Carol Jean Cunningham
At 16, working as a candy striper volunteer, Carol Jean Cunningham knew she liked helping people. Maybe it is because she is the oldest of six children to a single mother. Or maybe it is just because of her inner strength.
Cunningham began working as a cashier/dietary supervisor at Menorah Medical Center in Midtown Kansas City 12 years ago. She works at the front desk, does transcriptions and customer service in the Radiology Department at Health Midwest/HCA.
"She possesses this "mother hen" quality," said Julie German, radiology multi modality team leader at Research Medical Center. "Whether it is business or per- sonal, Carol takes you under her wing and sticks with you until the end. She is always supportive and eager to hear about others lives."
She is well liked throughout the hospital, not just by her co-workers in the department, but by doctors and patients as well. "You can always count on Carol to come to work with a smile on her face and pass it on to all that come in contact with her. Her work and her dedication to our department are truly appreciated," German said.
Steven Grant
What began as a volunteer job at North Kansas City Hospital 12 years ago, has turned into an annual event thanks in part to Steven Grant. His name is synonymous with the United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) event held every summer.
That's when Grant pulls out his smoker. He plans to smoke 600 slabs of ribs and 500 pounds of turkey and brisket for this year's event which is scheduled June 25 on the Hospital campus. Last year, the event raised more than $190,000 for United Cerebral Palsy (UCP). The entire hospital gets into the act with employees buying and sporting special shirts to enjoy the barbecue.
Thanks in part to Grant's reputation for excellent barbecue, the Hospital is the leading contributor nationwide to UCP and received the Community Enhancement award presented by UCP in 2002.
Grant volunteered to lead the Hospital's barbecue efforts the first year and has continued ever since. He'll also break out the smoker as a kick-off for Royals and Chiefs events. Barbecuing is in addition to his regular duties as supervisor of purchasing and distribution in the Food and Nutrition Services Department. He has worked in the food services industry for 22 years.
He is described by co-workers as always taking initiative to help out just like he does with the barbecue. He was named Supervisor of the Year by his co-workers in 2001 and is a past hospital wide Employee of the Month.
Delaine Smotherman
When Delaine Smotherman came to Shawnee Mission Medical Center she had no previous work experience. It was her boss who challenged her to do her best. That is what she does everyday as Manager of Nutrition Services. And her efforts do not go unnoticed.
She not only helps patients at the hospital, but also her co-workers. She has helped her associates earn GEDs, she encouraged one co-worker to attend college, she baked a cake for a patient who was in ICU who wanted to get married before he died.
She even made the punch and brought the Dixie cups. The patient ended up going home and is still alive today. She's been spreading her contagious spirit throughout the halls of Shawnee Mission Medical Center for 15 years. "I see a need in my associates that I work with and I try to help them the best way I can," she said. "So many of them do not have opportunities. I try to challenge them as my boss did for me when I first came to work. It is so much fun to see people blossom."
Whether she's contributing to the physical, mental or emotional health of others, Smotherman's actions are an essential part of Shawnee Mission Medical Center, said Shannon Cates, marketing and communications specialist of the hospital.