A Familiar Face in Oncology Receives STAR Award

Salinas, CA – For patients undergoing cancer treatment, the journey can be long and difficult. Symptoms and emotions are often eased by the trusted bond between caregiver and patient. One Salinas Valley Health patient recently expressed her heartfelt appreciation, resulting in a STAR Award for longtime oncology nurse aide Leticia “Letty” Suarez.

“I didn’t expect to be so emotional,” said Suarez following the STAR Award ceremony. “I really try my best every day. Getting the award makes me feel like people are seeing that effort and appreciate me.“

Suarez has devoted nearly three decades to caring for patients at Salinas Valley Health and has received five previous nominations reflecting the organization’s STAR values of Support, Teamwork, Accountability and Respect. In the last nomination, the patient wrote, “Letty has been a most wonderful CNA. She was constantly checking in on me seeing if she can do something for me. Even during one of my panic attacks, she held my hand and spoke to me providing compassion, kindness, helping me feel better.”

The STAR Award recipient recently transitioned to the operating room as a surgical technologist, and says her approach to care has always been rooted in teamwork and shared purpose. She credits the culture at Salinas Valley Health for fostering an environment where caregivers support one another and focus on providing quality care to all patients.

“Everyone here is like family,” said Suarez. “We all have the same goal of providing excellent care and helping people feel better. This hospital just has really good people. Everyone here just wants to make a difference.”

In addition to Suarez, Salinas Valley Health also recognizes the other STAR Award nominees for their exceptional contributions: Jennifer Calderon, Department Coordinator, Pharmacy; Rafaella Esparza-Ramos, Nurse Aide, Med Surg; Luis Hernandez, Registered Respiratory Care Practitioner, Respiratory Care; Jayen Panchal, PharmD, Pharmacist, Retail Pharmacy; Yesenia Rangel, Nurse Aide, Observation Care Unit; Alicia Rodriguez, Epic Credential Trainer, Strategic Planning & Development; Maria Elena Rodriguez, Unit Assistant II, Telemetry Towers; Alex Suarez, Clinical Assistant, Emergency Department; Reuben Tyan, Technician, Environmental Services; and Mary Valencia, Volunteer & Guest Services Program Lead, Volunteer Services.

Each month, Salinas Valley Health recognizes an outstanding nurse with a DAISY Award (for nurses) and a STAR Award (for all staff). The DAISY Award is an international program that honors nurses for their extraordinary compassion, outstanding clinical skills, and personalized care, established by the DAISY Foundation. The STAR Award is a recognition program created by Salinas Valley Health to highlight staff serving patients, community, and each other with extraordinary results. Nominations are submitted by patients, visitors, and staff. To learn more about the awards, visit SalinasValleyHealth.com/nomination.

Media Contact: Karina Rusk
831-759-1843