The Sunshine Award honors employees who model compassionate service of the highest standard to patients, visitors, and customers of Union Health. The Sunshine Award recognizes exceptional support members who work closely with our clinical staff to improve patient experience and patient care.
Any employee or member of the public can nominate a Union Health employee for the Sunshine Award.
Our Sunshine Award Winners are:
Darice Warpenburg, 2019
The inaugural winner of the Sunshine Award is Darice Warpenburg. She is the Surgical Hostess on the first floor of Union Hospital East. She was recognized for her constant attention to the family and friends waiting for patients in the surgery pavilion.
She often buys beverages for individuals who are waiting and gladly volunteers to hold non-valuable items at her desk while visitors go back to see patients. It's small gestures like this that go a long way in providing exceptional customer care!
Kim Marlow, 2019
Respiratory Therapist Kim Marlow was recognized for outstanding patient care with the Sunshine Award. Earlier this year, Kim helped a terminal patient fulfill his final wish. Before being transferred to hospice, the patient, who was on a ventilator, asked to go outside once more since he loved the outdoors and had spent most of his life there.
Kim prepared the transport ventilator and other necessities, then took the patient and his family outside. They stayed outside until it started raining. The patient passed away later that evening, having his final wish met.
Jessica Hutson, 2020
Jessica was recognized for the care she provided a pediatric patient. The juvenile had a history of psychiatric issues and turned violent prior to discharge. During the episode, Jessica remained calm and compassionate. She was able to comfort and calm the patient by watching movies and giving a tour of the hospital. This is just one example of the one-on-one care Jessica demonstrates for patients.
Jacki Tindall, 2020
A married couple was recently admitted to the ICU, both positive for COVID-19. The husband was stable, however, the wife was slowly deteriorating. Eventually, the wife needed to be intubated. As the nurses were gathering all of the equipment needed to intubate her, Jacki realized that their patient was the wife of the gentleman next door. Jacki took it upon herself to make sure the couple could see each other. The husband was safely transferred to his wife’s room, via his bed and was still on his BIPAP.
With both beds side-by-side, the couple held hands while exchanging words of encouragement. Holding hands, the couple talked about that week being their 33rd wedding anniversary!
Jacki is an outstanding Respiratory Therapist, role model, selfless, caring, and patient advocate who will stop at nothing for her patients and true love! Congratulations!
Tracy Hawkins, 2020
In September, a patient needed to be admitted to the Emergency Room. However, the patient was homeless with two dogs. The patient was worried that his dogs would be sent to a shelter and he would not be able to get them back. On her day off, Tracy Hawkins, ER Secretary, picked the dogs up and volunteered to keep the furry friends at her own home until the patient could be safely discharged. Knowing his dogs were being cared for, the patient agreed to be admitted and receive proper treatment. Although Tracy doesn’t care for patients directly, she has a huge heart for both humans and animals. Tracy, thank you for going above and beyond the call of duty.
Barb Buck and Jill Riggle, 2021
In early February, a patient left the Eye Center following an appointment. He immediately came back saying his car had been stolen. He stated that he had left his keys, wallet, and cell phone in the car. Barb Buck and Jill Riggle sprang into action. The ladies called the police and helped him get his credit cards canceled. They also kept calling his cell phone. Eventually, a manager of a local motel answered the cell phone and said a man dropped it off and left a car there. Authorities say the thief had already tried to use the man’s credit card at a local CVS, but it was declined. Because of that, CVS kept his ID which assisted the police in his apprehension. Thanks to Barb and Jill’s quick actions, the patient was able to retrieve his car, cell phone, and credit cards. These ladies went above and beyond to assist a patient.
Marge Fullerton, 2021
A patient says he is alive today because of Marge Fullerton’s willingness to listen and put his needs first. The patient is on chronic pain meds for a terminal condition and often feels like he is treated like a drug addict. One day, he was at his lowest point; he had an appointment. The patient was in severe pain, anxious, very depressed, felt hopeless, and wanted to die.
He said Marge actually listened to him and picked up on his anxiety and agitation. She spoke to his doctor about it who then put him on some medication for anxiety. The patient stated that his pain was making him “a jerk” and that he was about to lose his parents, wife, and son over it.
He said the medication has helped calm him and “take the bitterness out of me”. He had his parents over for coffee, he’s being more kind to his wife and his son is returning messages and talking to him again.
He said, “she gave me hope for a less painful future… I was at the end. If not for her, I would not have seen another day. I can never thank her enough because she gave me more time with the people I love. And I will just say she is doing her job; well, I can tell you from experience more medical professionals only do their job and never really care for the patients. I cannot say enough good things about Marge, but I will say if I ever get back to where I was that day—I will talk to Marge before I would do anything stupid, as she puts the care in health care.
Sister Betty Hopf, 2022
A patient at the Hux Cancer Center first met Sister Betty in the summer of 2018 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and began chemo treatments. She is now cancer-free but continues to have check-ups. The patient says that for the past two and a half years, Sister Betty has been a staple in the Hux Cancer Center environment.
Without religious affiliation, this patient was skeptical when a Sister approached her. She soon learned there was no need for any skepticism. Sister Betty never pressured her with her belief system. In fact, the patient looks forward to seeing Sister Betty's smile when she enters the building. She is warm, gracious, and immediately endearing. She brings hope, joy, and faith to everyone she sees and she truly sees every person. When Sister Betty talks with you, you feel loved because you are loved.
If anyone ever were to receive the Sunshine Award, it is without a doubt, Sister Betty.
Nichole Bonar and Carmelita Spivey, 2022
In February 2022, a Vermillion County teenager suffered a serious ankle injury during gym class. The break was so severe—the young man went into shock forcing school officials to call an ambulance.
Once emergency personnel were on scene, they advised the mother that the break was extremely unstable and the teen would need immediate treatment.
In the meantime, the mother, a Union Health employee, was able to forward a photo of the injury to Carmelita Spivey, Manager of Bone & Joint. Without hesitation, she forwarded the picture to Dr. Stephen Fern—who was in surgery at the time. Carmelita immediately called the mother back assuring her that once the Emergency Room staff was able to stabilize the broken ankle, Dr. Fern would be waiting to take the teenager into surgery. With so many unknowns happening at once, the mother was very appreciative of the immediate attention and constant communication.
After surgery, the exceptional care only continued.
According to the teenager’s mother, Nichole Bonar is the epitome of what every nurse should be. Postoperatively Nichole reached out via Facebook Messenger and provided her personal cell phone in case there were any questions or concerns. Nichole was available to answer questions about pain, medications, symptoms, and overall care. She even checked on the patient several times off the clock—including nights and weekends. She truly cares about her patients—and moms!
Izyc McCoskey, 2023
Izyc McCoskey was recently caring for a patient that had been given a grave diagnosis. Izyc was preparing the patient for an upcoming surgery by helping wash his hair and shave. Izyc took his time and was solely focused on his patient.
The patient identified the extra care Izyc took and said, “you are my hero.” When the patient was taken to surgery, he told Izyc to visit him as he would be on a different floor.
The next day, Izyc did just that and visited the patient in his street clothes!