Franciscan healthcare heroes to receive Courage Award

Franciscan Health’s frontline healthcare workers will be honored with the Courage Award at the 19th Franciscan Health Foundation Golf Classic.

Developed by Franciscan Health and VITAS Healthcare nearly a decade ago, the Courage Award honors inspirational individuals in their fight against a life-threatening condition or in supporting others through a life-threatening illness.

This year’s award recognizes the dedication and commitment of all Franciscan employees, from members of the housekeeping staff to frontline healthcare workers, as they faced the challenges of providing healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. The golf outing will be held on Monday, August 16, at Olympia Fields Country Club.

“Franciscan’s 'healthcare heroes’ have truly embodied courage and love as they helped Chicago’s Southland battle through a very turbulent time,” said Margaret Sheetz, VITAS senior representative.

In presenting the Courage Award, VITAS—the nation’s leading provider of end-of-life care—recognizes that Franciscan’s healthcare heroes have exemplified its core values:

• Patients and families come first.
• We take care of each other.
• I’ll do my best today and do even better tomorrow.
• I am proud to make a difference.

The doctors, nurses and staff of Franciscan Health Olympia Fields were nominated for continuing to put themselves and their needs last as they came to work each day to care selflessly for COVID-19 patients.

“While the rest of the world was shutting down, Franciscan’s healthcare workers were heading straight into the unknown,” Sheetz said. “I’m humbled by the caregivers and frontline workers who delivered compassionate, expert healthcare to community members as they faced down this highly contagious, deadly virus.”

Franciscan Health Foundation invites the community to come together at the Franciscan Health Classic to celebrate the healthcare heroes who helped the Southland through the coronavirus pandemic.

Golf Outing partnerships are available at many levels. For details on how you can participate, call Laurie Crosby or Kelly Mager at 708-852-2430. Visit FranciscanHealthFoundation.org/GolfClassic for additional information.