United States Senator Ashley Moody honors HCA Florida Brandon Hospital nurse leader with Florida's Finest Award
Brandon, Fla. — What ,began as a life or death moment in a community garden has become a powerful story of survival, teamwork and recognition at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital. This week, Florida Senator Ashley Moody honored Sharon Gibbs, director of critical care at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, with the Florida’s Finest Award for her heroic actions that helped save the life of Jeff Pollier.
Jeff and his wife, Robin Pollier, were present for the surprise presentation, making the moment even more meaningful.
Just months earlier, Jeff collapsed from a heart attack while gardening with Robin at their plot in the community garden in Sun City Center. By chance, Gibbs was nearby and immediately sprang into action. She began CPR while others retrieved an automated external defibrillator, or AED, delivering the critical care needed to restore his heartbeat.
Emergency responders transported Jeff to HCA Florida South Shore Hospital, where physicians identified severe blockages in three major coronary arteries. He was then transferred to HCA Florida Brandon Hospital for advanced cardiac care, where a multidisciplinary team performed a life-saving quadruple bypass surgery.
During the award presentation, Senator Moody recognized Gibbs not only for her quick thinking and clinical expertise, but for embodying the compassion and readiness that define healthcare professionals across Florida. Her actions serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of CPR training, access to AEDs and the impact of being prepared to act in an emergency.
Stories like Jeff’s highlight the critical role of teamwork across HCA Florida Healthcare facilities. From the immediate response in the community to advanced cardiac care in the hospital, every step played a part in giving Jeff a second chance at life.
Now reunited and thriving, Jeff and Robin stood alongside Gibbs during the ceremony, a full circle moment that underscored the lifesaving difference one person and one team can make. For Jeff, that difference means more time with his wife, his family and the life they have built together. Jeff describes his recovery in simple terms: “I’m living on bonus time now.”
For the team at Brandon Hospital and South Shore Hospital, it is a reminder of the shared mission, to care for and improve human life.