It's an honor

Pattie Foley (VP, Outpatient Services) celebrated her 25th year as a Children’s Specialized Hospital employee this year. She loved working here so much as a student that she never left! And we are thankful for that. 

Pattie Foley (back center) working with a patient in 2000.

My father also worked at the same place for a long time—45 years to be exact. Like Pattie, he had many different jobs within the organization, but neither he nor Pattie have any experience working in another organization other than the one they know.

There may be many of you who are in this same boat. After all, we recognized 24 employees at the Employee Recognition Dinner last month who have been with us for 20 to 35 years!

Much to my Father's dismay, I have worked in a number of organizations. He thinks it means I can't keep a job, and maybe he's right. But I also think it’s helped me to learn more about different organizational cultures. It’s because of those different experiences that I’ve been able to truly appreciate working here.

Today I want to share the things that I see at Children's Specialized that allow me to fully endorse working here – and not just because of my position.

First and foremost, it's about the mission. There is a special thing that drives someone to work for children with special needs. People are hopeful and have an inner strength that says "I can overcome anything that comes my way and help others do the same."

It’s fortitude; a sense of resilience. Whether you are a clinician or supporting others who deliver care, every employee that works at Children’s Specialized has this special trait. I know your stories and I know you have a fight in your belly to help others.

Second, it is about the people. You all rally for each other in ways that stop traffic. I have seen tragedy, such as loss of a child, spouse, parent. Through every unexpected tragedy, you are all there for each other. You are present in every meaning of the word.

You do the big and small things.

People opened their homes after Hurricane Sandy so their colleagues would be able to have  a home-cooked meal, and even started a Children’s Specialized Hospital Crisis Fund and collected/donated TOP time without a moment of disagreement because you wanted to make sure your colleagues could access additional days, and funds, when they were in desperate need.

Through a number of events and activities you raise money for the hospital in such a fierce way and you give to our kids when no one is looking. Your hearts and souls are tremendous gifts.

Which leads me to my last point: there is nothing you won’t do for our kids. Cases big and small, you stretch to fit them all in. You extend yourself to get every child the resources they need, even if you don't know the path right off the bat. You celebrate their joys and their losses as if they were your own.

Every one of you sacrifices freely and selflessly to assist in any and all ways. I have seen so many acts of selflessness with our families that I can't even begin to detail them all here.

You know I’m tearing up at this point, right?

Here is what I do know for sure – when you become an employee at Children’s Specialized Hospital, you become a part of a family. The Children’s Specialized Family and a part of the families that we serve. That comes with real love and real appreciation for every role you play and every task you do. Don't ever take that for granted.

After working in a number of organizations and environments, it’s working at Children’s Specialized that allows me to continue to say it is an honor to work with this amazing staff and patients and families we serve. If asked about our hospital, without hesitation I would highly recommend working here and experiencing the miracles, the love, the ups and the downs that we do.

And when asked, I hope your answer will be the same