When someone does something to touch your life or the life of a loved one in an extraordinary way, the words “thank you” sometimes just aren’t enough. People moved by the compassion and care of NYU Winthrop Hospital staff, who desire to show additional gratitude, can show that appreciation through the Grateful Patients and Families Program, making a contribution of any size in their honor.
“The Grateful Patients and Families Program provides a special avenue for patients and their loved ones to thank NYU Winthrop caregivers and, at the same time, support the Hospital’s programs and services,” said Jennifer Rose-Padilla, MPH, Director, Strategic Development Initiatives at NYU Winthrop Hospital. “Through this expression of gratitude, gifts support critical Hospital initiatives so that we can continue to provide outstanding levels of care to patients for years to come.
Recently, grateful patients and families of NYU Winthrop joined with Honored Caregivers at the Second Annual Breakfast of Champions. Here, individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by the personal and compassionate care of NYU Winthrop staff had the opportunity to reunite with these individuals to say “thank you” once again.
Among those present at the breakfast was grateful family member Simon Brady, who spoke about the unwavering, empathetic care displayed toward his wife during her hospital stay.
“I am lost in admiration for the team of nurses who not only cared for my wife’s physical needs, but were emotionally invested in her, too – some even using their personal breaks to spend time with her,” recalls Mr. Brady. “Their genuine care and concern extended to my entire family, too, as we spent long days by her side, never feeling like visitors but more like a part of the hospital family.”
Mr. Brady and his two children were so moved by the personal investment of so many of the staff members who were involved in their loved one’s care that after she passed, they asked family and friends to consider gifts to the Grateful Patients and Families Program as a way to honor her memory.
“I could not think of a better way to pay tribute to my wife and the team that cared for her,” said Mr. Brady.
All of the honored caregivers received a lapel pin to wear as a symbol of gratitude and admiration for the outstanding patient experience they provided, as well as a certificate of recognition from Hospital President & CEO John F. Collins. But most special, for many staff present that day, was the opportunity to reconnect with a familiar face – someone whose life they forever impacted.
“Our team was deeply moved to be honored in such a personal way by Mr. Brady and his family,” said Jessica Kirk, RN, Nurse Manager at NYU Winthrop. “It provided validation for both why we chose the nursing profession and a special place like NYU Winthrop to carry out that life’s work.”
NYU Winthrop’s Grateful Patients and Families Program continues to grow, building lasting and meaningful relationships between patients and their caregivers. To learn more about the Grateful Patients and Families program or to make a gift of gratitude, visit www.nyuwinthrop.org/grateful-patient-giving or call (516) 663-1300.
