At the TRIMEDX Foundation, we believe in using our skills to serve others. Jeff Ruiz, a TRIMEDX Senior Site Manager at Sparrow Health System and foundation volunteer, embodies this spirit of service.
After learning about the TRIMEDX Foundation last year through CONXION, Jeff recognized that he drove by foundation partner, CURE International’s medical equipment warehouse, every day on his commute to work.
Since making the connection, Jeff volunteered to provide expert assistance assessing and repairing the medical equipment CURE International receives through surplus recovery programs and donations to ensure it is ready for international shipment to hospitals around the world.
“As a site manager, it’s great to work at the equipment level. Every service day, I feel like I’m re-learning those skills I’ve been fortunate enough to develop in this industry over the years, and it feels good to work with my hands again.
I’ve been fortunate enough to develop skills in this industry over the years, and I think it’s important to give back.”
Jeff’s spirit of service has inspired others to volunteer. “It’s a great learning experience for my team members. I think it’s important to give back with our talents, and it shines a light on the impact we have as technicians in the United States on those less fortunate around the world. I enjoy introducing my team to the wonderful opportunities there are to serve others with their skills. Some have even hinted at going on an international mission trip with the foundation. That’s so exciting to me.”
Jeff and his team will return to the CURE International warehouse later this year for another volunteer service day.
In addition to sharing the gift of time, Jeff also donates a gift of treasure through recurring payroll deductions to the TRIMEDX Foundation. This generosity supports maintenance and repair in underserved communities the foundation serves by sending volunteers on-site to provide expert assistance and provides funding for mission-relevant grants to raise the standard of healthcare.
When asked, who inspires him, Jeff shared, “My son, who passed away in 2021. He teaches me every day to keep living and to help others.”
Jeff continues to live life to the fullest, leading his team members, volunteering life-long skills to improve healthcare outcomes around the world, and training for the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon, known as the “challenge of the champions”.
“It’s considered to by many to be the world’s toughest race…it should be fun,” Jeff noted.
Thank you, Jeff, for your commitment to service. You inspire us all to embrace the challenge of living a life dedicated to sharing the talents cultivated over a lifetime in service to oneself, family, vocation, and a global community of health.
Call to service
The TRIMEDX Foundation has sent 14 volunteers on 5 medical mission trips during the first quarter of 2025, contributing 350 hours of service. If you are interested in volunteering for the TRIMEDX Foundation, fill out a volunteer application or contact us at 317-275-1558 or by email. If your organization has medical equipment, or you would like to support our global health mission, email TRIMEDX Foundation Director Audra Plopper or call 317-275-1555.
The TRIMEDX Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ingenuity, integrity, collaboration, and dignity. We support medical equipment and facility maintenance and repair in underserved communities by developing sustainable and equitable partnerships through innovation, education, and engagement. For more information on volunteer opportunities, please visit our website, www.trimedxfoundation.org