Just think… if the only people that got the [COVID-19 vaccination] were the only ones who could afford it. TCCH was offering it to everyone. – Judy Spahn

Kindness is a key component in Judy and Bruce Wolck’s life. Both spent their careers educating children and when retirement called, they chose the Abaco Islands in the northern Bahamas. The couple and 20 of their close friends enjoyed six months out of the year in this island paradise. When Bruce experienced chest pains in his home away from home, he called his niece and nephew, Dennis and Donna King, who lived in Vero Beach for help. Bruce received, “a couple of stents,” and recovered with the Kings. Then, life continued as normal, living in upper Michigan for part of the year, and the Bahamas for the second half.

In 2019, Dorian devastated the Bahamas along with Bruce and Judy’s piece of paradise. “Life is not fair,” Judy said. This category 5 storm lasted from August 24 through September 10. Luckily, Bruce and Judy were at home in Michigan so they remained safe. Unfortunately, winter was approaching upper Michigan. Bruce and Judy had to leave their northern home, which is not winterized and sits on a private road without snow removal service; their second home was destroyed. The King’s again came to their aid, and helped them secure housing in Vista Gardens. Bruce and Judy kindly shared their new tropical location with other Bahamian friends who lost homes. Ultimately, 20 friends joined them in Vista Royal. Life started anew. They supported local arts, they bird watched in the stick marsh and celebrated birthdays with their friends. “The huge [benefit] is having our friends here in Vero. Except during COVID,” Judy said.

Wanting to protect themselves and others, the couple started searching for a COVID-19 vaccine. Judy recruited friends from Michigan, Texas, Massachusetts and Florida to help secure a vaccine through multiple web sites within Indian River County. “We were worried about whether or not we could get the shots. It took a long time. We tried this agency, that agency, finally, we called TCCH,” Bruce said. The couple heard about TCCH through word of mouth from their neighborhood.

“I called at 9 and they gave us a 10:30 appointment. The same day. I was in heaven,” Judy said. Judy and Bruce then graciously provided TCCH information to their friends. “Just about every one of our Bahamian people was able to link up with TCCH and get their shots. Isn’t that remarkable,” Bruce added.

Judy and Bruce were extremely cautious in who they visited and took appropriate precautions during the pandemic. Now, fully vaccinated, they are still careful but “We feel a great sense of relief. To the extend we attended a string concert,” Bruce said. They also plan to visit family in the near future.

And, because life is not always fair, Bruce and Judy decided to extend the kindness they have received throughout their lives and give back. They donated to the TCCH Foundation to provide healthcare for all during a pandemic when not everyone is able to receive basic health care.

Ways you can help.

• Visit https://www.tcchinc.org/
• Mail a check payable to: TCCH Foundation, 1555 Indian River Blvd., Suite B-210, Vero Beach, FL 32960
• Text GIVE in the subject line to 772-238-3658.