Fun on the field! The winners of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona’s Nurses Who Inspire contest were recognized at the July 28 Diamondbacks game.
In addition to the on-field recognition and suite tickets, the nurses received:
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$1,000
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$300 spa gift card
- $5,000 donation to an Arizona non-profit of their choice
At the game, we asked each of the nurses one important question.
What does it mean to you to be a Nurse Who Inspires?
Haley Wright
It was nurses who inspired me to become a nurse. My little brother was diagnosed with childhood cancer and lost his life in 2015. That was the worst thing that ever happened to me. But if I could take some positivity out of it, it was his nurses. They took care of him, and they took care of our family. Being recognized as a nurse who inspires is full circle because that's what brought me into this career.
Haley chose the $5,000 donation to go to Hunter’s Army Inc. Learn more: Hunter's Army (huntersarmy.com)
Nicole Hancock
I was a single mom during nursing school and I’m proud that I’ve gotten to this point. To be looked up to as a nurse who inspires is so fulfilling! This award lit a fire inside of me, I’m like ‘wow, I really could do anything.’ I’ve always been interested in the behavioral health world because my father struggled with drug addiction and alcohol abuse. Having come all this way, I could go to medical school and become a psychiatrist. I was already considering going, and now that I’ve won this award, it’s a no-brainer!
Nicole chose the $5,000 donation to go to Terros Health. Learn more: Terros Health | Primary Medical Care, Counseling, Substance Use Treatment & More
Roxanne Fry
It's actually the patients who inspire me. I was a Hospice nurse for a short amount of time and there was a woman who had ovarian cancer and I got to walk with her and her family through that season and I prayed with her. You're helping people, but the reward is so much more towards you. I'm grateful to be a nurse who inspires, and I hope to continue doing that.
Roxanne chose the $5,000 donation to go to Angel's Closet. Learn more: Angel’s Closet – Desert Springs (mydesertsprings.org)
Jami Thammavong
I'm proud to be a nurse who inspires. I've been told by several people that I've really helped them in some way move forward in their nursing career. I encourage them to pursue their passion further and never give up. I work in the NICU and love that I have a part in a tiny baby's life. It’s so rewarding, and the rewards outweigh the downtimes that come with the profession.
Jami chose the $5,000 donation to go to the Arizona Cancer Foundation. Learn more: Home - Arizona Cancer Foundation (arizonaoncologyfoundation.org)
Susan Carroll
To inspire others is huge, even inspiring patients to do better for themselves. I try to make my patients realize that being an advocate for themselves is number one. I really focus on educating patients. Inspiring others means making a difference and having the patient feel like they’ve had their questions answered. I’ve been on the other side of it, my dad passed away when I was 13 and my mom was ill when I was in my 20s. It truly has made me, I believe, a better nurse as I can empathize and connect.
Susan chose the $5,000 donation to go to Desert Dog Project. Learn more: Desert Dog Project
To learn more about these amazing nurses, visit: AZ Blue Nurses Who Inspire Contest Winners!
