1st nomination

Gynel exemplifies extraordinary skill and compassion through her work with the MC Perinatal Loss Program. Because of her contributions and commitment, Monroe Clinic provides care to families who have lost a baby that is dignified, respectful and compassionate. When a baby dies in pregnancy or shortly after birth, Gynel offers these patients bereavement support by providing tangible mementos that signify their baby’s existence. She takes beautiful photographs and does a mold of the baby’s hands and feet. Gynel came in to work at a time she wasn’t scheduled, to help staff take photographs of a baby. She then put theses photographs in a beautiful book for the family. She arranged to meet with the parents after they had left the hospital to present this wonderful memento of their baby girl. Gynel setup a private Facebook page for families who have experienced a perinatal loss. This page has enable parents a place to go for support and help one another to grieve and heal.

Nominated by a Nursing colleague


2nd nomination

Gynel Hagemann is more than deserving to be specially recognized for her selfless giving as a nurse. Gynel is a skilled and seasoned obstetrical nurse, and her co-
workers often call on her expertise. She is known for her fun-loving spirit and is well liked by all of her co-workers. Her kindness and compassion for families
facing the loss (death) of an infant are what sets her apart. Gynel has time and again given selflessly of her own personal resources to go far past the extra mile for
these families. Gynel bonds with each family, learning about them and their lives. She is present for as long as the family needs her to be, guiding them through the most difficult of situations. These families are so desperate for someone to come along side them into these uncharted waters of shock and despair. By giving these families the support they need, she empowers them to create and capture memories in the moments they have with
their baby. These memories are so very precious as they serve to validate and honor their baby’s life, to include the baby as a member of the family, and to say it is okay
to love and remember their baby. Gynel spends her own personal resources to provide
meaningful keepsakes for the family to cherish. The most personal of these include a handcrafted scrapbook of photos of their family and their baby. These are all
personally made by Gynel. She spends countless hours taking, editing, and arranging
beautiful photographs and tailors the layout to be meaningful to the family. She often visits the family at their home to check on them and offer the special keepsake. I have been present with her for 2 such a visits, and it meant the world to the family. They commented on her excellence in nursing care and her loving heart. They so appreciated how caring she was to their baby, and what a difference she had made in their ability to bond with their baby. One mother commented that she didn’t know what to do. She didn’t know if she could hold her baby. In giving her permission to hold, bathe, and adore
her baby, Gynel gave her an amazing gift. Gynel has for years led a grief support group for families in our community who have lost a baby during pregnancy or
infancy. She meets with the members monthly. She calls their babies by name and recalls their distinguishing features. Gynel is always researching ways to assist these families in their various states of grief. She allows these families to grieve, as they need to,
and when they are ready, to move towards healing. Gynel stays personally connected with many of these families for years. They call her an angel. I have to agree.
Gynel consistently demonstrates personalized active involvement with families in the most kind, compassionate, and meaningful way imaginable.

Nominated by a Nursing colleague