Honors volunteers at a health care provider or other health-related organization who are considered exemplary by people within those organizations.

BOYS IN BLUE              

Organization: Lower Cape Fear LifeCare

What the nominator said: “Members of the Rivers Edge Veterans Association (REVA) in Brunswick County, the Boys in Blue have become an integral part of our hospice care team, as they recognize the service of countless veteran patients in our care. Veterans themselves, the Boys in Blue have an extremely genuine way of interacting with our patients, listening to their stories, connecting with loved ones and family members, and thanking them for their military service to our country.  For the past four years, their unique volunteer care has been given freely to all veterans, regardless of branch, rank, or era of service, including Vietnam veterans who have historically been denied proper recognition and appreciation. The Boys in Blue (so named because of their matching royal blue REVA shirts) are dedicated to providing a special ‘pinning’ ceremony to every Brunswick County Veteran in hospice. … To a person, the staff of Lower Cape Fear LifeCare admire the dedication, the professionalism, and the commitment the Boys in Blue have to their fellow Veterans. But more importantly, it is our patients and families that reveal the real impact of their volunteer work.”

– Jason Clamme, director of community engagement, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare

ANNE PATTERSON      

Title: Volunteer mentor     

Organization: SCORE Cape Fear Chapter

What the nominator said: “Anne has been a volunteer SCORE mentor with the Cape Fear Chapter for over three years. During that time she has been the lead or co-mentor for approximately 110 clients, including several with whom she has the privilege of ongoing mentor relationships. Anne was recognized as the Chapter’s Mentor of the Year in 2021. She served as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chapter Champion for two years. 
“As a mentor, Anne is almost always assigned to helping those entrepreneurs wishing to start a health care-related small business. …  She is dedicated to guiding these health care businesses to success following the best practices of both the business and health care communities. 

“Anne’s professional life encompassed over 40 years in healthcare including 33 years in a variety of administrative roles in a mix of settings. In hospitals large and small, Anne served on the executive teams including as a vice president of operations and in director level positions … Prior to an administrative career, Anne worked as a registered nurse.”
– Ronald H. Henderson Jr., mentor, SCORE Cape Fear Chapter

CAROL WAGNER

Title: NICU volunteer

Organization: Novant Health NHRMC       

What the nominator said: “Carol Wagner began volunteering at NHRMC in the Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) in 2012. Since then, she has dedicated thousands of hours of her time providing support to our littlest patients and their families during what is often a stressful and difficult time in their lives. As a NICU volunteer, Carol spends her time rounding on the families, offering assistance however she can. She comforts babies by cuddling, rocking and reading to them. Carol helps to support the NICU parents, so they have a chance to step away to eat, take a break, or run errands, since many families spend months in the NICU with their babies.

“In addition to supporting the babies and their families, Carol helps the nursing staff with tasks such as restocking supplies, clerical duties, or alerting them if a patient or family member needs their assistance. Carol is always willing to help, even volunteering during hard to fill shifts – Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings – so that the patients, families and staff know they can count on her for her knowledge and commitment.”

– Erin Barajas, director of volunteer services, Novant Health New Hanover Regional 

 Read more about all of the 2022 Health Care Heroes finalists here.