Abbeville Area Medical Center recently recognized Jennifer Simmons, RN, Health Related Home Care – Abbeville, as its 2009 employee Champion during a reception held at the hospital.
The “Stars and Champions” recognition program highlights the many ways AAMC staff members go above and beyond their job duties to help others. The “Star” award is given monthly and allows employees to nominate individuals who "shine" like stars by performing very specific kind acts that benefit physicians, patients and fellow employees. In December, all “Star” nominations were reviewed by a committee and a “Champion” chosen. The “Champion” award is given to the individual that has made the biggest impact.
Simmons received her “Star” award for an extraordinary act of kindness after the passing of Amy Richey’s, AAMC employee, grandfather for whom she cared during his illness. The family “wanted to donate his clothing to needy patients and Jennifer volunteered to take his shirts and find a good home for them. She knew how dear ‘the little things’ were to the family and the memory of Amy’s grandfather so she decided to spend her time outside of work to make something that would last a lifetime. Recently, she surprised Amy’s father with a handmade patchwork quilt (sewn by her) using swatches of the shirts and decorated with the buttons from the shirts. The family could never thank her enough for spending hours of her gracious time to present them with this gift. She will forever be an angel and is truly a ‘STAR’ of this wonderful organization.”
“The many heartfelt ways our employees support each other, our patients and physicians is just incredible,” said AAMC CEO, Rich Osmus. “I am very proud to be a member of the AAMC family.” | | Jennifer Simmons, RN, 2009 Champion (front left) holds the quilt she made as a remembrance for Amy Richey’s (front right) grandfather, of whom she took care prior to his passing. Also pictured are Jennifer and Amy’s family members, (left to right) Luke Simmons (Jennifer’s husband), Mason Speer (Jennifer’s father), Louie Richey (Amy’s father), Elaine Richey (Amy’s mother), Simone Simmons (Jennifer’s mother-in-law), and Joseph Simmons (Jennifer’s son). Not pictured, Christopher Simmons (Jennifer’s son). |