Since 2007, I have been involved immensely in a joint effort with Resurrection Health Care to bring the Belmont/Harlem Surgery Center to the forefront of excellence, serving as Chairman of the Board and performing my first surgery at the center on February 21, 2008.

On Friday, June 5, 2009, a blessing and open house for all surgeons and their staff was held along with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Alderman William Banks, newly appointed CEO of Resurrection Health Care, Sandra Bruce, myself, and Sister Clara Francis gathered at the center in celebration of the newly renovated facility.

The mission theme of the Belmont/Harlem Surgery Center was also revealed to all who attended including: Belmont/Harlem's staff, various Chicago northwest side community leaders, as well as the surgeons themselves who helped make the center a symbol of care and excellence.

At the commencement of the blessing, I made closing comments that I hope were quite inspiring to all who took place in the joyous experience. I compared the surgery center to a beacon of light that transcends and heals all who walk through its doors. I encouraged others to spread the word of this incredible addition to the community and promised to live up to the standards that have been set and to surpass the expectations of all who chose the Belmont/Harlem Surgery Center for their procedure.