2021 “Heart for Hazel” Award Recipient – Sylvia Marquez – Hazel Hawkins Hospital Foundation

Interview with Sylvia Márquez

(Pictured – Sylvia second from right with her family in Hawaii)

When did you first become involved with Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital?

I started working as and LVN/RN on 1/20/1986.

In what capacity?

I was a per diem LVN and then a full time RN in Obstetrics Department – Labor and Delivery, Postpartum and Newborns.

What prompted you to get involved?

I wanted to work in an acute care setting in HHMH especially Labor and Delivery. This was my dream come true.

What memories do you have about your contributions to the hospital (work-wise, as a volunteer or as a donor)? Or a story you would like to share?

As a per diem LVN in OB Dept., a student (RN) attending Gavilan Community College, I applied and received a scholarship through the HHMH Auxiliary. While working full time, I also volunteered and donated to the Auxiliary and Foundation.

Tell me about your background. How many years in the community, work life, family, other interests, other accolades/awards you have received?

I am the daughter of migrant parents. We migrated to Hollister about 58 years ago from Mexico to Texas and then to California. I have five brothers and three sisters. My parents are deceased now. I always encourage my extend family to volunteer and donate.

In what ways has the HHMH changed since you were first involved?

Let me count the ways! TNTC = Too Numerous To Count! HHMH has evolved and includes multiple patient clinics, specialty clinics, multiple laboratories sites, multiple specialists, state of the art Emergency Room, new Women’s Center, Surgery Center and more Nursing Staff.

Are there achievements or accomplishments happening at the Hospital that you are proud to have been a part of creating?

I was a part of Breastfeeding Education for our Obstetrics Patients. In 1992, my friend Lisa Robinson, RN and I decided to take breastfeeding classes to better educate our postpartum patients. We both became Breastfeeding Counselors. Lisa yeas later became IBCLC at HHMH.

Is there anything you would like our event attendees to know about you, your contributions or your feelings about being part of HHMH?

I strongly believe in “The Golden Rule.” Treat others as you would like to be treated. I am a volunteer and a donor in my Community. Even retired form HHMH (on 6/2018), I still donate. My second belief is that those of us that have more will be asked to donate and contribute more, both in our Community and worldwide. My mother, Petra taught me these lessons throughout my life.