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Connecticut Hospital Association Recognized Award-Winning Essay by Pat Hedenberg, Employment Manager at Day Kimball Hospital


Barbara Chubbuck (seated center) is joined by her fellow Well-Wishers who raise money for the Rose Bove LaRose Oncology and Hematology Suite at Day Kimball Hospital. Chubbuck is seated in one of the treatment chairs which the Well-Wishers purchased for oncology patients. The Well-Wishers recently purchased several of these new chairs for the comfort of oncology and hematology patients receiving lengthy treatments

Pat Hedenberg (left), Employment Manager at Day Kimball Hospital nominated Barbara Chubbuck, administrative assistant for the ICU and laboratory as a CHA 2007 Healthcare Hero. Ten years ago, Chubbuck organized what has become the Day Kimball Hospital Well-Wishers, a group which raises money for Day Kimball's oncology suite and its patients. She has a special calling to help those affected with cancer, and has organized countless other fundraisers and drives. Chubbuck is seated in a new oncology treatment chair purchased by the Well-Wishers.

PUTNAM, CT – On Wednesday, May 16, Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA), headquartered in Wallingford, notified Day Kimball Hospital representatives that two employees were selected as 2007 Healthcare Heroes. In April, Pat Hedenberg, employment manager, submitted an essay about Barbara Chubbuck, administrative assistant for the intensive care unit and laboratory. In her essay, Hedenberg recognized Chubbuck’s good works to Day Kimball Hospital, the Rose Bove LaRose Oncology and Hematology Suite, and the community at large. Hedenberg’s essay was one of ten selected throughout the State.

"I nominated Barbara as a CHA 2007 Healthcare Hero because
I admire her ability to help us step outside ourselves for the greater benefit of the community and to have fun while doing so,”
said Hedenberg.

In her essay, Hedenberg wrote, “Often people attempt to live their lives backwards: they try to have more things or more money in order to be happier, or so they think. Barbara Chubbuck is a person who got it right from the beginning.” She continued to say how Chubbuck has been the driving force behind the Day Kimball Hospital Well-Wishers, a group which raises money for the needs of the oncology suite and its patients. Recently, the Well-Wishers purchased several new treatment chairs, which are specifically designed to keep patients comfortable while they endure lengthy treatments.

“I am honored and humbled by this award,” said Chubbuck. “But please remember, it takes a whole community of people for the Well-Wishers to be successful. We have dozens of members who give their time freely and unselfishly, and many wish to go unrecognized. This award is meant for all of those people.”

Now in its sixth year, the presentation of the “Healthcare Heroes” awards has become an integral part of CHA’s Annual Meeting. In reviewing applications for the Healthcare Hero contest, CHA sought submissions about healthcare professionals who extend their compassion beyond the workplace and into their communities. Through participation in community-based programs, seminars, health screenings, support groups, crisis hotlines and other educational outreach initiatives, these inspired nominees bring hope to the communities they serve, one interaction at a time.

“CHA selected Ms. Hedenberg based on her creative writing skill and the compelling story she told,” said Jennifer Barrows, Director of Communications at the Connecticut Hospital Association. “It was evident that the 'Healthcare Hero' Pat chose to write about -- Barbara Chubbuck -- is a great inspiration to many within the hospital and surrounding community. The story Pat told of Barbara was very moving and did a nice job of conveying the ‘heart’ behind the projects in which Barbara has been involved.”

In addition to a cash prize, Chubbuck and Hedenberg will be awarded at the CHA Annual Meeting on June 21, 2007. Hedenberg’s essay will also be published on the CHA website and in other related publicity, and they may serve as ambassadors to promote healthcare careers in Connecticut.

Day Kimball Hospital is a non-profit, 103-bed community hospital in Putnam. Day Kimball has been in operation since 1894, and provides for the health care needs of Northeastern Connecticut, and nearby Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Day Kimball Hospital is served by more than 1,000 employees and more than 100 physicians, dentists and medical specialists.

In coordination with its affiliated health centers in Danielson, Dayville, Plainfield and Thompson, Day Kimball offers acute and general medical/surgical care, a 24-hour Emergency and Prompt Care Department, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, oncology, hematology, cardiopulmonary and psychiatric programs.

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Day Kimball Hospital
320 Pomfret Street (Route 44)
Putnam, Connecticut 06260
Phone: (860) 928-6541 or (860) 774-3366
TTY: (860) 963-6422