Independence Blue Cross (Independence) hosted a reception for the winners and finalists of its Celebrate Caring campaign on June 18 at Independence LIVE, 1919 Market St. in Philadelphia.
Celebrate Caring was a multi-media campaign and contest which invited the public to identify nurses who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional care. Nearly 700 nominations from over 180 heath care settings were submitted. The seven finalists and three winners were honored at the reception.
“The campaign is unlike anything we’ve ever done before,” said Paula Sunshine, chief marketing executive at Independence. “Our goal was simple. Recognize and say, ‘thank you’ to the unsung heroes of health care: Nurses.”
Diana Lehman, director of Case and Condition Management, spoke about how Celebrate Caring was inspired by the nurses at Independence. She thanked them for caring for members and supporting the campaign by sharing their stories.
Koleen Cavanaugh, vice president of Marketing, presented the seven finalists with custom glass plaques. Each nurse accepted their award with a short speech. Proud family members captured the moments on their phones. Finalists included:
- Micah Maxon, BSN, RN, Emergency Department at Roxborough Memorial Hospital
- Kate Gleason-Bachman, BSN, RN, at Pathways to Housing PA
- Cecilia Bermudez, BS, BSN, RN-BC, CMSRN, Oncology at Reading Hospital
- Catherine Hamilton, BSN, RN Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Katheryn McCaney, BSN, RN, Med Surg at Abington – Lansdale Hospital Jefferson Health
- Evelyn Cannon-Dingle, MSN, RN, APRN, Same-day Surgery at Inspira Medical Center Vineland
- Megan Vennalil, BSN, RN, CCTC, Post-Liver Transplant at Einstein Medical Center
The three campaign winners were recognized by Donna Crilley Farrell, vice president of Corporate Communications. After receiving a plaque, each nurse also had the opportunity to present a $1,500 donation to a charity of their choice.
- Kathy Einthoven, RN, MS, CRNP, from Pocopson Elementary School, made her donation to the American Heart Association (AHA), in honor of her father. Jennifer Davis, senior vice president and executive director for the AHA, accepted the donation.
- Anne DeLuca, BSN, RN, of Penn Medicine Hospice, chose to support Camp Erin in Philadelphia through Eluna. Camp Erin is a bereavement program for youth grieving the loss of a loved one. She presented the check to Joan Galon King, director of Donor Relations at Eluna; Michelle Brooks, director of Psychosocial Services at Penn Medicine Hospice; and Jenny Swanson, Child Bereavement Coordinator at Penn Medicine Hospice.
- Tyler Greenfield, BSN, RN, of Christiana Care Health System, chose the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Paula Sunshine presented a check to Linda McAleer, board chair for the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter on Greenfield’s behalf.
The program also highlighted a recap video from the campaign and was covered by 6abc Action News.
