At nineteen, Bruce Snead’s heart was giving him problems. Sometimes, without warning, his heart would begin racing—190, 200 beats per minute. At the hospital, medical workers hooked him up to machines and asked questions about what drugs he might have taken or what activities had preceded the arrhythmia. “I had to go through so much. I wanted to learn more about what was going on with myself.”
One such opportunity came from nearby. Growing up in Carson, he learned that his neighbor was a vice president at Robert F. Kennedy Hospital. Bruce was working construction at the time, but was looking for something more stable. Neighborly chats turned into an interest in healthcare, and then a job at RFK Hospital. The hospital offered educational opportunities for employees, and Bruce took the opportunity to study echocardiography—imaging and diagnosing issues of the heart.
He had been working as an echo tech for many years when he saw an opening at a new hospital in South LA—and an opportunity to give back to the community that had given so much to him.
“When I was in 9th or 10th grade, my grandma was sick and she went to the old King/Drew hospital. They took care of her. That was my first experience seeing people working to help someone. I wanted to do that too.”
This is now Bruce’s second year on the MLKCH Gives leadership team. For him, being part of MLKCH Gives feels “like a privilege” because it’s a reminder that you’re he’s blessed to have something to give. “My dad always said if we have the opportunity to help someone else, we should. Don’t always look for something to come back to you. If you can give—that is your blessing.”
His father is a big part in instilling in him the value of giving back. Bruce recalls watching his dad in church, always taking the time to connect with other parishioners and helping them when they needed it.
He looks forward to talking with his colleagues about the importance of giving and encouraging them to join him. He recalls how helpful the program at RFK was for advancing his career as he cites similar programs at MLKCH that are funded by MLKCH Gives. “Think about how many people have been able to get their diplomas. MLKCH does so much to help, it’s a blessing to do it.”
When asked what he was most grateful for, Bruce answers without hesitation.“I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’m thankful that MLKCH hired me. It felt great to be chosen.”
His answer isn’t surprising. He talks a lot about opportunity. Not only job opportunities or educational opportunities, but the opportunity to help others. “I’m glad to have the opportunity to help the doctors do whatever they need to take care of the people in this community.”
Here is your opportunity to give back! Join Bruce in being a part of MLKCH Gives.