I was born in Phoenix, AZ but got here as quickly as I could at age 26. I met and married my husband Eddie Rhodes, who is a native Odessan. We have 3 children and 4 grandchildren. I have been corporate vice president of our 45 year old HVAC Wholesale business for over 30 years and owned other businesses but hold no conflict in the area of MCH. I do not look to prosper from my affiliation on this board. My desire is to see fiscal conservatism of our taxes.
I have served on numerous civic boards, booster clubs and appointed positions as president or chair throughout my adult life here in Odessa. I have dedicated time to develop a good business and civic base as a citizen of Odessa for my 40 year residency.
Our family has attended West Side Christian Church for 39 years and has served in many capacities. Currently I assist in Praise and Worship and teach children’s church.
As a motivational speaker, I present for Dr Kris Howard (dermatologist) on skin cancer and for the ACS on skin and breast cancer. As a cancer survivor in those areas, the doctors saw fit to prepare and educate me to educate others. I have taught and trained others on skin cancer for 32 years and on Breast Cancer for 20 years in our community and representing our community throughout our country. I have literally served from coast to coast. I have tended to facilities in NYC and Ryker’s Island in NYC and also on the West Coast. I have served Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and Texas Lions as an informational speaker for Orthopedic pediatric special needs children. My tenure in Orthopedic issues stems from our daughter being diagnosed, at age 5, with Psued-Arthrosis of the Tib/Fib. Because of this diagnosis and a multitude of surgeries and treatments of our daughter I became active in advocating for the interest of the special needs community.
I have been a Lion for over 20 years and as past past president for the Odessa Downtown Lions club, I have served in every capacity of the club. In doing so, I assisted in the creation of the Downs Syndrome Camp and actively support the Texas Lions Camp. I have gained access to Texas Lions Camp for an endless number of Ped diabetic kids, Downs Syndrome kids and Ped Ortho kids. The special needs community is near and dear to my heart.
Our eldest son is preparing to take over management of our business as we look to retirement. Therefore, I would not be a part-time board member.
I come from a very strong medical background not only by our survivorship but also familiarly. Doctors and nurses are highly prevalent in our clan. In my immediate family, there are 3 doctors and 2 nurses and in the extended nieces and nephews there are 5 pairs of doctors and a few added individual doctors and nurses. Therefore, I have not only a desire for patient advocacy from the history of survivorship but also an interest in the well-being and welfare of the hospital personnel and retirees.
I hope this helps with your knowledge of my background and I would like to ask for your vote for Medical Center Hospital District 7 on May 1. If you have any questions you are welcome to call me – 432-528-2688.