Michelle Lewandowski, BSN, RN, (center) is pictured with Dennis Caliguri, MSN, RN, vice president of nursing, and Deborah Caplan, MSN, RN-BC, NE-BC, nurse manager of 9 C.
A nurse at Jefferson for 15 years, Michelle was nominated by her nursing colleague and friend:
“Michelle makes the holiday season extra special. She started an Adopt-a-Family Holiday Drive on our unit five years ago. Instead of doing the usual Pollyanna with staff, Michelle suggested we adopt a family in need for the holidays and she received an overwhelming positive response. The first year we adopted one family and it was a huge success.
The next year we decided to adopt one of our patient’s families. We had a patient who was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had been unable to work. His wife wasn’t working either and their children were not going to have gifts. The family was extremely grateful.
For the last three years, we have adopted multiple families. The program continues to grow and this year we provided gifts for 14 children. Everyone takes great pride and joy in participating. Michelle told me that she really enjoys organizing the event. She remarked that it is a wonderful feeling to know that you helped make the holiday season very special for someone. She and her family enjoy shopping together for items on the list. She wants her children to understand how fortunate they are and is teaching them the importance of giving to others. Michelle then ensures all of our gifts get to the proper families. Michelle is the perfect example of the nurse everyone strives to model.”