Defining and Honoring Compassion

Each year, GBMC HealthCare presents its Nancy J. Petrarca Compassionate Caregiver Award to an employee or volunteer who listens to, supports, advocates for, and understands what patients and their caregivers are going through. During this year’s ceremony on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, Compassionate Caregiver Award committee member Diane Sancilio, Director of Counseling and Support at Gilchrist, reminded us of the definition of “compassion.”

She explained it comes from the Latin word “compati,” meaning to suffer with. Compassion is to recognize the suffering of others, and then, to help. As she put it, “Compassion wraps its arms with love around those who are suffering and makes things better. Compassion rolls up its sleeve and gets to work. Compassion lets no one leave without feeling better and happier.” 

This year’s theme was “superheroes” because all the nominees are superheroes to us and our community. 

I’d like to extend my congratulations to Stephanie Boblooch, MSW, LCSW-C, cleft lip and palate clinical program manager (pictured above), for being named the winner of the 2023 Compassionate Caregiver Award! I can attest that Stephanie embodies our vision of providing the care we would want for our loved ones, always advocating for and going above and beyond for our Cleft Lip and Palate patients and their families. 

Congratulations also to award finalists Eric Battenfeld, RN, BSN; Danielle Nickles, MS, LCPC; Heather Suss, MD; and Latasha Witherspoon, CCMA; as well as all those who were nominated. Click here to view a listing of all nominees or here to view a recording of the ceremony. 

We are fortunate to be in our 16th year giving this award. I am always inspired by the stories submitted about our incredible staff and volunteers and am moved by the spirit of recognition throughout our workforce. I’m grateful to all who took time to submit nominations, as well as to the award selection committee, and all those who planned this fabulous recognition event. 

Raising Colorectal Cancer Awareness 

March marks the beginning of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Association for Cancer Research, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. It's a staggering statistic because colorectal cancer can usually be cured when diagnosed early or even prevented if pre-cancerous polyps are detected and removed during routine screenings. 

If you’re 45 or older, I encourage you to talk with your primary care physician about screening options for colorectal cancer. Screening is truly lifesaving!