SPIRIT OF WOMEN Celebrates our
2013 National Award Winners
We honor these special regional healthcare heroes for their dedication, service and passion.
Healthcare Hero
NICOLE GRAVES
Nominated by Memorial Hospital, South Bend, Indiana
Nicole, a registered oncology nurse, was drawn to the field
of cancer care after her grandmother's diagnosis of ovarian
cancer. Her caring and compassionate spirit shines through
with the care she gives to her patients and their families. She
often comes in to work on her days off to visit with them and
get them anything they need, no matter how big. Nicole
even planned a surprise luau for a patient complete with
balloons, streamers and Hawaiian wear.
Nicole has a true passion for patients and families facing a
diagnosis of cancer. She cares deeply about helping others and
making them feel comfortable and relaxed in a time of need.
Healthcare Hero
CHETANA KRIPALU,M.D.
Nominated by Christiana Care Health System,
Wilmington, Delaware
For Chetana Kripalu, M.D., philanthropy is a global mission.
She founded an orphanage in India and a school in Kenya,
and has launched a nonprofit group that supports outreach in
Delaware and abroad.
Locally, Dr. Kripalu has organized a volunteer group that
serves lunch to more than 100 hungry people every Sunday.
The Kripalus are dedicated to raising a new generation of
philanthropists. Their children are active fundraisers and
accompany their parents on trips to the orphanage in India.
Young Person Role Model
JENNA SCHYMA
Nominated by St. Cloud Hospital/CentraCare
Health System, St. Cloud, Minnesota
Jenna works at a therapeutic riding center teaching kids with
special needs to ride horses. She works alongside an occupational therapist, and plans to pursue a career in this field. Jenna
has also been involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program
for four years and was nominated as a "Big of the Year." She
was captain of the swim team and is an officer in her community's Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter. She volunteers
her time by teaching 6th grade religion, helping at a nursing
home and giving after-school swim lessons to children.
Jenna is not only a bright, focused and determined young
lady but also a very caring and sympathetic individual. She
really enjoys cheering people up by finding something to
make them laugh.
© 2013 Spirit Health Group. All rights reserved.