In December 2022, Avow conferred its greatest employee recognition, the Heart of Avow award, to four staff members at the company’s annual
holiday breakfast. Winners were Cindy Moon, registered nurse; Veronica Madrigal, certified nursing assistant/home health aide; Linda Harris, hospice house chef; and Denise Lucas, administrative assistant. Avow provides hospice care to residents of Collier County, as well as non-hospice palliative care and grief support to anyone in Southwest Florida.
“Working for an organization that cares for people during some of the most difficult times of life is not always easy,” says Rebecca Gatian, Chief Clinical Officer. “It takes employees who can be compassionate, understanding, and professional every day, even in challenging situations. The Heart of Avow award recognizes those employees who consistently live our caring mission and commitment to excellence. Nominations come from employees themselves, who recognize coworkers who often go ‘above and beyond’ whenever needed. It’s a meaningful award, one that inspires employees to bring their best selves to this work every day.”
Winner Cindy Moon, RN was described as the nurse employees would choose to care for themselves or their loved ones. An Avow employee of 12 years, and a nurse for 54 years, Moon has cared for patients in Avow’s hospice house and those living at home. She is recognized for her skill in training clinical team members in all aspects of patient care and proper documentation. Comfortable and confident, Moon is also at ease explaining to patients, their families, and the community about what to expect in hospice. Her calm professionalism makes her a role model for other employees. “When Cindy found Avow,” says Gatian, “she found both her calling and her home.”
Winner Denise Lucas is the first person many people talk to when they call or visit Avow. Every month at Avow’s central welcome desk, Denise answers and forwards thousands of calls, often from people who are distraught and need Denise’s calm demeanor. She helps visitors and vendors connect with Avow staff and answers many questions about Avow’s services. A quiet contributor who doesn’t seek recognition, Denise frequently volunteers to work extra hours when needed and helps other employees with tasks and planning. “It’s so important to have someone with kindness and empathy in a role like Denise’s,” Gatian explains. “She makes a wonderful first impression for our organization and represents our corporate values every day.” Lucas joined Avow in 2020 during the pandemic to help support COVID screening, and quickly moved up into new roles to utilize her skills.
Winner Linda Harris was among the first group of employees hired in 2003 to staff Avow’s then-new hospice house. In the 18-plus years since, Linda has cared for patients, their family members, hospice house visitors, and employees through her nutritious and inviting meals. “What is so special about Linda is that she stops into patient rooms in our hospice house to make sure patients and families have all the food and drinks they need,” explains Gatian. “She knows that families can be reluctant to leave patients even for a few minutes, so she proactively reaches out to them. That kind of hospitality and thoughtfulness is just what we strive to offer in our hospice house. Her presence feels like a warm hug from someone you love and trust.”
Winner Veronica Madrigal, hired in 2018, provides tender and dignified personal care to the patients in Avow’ hospice house. Gatian explains one recent incident that exemplifies Madrigal’s devotion to her patients. “Recently, Veronica helped a family in crisis as they dealt with the death of their newborn. The family did not speak English, so Veronica stayed with them even after her long workday, comforting them and answering their questions. When we learned that the family had no transportation to return to their home from our hospice house, she stepped up and offered to drive them. She made a life-changing impression on these family members, who were scared and grieving such an unthinkable loss in a country they don’t know. She truly represents the heart of our organization.”
Avow is proud to have these employees on staff and thanks them for their exemplary service. You can always contact Avow at (239) 280-2288, or go to our website at avowcares.org for information on our hospice, palliative care, adult bereavement, or children’s loss support though Avow Kids.
239.280.2288
www.avowcares.org