...Christine was nominated for this award for being a caring and compassionate nurse for an 18 year-old female patient that was recovering from a serious car accident and subsequent surgery. The patient's mother submitted the nomination with appreciation for how her daughter received such attention within the Trauma Unit and Pediatrics and skilled nursing, from Chrissy in particular. At a time of difficulty for the family, Bendo provided comfort and reassurance that better days were ahead.

It was a sponge bath, and having her hair washed while in bed, that made the patient feel so much better. The mother commented, "My daughter could not get her back wet so Chrissy washed her hair while she was lying down in bed. Talk about innovative! She combed my daughter's hair as lovingly as a mother would have her own child. Chrissy gave my daughter hope that she would feel better and stronger eventually. My daughter beamed after the bath and smiled happily - she felt so much better!"

"When Chrissy waived goodbye as we pulled away from the curb, we both felt like we were leaving a good friend. Neither of us will ever forget her compassion, kindness, and willingness to meet my daughter's every need physically and spiritually."