Two Blessing Hospital CNAs were among seven from around the community nominated for the 2024 Angels of Health Care CNA of the Year award, sponsored by John Wood Community College. The award ceremony was held on Friday, July 26, and Peggy Tarr, a CNA on Blessing Hospital’s Skilled Nursing Unit, was named this year’s award winner.
“It’s an amazing experience and I am truly honored because I am representing all CNAs who do this hard work,” Peggy said. She joined Blessing in 2018.
In an essay she wrote as part of the nomination process, Peggy said of her patients, “As a CNA you are the eyes when they can’t see, the ears when they can’t hear well, and the safety coach when they can’t feel parts of their body. You help feed them when they can’t do it themselves, help bathe them, make beds, assist to the bathroom and walk in halls - encouraging them along the way to be as independent as possible. You become one of their biggest cheerleaders.”
Maelyn Emeka, a CNA on Blessing Hospital’s general medical and oncology unit, was also nominated for the award. She joined Blessing in 2023. In the nomination submitted on behalf of Maelyn, a patient who was in the hospital for three weeks after lung surgery stated, “She was my angel who every time she walked into the room, changed my grumpy attitude into a positive one. She has a beautiful smile and caring and encouraging attitude. She will never know the difference she made in my life.”
Congratulations to Peggy and Maelyn and thank you for your exceptional work and selfless service to Blessing Hospital patients and their families.