- Paul Tumlin
Choose the health content that’s right for you, and get it delivered right in your inbox.
KISSIMMEE, Fla.– An AdventHealth team member is finding a unique way to care for her community – body, mind and spirt – even though she doesn’t have a clinical role at AdventHealth Kissimmee, the hospital where she works. Marie Santos is an executive assistant at the campus. She is collecting prom dresses to donate to teens in need.
Santos is the fairy godmother to many Cinderellas in the Osceola County community through her organization Bibidi Bobbidi Prom. The idea came to her when her daughter, Jessica, began competing in pageants. Instead of tossing away the accumulated dresses, they decided to donate the gowns to local high school students who could not afford prom dresses.
“When you look good, you feel good, and [when] your self-esteem is positive that gives you the confidence to have a better outlook on life,” Santos said.
Over the last four years, Santos has donated hundreds of dresses to students in Osceola County. She says it helps teens realize that no matter their circumstances, they are worthy of feeling beautiful.
In addition to the dresses, Santos’ group provides jewelry, shoes and makeup to the students.
Recent News
Three new degrees will help meet community’s evolving workforce needs
In response to the community’s evolving healthcare needs, AdventHealth University introduces three new degree programs designed to prepare students to serve where they are needed most.
Expanding care close to home: What’s ahead for Flagler County hospitals
More than 70 business leaders, clinicians, elected officials and nonprofit partners gathered Thursday for Flagler County’s annual State of the Hospitals address.
From silence to support: How one man’s mental health journey is helping others find healing
Johnny Crowder’s story inspires a text-based mental health solution now reaching the Tampa Bay community, supported by AdventHealth.
Married AdventHealth nurses earn bachelor’s degrees together while caring for patients
Through a partnership with Lake-Sumter State College, the couple advanced their training without stepping away from the bedside.
What 26.2 miles taught one longtime nurse about caring for patients
AdventHealth Daytona Beach nurse Julius Dayandante says marathon running and nursing require many of the same qualities: patience, discipline and endurance.
Worried about his dog, a DeLand patient finds unexpected help from hospital nurses
Even as Ted DeGuzman struggled to breathe, his mind kept coming back to one thing: Luna.
AdventHealth brings steadier care to patients by reducing nurse turnover
Nursing turnover across the East Florida Division dropped from 16.4% to 12.3% in 2025 as hospitals strengthened support and expanded opportunities for nurses.
At the bedside, an ICU nurse carries lessons from home
While caring for her father through serious illness, ICU nurse Kaleigh Hulsman learned lessons in compassion she now brings to patients.
Palm Coast nurse earns national emergency certification to strengthen patient care
Support from local foundation helps AdventHealth nurse advance skills for high-pressure moments.
Mother, daughter pursue nursing careers through education partnership
Family story highlights how AdventHealth’s dynamic learning community helps shape the next generation of nurses.
Nurses surprise cancer patient with vow renewal ceremony honoring 43rd wedding anniversary
Care team at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach helps couple continue decades-long vow renewal tradition.
A nurse’s calling: Charity Carlisle on growing the next generation
With nearly 25 years at AdventHealth, Charity Carlisle reflects on compassionate, whole-person care and the joy of growing the next generation of nurses.