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Transplant employee remembered for caring attitude
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Donna
Michelle Jenkins, an MUSC Transplant Center employee, passed away June
3 at the age of 42.
 Donna Jenkins
Jenkins, also known by her childhood name, Mickey, was born on April
22, 1968. Jenkins began her work at MUSC in the Transplant Scheduling
office in February 2008.
Jenkins was a founding member and co-chairperson of the Family Advisory
Council for the Children’s Hospital. She was also active in supporting
the S.C. Firefighters’ Burned Children’s Fund. Having a son who
was severely burned, Jenkins also was able to compassionately provide
support for burn victims and their families for many years.
Jenkins served on several hospital committees including the committee
for the design of the new Children’s Hospital emergency room.
She is survived by her husband, Duane “Gerald” Jenkins; children,
Meganne and Duane Jenkins, II; her father, Harris Johnson; and other
extended family members. Her mother, Alene Johnson; sister, Linda Jones
and father-in -law, Joseph Simmons Jr. preceded her in death.
In memory of Jenkins, monetary contributions may be made to the MUSC
Children’s Hospital.
“Donna’s passion
for bringing patient- and family-centered care to MUSC was contagious,
and her energy was boundless. She had a sweet smile and infectious
laugh, but she was also strong in her convictions. She was one tough
cookie. In a meeting just a few weeks ago, Donna got us ‘fired up’
about ideas for improving the experiences of patients and families who
come here. We miss her desperately—but will honor her legacy by
continuing her work, and we will keep her children, husband and family
in our thoughts and prayers.”
—Maggie Thompson,
Medical Director’s Office
“Donna was full of
joy and always had a positive attitude. She always put others ahead of
herself. She was a woman of integrity. She had an infectious smile and
always saw things out of a ‘positive eye.’ She always said, ‘Things are
really not as bad as they look.’ Her dedication to the Transplant
Center and the scheduling team will truly be missed.”
—Noreen Williams,
Transplant Scheduling Department
“Donna was a
wonderful member of our Family Advisory Council. She cared so
much about how care was provided to the children and their families.
What she has taught me and our staff will be evident every day in the
care we provide. To say that Donna will be missed is an incredible
understatement. She was a beautiful person.”
—John Michael
Sanders, Hospital Administration
“She was positive
and loved by all who came into her presence. When you think of Donna,
you immediately smile because of the smile she carried daily. Donna was
a loving mother always concerned with what was best for her children
and her family. She was my friend, and we had many intimate and deep
conversations and continued daily to embrace each other and our
friendship.
—Contrenia Haynes,
Volunteer & Guest Services
“Donna was a warm,
giving and cheerful employee. Her dedication to and role on the
Parent Advisory Council, and her love and care with all she did for her
children was inspiring. A true Angel. A hearty laugh and wonderful
smile was what she gave and what I will remember most about her.”
—Angela Maria
Karim, Transplant Services
“Donna was more
than just a co-worker; she was like family to me. She was one of the
most generous people I’ve ever met, and she taught me the importance of
giving to those around you. I will carry this principle with me for the
rest of my life.”
—Shekinah Simmons,
Transplant Center
“The most
memorable thing about Donna was her infectious laugh. If she was in a
bad mood or didn’t feel well, you didn’t know it.”
—Deborah Carol
Jenkins, Transplant Center
“Donna has long
been a friend of the Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Burn Service and
the Burned Children’s Fund. Through actions and words, Donna set the
example for partnership between parents, families, and the health care
team. Donna will be missed by all of us who knew her as a tireless
advocate for children’s healthcare, as a supporter of partnerships
throughout the community, and as a dear friend.”
—Jill Evans, R.N.,
Children’s Hospital
“Donna was an
admirable and virtuous woman. She will be missed.”
—Tamesha Greene
Simmons, CPC
“Donna was a
sensitive leader who was open to all views. She lit up a room and her
caring nature and vitality inspired others. She will be sorely missed.”
—Sandra Oberman,
M.Ed., Children’s Hospital
“She made the best
gift baskets ever! They were filled with gifts appropriate for the
occasion (baby shower, wedding, etc)... She was a very thoughtful
person!”
—Laura G. Leonard,
R.N., Transplant Center
Friday, June 18, 2010
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