It's a tradition that has been practiced some 41 years.
Well, the nominations are in and the recipients of the National 2011 Frist Humanitarian Awards are Kelli Jantz, an RN and Transplant Program Coordinator at Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center in Denver, the late Richard R. "Dick" Adams, Jr., a volunteer at Rose Medical Center in Denver, and Dr. Frank Cirisano, a specialist in gynecologic cancer at Aventura Hospital & Medical Center in Aventura, Florida.
The recipients were chosen from over 200 hospital-level honorees recognized at a local level. The Awards were presented at a ceremony in Nashville.
“The Frist Humanitarian Awards celebrate individuals whose achievements are an inspiration for all HCA caregivers, volunteers and employees, and reinforces our most important values,” said HCA chairman and CEO Richard M. Bracken. “To be sure, it is our culture that will enable our company to be as successful over the next 40 years as it has been during our first 40 years.
Dr. Frank Cirisano is a leader in the fight for the cure of gynecologic cancer. He founded and is funded through the public 501(c)(3) non-profit Women's Cancer Care Foundation. Along with his staff, Dr. Cirisano bings aid and awareness to women about the risks, prevention, early detection and treatment of gynecologic cancer and to push them to become the best advocates for their health. The Foundation also funds international externships and women’s health and human rights projects.
Kelli Jantz works tirelessly to educate others to prevent and reduce youth concussions after her son Jake died from injuries sustained in a high school football game. For nearly a decade, Jantz has told Jake’s story to thousands of parents, athletes, coaches, medical professionals and legislators. In January 2012, Colorado passed a bill known as the “Jake Snakenberg Youth Concussion Act.” Hailed as the most far-reaching law to reduce concussions among youths, “Jake’s Law” requires coaches of organized youth athletic activities to complete an annual concussion education program. It also has guidelines on removing young athletes from play after a blow to the head or body, and requiring clearance from a healthcare professional in order to return to play.
The late Richard R. “Dick” Adams, Jr. was a dedicated hospital volunteer who took on numerous assignments and community leadership roles for more than a decade at Rose Medical Center in Denver. Whether staffing the main information desk, volunteering at the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center or assisting patients at Cherry Creek Eye Clinic, his warmth, sincerity and genuine interest in his fellow man put many patients and family members at ease during life’s scariest moments. After Adams’ death in February 2012, he was remembered as someone whose mission in life was to never have a bad day and make certain no one else does either. Adams’ son Craig accepted the award on behalf of the family, which includes his daughter, Jean Warren, a third-generation Rose Medical Center volunteer.
The Frist Humanitarian Awards include a $5,000 donation to the charity of the recipient’s choice and $5,000 in cash for the employee and volunteer. The medical staff honoree receives a $10,000 donation to their charity of choice.
The following videos give a real life to the efforts of these three wonderful individuals. Please, take a few moments to enjoy them.
Dr. Frank Cirisano
Kelli Jantz, RN
Richard "Dick" Adams, Volunteer