Darius Rucker to honor mother with nursing scholarship at MUSC Children's Hospital
“They use a lot of devices in these units, a lot of technology now to help make our patients better,” LeBar said. “And all of that requires our nurses to get advanced training, advanced certifications.” The scholarship recipients would also be required to work at least two years at the children’s hospital. For Rucker and his family, it is a chance to honor those following in Carolyn’s footsteps. “I'd like to thank each recipient of this scholarship for dedicating their professional lives to a profession that we cannot live without,” he said. “Just like music can get you through dark times, so can one person caring for you in a time of crisis. Thank you for carrying on Carolyn's legacy by investing in our community.” If the scholarship helps them do that, even better, Rucker said. “My family and I would love nothing more than for a future nurse to tell us their load was lightened by being awarded this scholarship,” he said. “Paying it forward is how we leave this place better than we found it, and everyone at Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital shows up daily to make patients and families feel lighter.” The scholarship keeps those nurses moving forward, LeBar said. “It's helping the next generation of nurses,” she said. “I think it also allows the profession of nursing to continue to advance and shine, and the voice of nursing to be heard, which is really exciting.” That it comes from Rucker is extra special, LeBar said. “We're so grateful to be the recipient of a scholarship like this that really honors Darius’ mom, who was a nurse here at MUSC,” she said. “We are lucky to be the beneficiaries of that and also to have such a great partner who shares our mission that's focused on community and really supporting the community we serve.” Kalyn Oyer contributed to this report.