Helping hands

Critical Care Culture Club spreads holiday cheer

Over the 2018 holiday season, several members of the MedSurg Critical Care (CC) specialty’s Culture Club volunteered their personal time to spread holiday cheer throughout their cities. The CC Culture Club is a group of district managers (DMs) who create a different initiative each quarter designed to celebrate certain aspects of the entire CC sales team. Past initiatives have included undertaking unique travel experiences, finding inspirational quotes, focusing on family members, and making New Year’s resolutions. In December 2018 and in January 2019, the CC Culture Club encouraged the rest of the CC team to participate in holiday philanthropic events in their areas, specifically focusing on patient-family housing centers that help support the families of patients who are experiencing extended stays in the hospital.

Donating to those in need

Amanda Anderson, a DM for the Midwest region, participated in a “holiday in-kind wish list” at Children’s Minnesota, one of the largest pediatric health systems in Minnesota. The items Amanda donated, including various games and toys, were given to the hospital’s pediatric patients to enjoy during their stay in the hospital.

“This program was a great reminder of the opportunities we have to extend kindness and gratitude during the holiday season,” she said.

Candace Cinquemano, a DM for the South region, donated clothes and toys to a local family with a four-year-old boy and girl in her hometown of Covington, Louisiana. The items were delivered to the family right before Christmas.

The CC Marketing team donated to Hannah House, a residential program in Bloomington that supports women and teenagers experiencing unexpected and crisis pregnancies. Hannah House offers quality prenatal care and addresses a host of physical, emotional and spiritual needs during pregnancy and after birth.

“It’s important to us to celebrate our gifts and blessings, but also to brighten the outlook for others who aren’t as fortunate,” said Roxanne Brendel, global brand marketing director for CC.

Serving breakfast for St. Vincent House residents

On New Year’s Day, John Wallace, a DM for the Midwest region, Jaclyn Cotton, an account executive manager for MedSurg, and Davis Payton, a CC field support manager, made breakfast for the residents of St. Vincent House, a place in Indianapolis that houses family members of patients who are currently hospitalized. St. Vincent House is a hospitality house that provides home-like comforts to those who have traveled over 35 miles to be near their loved ones who are currently receiving extended care.

Jaclyn and Davis cooked breakfast staples such as homestyle potatoes, cinnamon squares, and breakfast casserole.

“It’s always fulfilling to be in service to others, especially to those in need,” said John. “The experience was also very inspiring because we were able to sit and connect with the individuals who have someone in the intensive care unit (ICU); many of their conditions require the support of our products. Through this experience, I was able to experience firsthand the stories and family members of the patients our products help.”

 Serving lunch for Ronald McDonald House residents

On January 13, Jamie Held, a DM for New York, and a group of her friends prepared and served a taco lunch for the residents of the Ronald McDonald House in New York City. The facility provides temporary lodging and care for families with children undergoing cancer treatment from all around the world. They also offer families additional support through wellness programs, tutors, music, art, transportation, activities for siblings, and holiday and birthday parties.

“This is a very special organization where you can get involved in many different capacities. We plan to continue volunteering on a quarterly basis,” said Jamie Held.