Cathy Richards is not your everyday caregiver. She is extremely passionate about her job as the activities director at Bradenton Health Care and excels in the position because she believes in going the extra mile for her residents. From planning holiday parties and arranging for residents to take part in group outings, to founding clubs for them to participate in, Cathy never shies away from an opportunity to serve, especially when it comes to her residents. Tackling these projects head-on is one part of what earned Cathy the Member of the Year award at the Florida Health Care Activity Coordinators Association Conference in July.
Perhaps one of the many other reasons Cathy received this award was because when she was presented with a particularly unique request from a resident’s family, she accepted the challenge and ultimately surprised and delighted everyone beyond anything they had imagined. What did she do to delight everyone you may ask? Well, the story goes like this…
Angel Mitchell, granddaughter of long-term resident Tanya Mitchell, was in the middle of planning her wedding when she learned that her grandmother wasn’t going to be able to leave the care center to witness her nuptials. This was very difficult news for Angel as she was raised by Tanya until she was 7 years-old, creating a bond so special that she would do anything possible to have her grandmother be a part of this extra special day. So instead of Tanya missing the wedding, Angel decided to ask Cathy if it would be possible to bring her wedding to her grandmother. Angel’s predicament made an unforgettable impression on Cathy, and like usual, she jumped into action and began waving her “magical wedding wand”.
In the meantime, Angel’s fiancé, an active duty U.S. Marine, was due to be reassigned any day, so Cathy knew she would have to act quickly to make this wedding happen. In just two short days, Cathy was able to completely transform the Bradenton Health Care center lobby into a complete and beautiful wedding chapel. She adorned the room with flowers and elegant decorations, rented chairs for all of the wedding guests, and even ordered a beautiful wedding cake. The day arrived and culminated in a heartwarming ceremony with the happy couple exchanging their wedding vows in front of not only the bride’s grandmother but all of their family and friends, knowing none of it would have been possible without Cathy’s selfless determination and passion for helping others.
Cathy’s commitment to create happiness for others is a cornerstone of our Core Values at Consulate Health Care, and we’re very proud to have her as part of our family.
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CHC