Sow good seeds. These three words reflect the mindset of Kay Donaldson, service excellence advisor at Parkview Noble Hospital (PNH). They also hang on a sign in her office as a daily reminder. After more than 12 years of being with Parkview Health, Kay’s positive spirit has come full circle.
On June 25, after being asked to attend a “very important huddle” at PNH, Kay discovered that she had been anonymously nominated for Parkview Foundations’ first Circle of Hope award. The nomination read: “Kay has made a difference in the lives of so many people here at Parkview and we wish to anonymously recognize her for her unselfish and continued work to support patients and co-workers.” In recognition, Kay was presented with a certificate and Circle of Hope pin.
Since Parkview’s humble beginning in 1878, community members and volunteers have supported its mission through their gifts of time, talent and treasure. To recognize those who first began this enduring tradition of philanthropy, the Circle of Hope program was named in honor of Parkview’s first healthcare facility, Hope Hospital. This program also honors those who, today, continue that early tradition of generosity by extending their hands of service well beyond northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio. Hope not only brings healing, it promotes others before self, and perfectly describes those whose service to others continues to be a vital part of their everyday lives.
As the first recipient in the Circle of Hope program, Kay sets a true example of what it means to be someone who constantly goes above and beyond with patient care and outstanding service. This program was created as a recognition opportunity in an effort to appropriately honor those who have been long-standing, faithful and generous partners of the Parkview Foundations.
The Circle of Hope program is intended to honor non-clinicians. Clinicians, such as physicians and nurses, are honored through the Parkview Foundations’ Guardian Angel program. Any non-clinician who has supported the mission of Parkview Health or the Parkview Foundations may be considered for membership in the Circle of Hope.
When asked what it meant to be a part of this recognition, Kay expressed, “I am touched that I see miraculous things every day here at PNH. We are blessed with compassionate colleagues that will let me know how I can help with a patient or patient experience. For me, it all boils down to the ‘Be the One’ mantra. It’s up to all of us to reach beyond our comfort zone and take it upon ourselves to be the one person our patients and guests might need that day – to help find their way in the hospital, to sit down and listen if they need to talk to someone, and to make their hospital experience a memorable one.”
With this outlook on life and extension of a hand, you too can continue to encourage others with the tradition of generosity through recognition in programs like the Circle of Hope. For more information regarding the Circle of Hope or the Guardian Angel program, contact Jennifer Ledger, grateful patient program coordinator.
