Vera Beamer

Volunteering for Vera Beamer means she has someplace meaningful to go everyday. It wasn't until her husband passed away that she thought about filling the void by helping others. She now puts in 12 hours a week at the Information Desk or the Surgery Waiting Room at North Kansas City Hospital.

Beamer's smiling face and good nature is contagious. She's 85 years young and going strong. Her co-workers say she's got more energy than them on any given day. The areas where she works are not easy either, in fact, they're the most challenging to handle, but Beamer makes it look effortless. She's volunteered at the Hospital since 1995 and has accumulated more than 4,800 hours of service.

"I thought to myself the hospital would be a wonderful place for me to give back to others who need a helping hand," Beamer said. "I enjoy meeting and talking with people. I would work more hours if they would let me." She's an asset to the Volunteer program says her supervisor Brenda Belongy.

"Vera is one of those who will work as many shifts as we give her," Belongy said. "In fact, I have to watch her hours otherwise she'll work a double shift. When I was hired, Vera's help was invaluable. She is quick with information and to help out. I have great admiration for her--she's a team player."

Lee Martin

Lee Martin has set a standard in care that will be difficult to equal. House Supervisor at Menorah Medical Center, Martin has served more than 60 years in the nursing profession. Now at a deceiving 80 years old, she maintains a busy schedule--and maintains the respect of her peers and co-workers.

A registered nurse, Martin has served in a number of medical responsibilities, including OB/GYN staff nurse and House Supervisor. For the past 13 years, she has served as part-time supervisor at Menorah Medical Center, providing leadership in both medical and administrative areas to coordinate staff services.

While Martin excels clinically, her personal skills often draw the greatest praise from staff and co-workers. Through her warm and caring approach, she has gained the respect of patients, nurses and physicians. Her peers describe her as "dependable, caring, concerned and knowledgeable, and a strong patient and family advocate." Lee's care often helps meet both the physical and emotional needs of her patients.

In 2001, nomination by her peers earned Martin the Morris and Helen Van Raalte Dreyfus Memorial Nursing Award at Menorah Medical Center. One of these peers described Martin as a living example of personal dedication: "A definition of caring and loyalty would most certainly have Lee's picture next to it."

Sister Raymond Dieckman

Finding it rewarding to walk the final journey with someone, Sister Raymond Dieckman serves as volunteer chaplain for Hospice of Olathe Medical Center. She's done so since 1994 as a member of the Ursuline Sisters of Paola.

She heard about the unique opportunity when OMC was looking for a Catholic presence in the hospital. Sr. Raymond always wanted to help others and it was a tough decision between nursing, teaching and entering the social order. Her faith led her to the order in September 1949. She took her final vows in 1955. Prior to her affiliation with OMC, she taught elementary and high school at Holy Name and St. Agnes and served as an assistant principal at Bishop Miege High School. She also works in the bookkeeping administration within her Community.

She said she receives much more than she has given with her work through Hospice, "I work in Hospice knowing that I am able to reach out and bring comfort and peace not only to the patient, but to the family members as well. I pray for them, for their comfort, and do whatever I can to support the family."

According to one of her colleagues, "she is the one people turn to for comfort and assurance, for security and love. Her heart is as big as the world, because she shares her love of God with those so desperately in need." She's planned for funeral services for patients who have no family or for those who cannot afford to hold a memorial.

We're pleased to introduce to you Sr. Raymond Dieckman and each of these good souls as Ingram's 2004 Heroes in Healthcare. Their service is an inspiration to us all.