people has shown through in their support of The Helen B. Skelos Nursing Education Fund.

Nurses are the backbone of our nation's healthcare system. The strength of their devotion to the well-being of our communities was never more evident than during their response to the pandemic. The Helen B. Skelos Nursing Education Fund awarded the first scholarship this past fall. Our first scholarship recipient is pursuing her education and certification in critical care nursing. Our plan is to award several scholarships each year to nurses who are advancing their education in critical care nursing. In addition to these awards, we have decided to give an award to a current trauma nurse who exemplifies the mission of the fund in Helen's name.

Please consider making a yearly commitment to the fund, so that we may assist in educating our nurses.

You may go online, or mail a check to the development office or to me and I will forward it to hospital.

We are planning our first dinner fundraiser for the fall.

As well as raising money for the fund, Helen's good life will be celebrated. Helen would be so touched.

Thank you so much for all your support.

 Stay safe and healthy.

Nicholas B.Skelos                                     

The Helen B. Skelos Nursing Education Fund                          

NYU Langone Health.             

Office of Development & Alumni Affairs

200 Old Country Rd., suite 570

Mineola, NY 11501-4292

IMO Helen B Skelos