I am writing to formally recognize Cassie Appleby for her exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to patient-centered care.

Cassie consistently goes above and beyond for her patients, and this encounter is a meaningful example of her commitment to caring for the patient as a whole.

When a patient found herself without access to funds due to a lost debit card and was unable to return immediately to her hometown of Altoona, Cassie stepped in without hesitation.

Cassie, along with the RN Care Coordinator, personally donated enough money to ensure the patient had food for the next several days until banking services reopened and she could obtain a replacement card. This act of generosity provided not only nourishment, but dignity, comfort, and peace of mind during an extremely vulnerable time.

In addition, Cassie donated her own time and assisted the patient in using her cellphone to secure a hotel room so she would have a safe place to stay while awaiting transportation back to Altoona.

Overall, Cassie worked diligently to assist with the patient's discharge, ensuring that all aspects of her care and transition were thoughtfully addressed.

As shared with Cassie, utilizing our PAWS UP recognition system:

"We are grateful for your dedication to our patient population. Your kindness in ensuring a patient had food and shelter goes a long way. This type of care is what we strive for here at Hershey, and your hard work assisting with patient discharge will not go unrecognized."

Beyond her exemplary bedside care, Cassie also serves as a contributing member of our Unit Council Board and as a Hospital Council representative, further demonstrating her leadership, professionalism, and commitment to improving care across our organization.

 Her compassion, generosity, and advocacy truly embody the spirit of this recognition and make a lasting impact on the lives of our patients.