Onetime Gurwin volunteers, now Olympic hopefuls, set their eyes on gold

All eyes are trained on Paris and the athletes competing in the Olympic Games, and two young women from Long Island have their moms to thank for getting them there.

Halle Hazzard of Commack and Brianna Jones of North Babylon are each first-time Olympians. Hazzard is representing Grenada and competing in the 100-meter dash, and Jones is representing Puerto Rico in Women’s Basketball. Watching their children live out their dreams are Pauline Hazzard and Christina Jones, mothers of Hale and Brianna, both long-time employees of Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Commack.

Halle began running at 14 years old and went on to compete in meets across Long Island and New York State while attending high school at St. Anthony’s. She attended the University of Virginia and received her master’s degree at the University of Southern California in journalism, documentary and film.

Pauline, a Certified Nursing Assistant and Program Assistant in Gurwin’s Social Adult Day Care Program, was happy to sacrifice to ensure Halle achieved her dreams.  “Our weekend road trips started in high school to various meets across NY State and beyond,” she said. “It continued through college with track meets worldwide. As parents, we are very proud of keeping her grounded and helping her pursue her goals; we are even more proud of her staying humble while chasing her Olympic dream.”

Brianna began playing basketball in the second grade and attended North Babylon High School. She then went on to graduate from Georgetown with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s in sports industry management.

“It is a moment of immense pride and joy for our family to see Brianna playing for the Puerto Rican Women’s National Basketball team in the Olympics. The years of training, early morning workouts, long road trips to tournaments and sacrifices she has made have culminated in this remarkable achievement,” said Christina, RN, Director of Nursing at Gurwin’s nursing and rehabilitation center.  “As a parent, there is no greater feeling than seeing your child realize her dreams. She is a source of inspiration for others and to young Puerto Rican women. Her journey serves as a reminder that with passion, dedication and determination, anything is possible.”

In addition to having mothers as full-time employees at Gurwin, Halle and Brianna each volunteered at Gurwin while juggling their busy athletic schedules. Halle began volunteering at Gurwin in the sixth grade and would frequently visit Gurwin throughout college. Brianna volunteered  in Gurwin’s therapeutic recreation department throughout high school, helping with programs for the elderly residents in the nursing home.

“Here at Gurwin, we celebrate the incredible achievements of our team members and their families. We are exceptionally proud of Halle and Brianna as they chase their Olympic dreams,” said Stuart B. Almer, President and CEO, Gurwin Healthcare System. “Their dedication, hard work and excellence inspire us all. We are certainly watching and cheering Halle and Brianna on!”