[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 54 (Thursday, April 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E658]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           EXTRA MILE AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2001

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to salute the recipients of 
the ``Extra Mile'' Awards given by the VNACare Network, Inc. The Extra 
Mile Award for Caregivers recognizes the dedication of family 
caregivers who go the extra mile in caring for a loved one. These 
individuals inspire with their never-ending energy, devotion, and 
compassion. The Extra Mile Award for Staff is presented to employees 
who go above and beyond expectations. Their dedication to the VNACare 
Network makes life easier for those in the office and improves the 
quality of life for patients and their families.
  The Caregiver Award is being given to Gilda Ryan of Ipswich, 
Massachusetts for the constant care and love she gives her daughter 
Julie. Staff working with her say this 80-year-old dynamo is a fearless 
advocate, loving caregiver and her tenacity throughout these past 20 
years has allowed her daughter to receive the absolute best care 
available. She is a true model to nurses and home health aides alike in 
character and caregiving. Leo Lavigne of Hudson, Massachusetts is also 
receiving the award for taking care of his wife Frances. His caring and 
careful attention to her complex medical problems has prompted the 
staff to say that he may need to be recruited to alleviate the nursing 
shortage. Richard Law of Worcester, Massachusetts is being recognized 
for his steadfast, hands-on, loving, and devoted care of his late wife 
Mary during her last days. He stayed strong--even though his heart was 
breaking--so that Mary would not feel like a burden to her family. Alan 
Basmajian and Family of Burlington, Massachusetts are recognized for 
their courage, commitment, honesty, and love during the last days of 
their wife and mother, Linda. Her goal of seeing her daughter graduate 
from eighth grade was realized with incredible support from her family.
  The Staff ``Extra Mile'' award is being given to Kathy Cronin-Reardon 
of Gloucester, Massachusetts for her extraordinary caring and 
compassion. Her workweek does not consist of 40 hours; she works 
countless extra hours going unrecognized and even unpaid at times for 
the sake of the families and patients that need her in difficult times. 
Laurine Frykberg of Worcester, Massachusetts is being recognized for 
her willingness to help both patients and staff alike. She is credited 
with bringing the term ``flexibility'' to a new level, covering New 
Year's Eve staff shortage with a smile dressed in her evening attire. 
Sandra Stone of the Watertown, Massachusetts office is an exceptional 
Home Care Aide who adapts readily to changing department needs with an 
outstanding commitment to patients needing coverage. Her quiet calmness 
and professionalism soothes the anxious--both patients and family 
members. Ana Rodriguez is being recognized for her exemplary work as a 
Home Care Aide Scheduling Coordinator. Not only has she been a cohesive 
factor in uniting the office staff, but also she is praised by family 
members and clinicians for her positive, enthusiastic, and consistent 
efforts. Finally, Marion Ray is being recognized for her record in the 
performance of her main responsibility of timely billing and collection 
of accounts, her ability to manage a large staff with great skill, and 
her diligence, work ethic and ``can do'' attitude.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to recognize these 
outstanding individuals, and to thank them for all they have done to 
improve the lives of the people of Massachusetts.

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