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Learn how this UVA Health Food and Nutrition Services team member gave up his own meal to help the struggling family of a patient.

The selfless act of a UVA Heath Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) team member isn't going unnoticed.

Sara Fowler, BHS, PMP, Chief of Staff to the UVA Health University Medical Center Chief Operating Officer; Shenia Thompson, MBA, MHA, Administrator, UVA Health University Medical Center Hospitality and Support Services; and Jenny Ernest, Nursing Governance Coordinator, Nursing Professional Governance Office, surprised Anthony Williams, Food and Nutritional Services (FNS), with a BEE (Being Excellent Everyday) Award.

A patient's family member nominated Williams:

"Anthony worked on the sixth floor where my spouse was a patient for three weeks following an unexpected emergency admission. We lived almost three hours away and I couldn't go home, as my spouse relies on me to speak because of aphasia. We are without income right now so any expenses go on the credit card. I'd been going to the cafeteria and charging meals.

"The first day Anthony realized I hadn't been getting guest trays or even knew about them, he returned with a cafeteria container of food he had purchased for himself. He said, 'This is my breakfast, but you need it more than I do. You need to eat, too.'"  It was filled with delicious food. I knew he would go hungry. Anthony realized our circumstances and told us about the guest tray program. He ensured I had food to eat.

"What also struck me was how kind Anthony was to us. My spouse could barely articulate what they wanted — hungry for only certain foods. The inability to eat and nausea were significant. Anthony was not only respectful and patient, but offered foods he thought might interest my spouse time and again.

"When my spouse was in a procedure or getting imaging and missed ordering meals, Anthony ordered food based on previous preferences to ensure nutrition. I was amazed to come back from radiology to find a tray filled with my spouse's favorite foods and that Anthony had not only remembered, but took the initiative to go that extra mile.

"It touched my heart to be so well cared for in our darkest days — Anthony Williams made a selfless sacrifice that by no means was he required to offer. I will forever respect and carry fondness in our hearts for him."

Know a Deserving Team Member?

The BEE Award recognizes UVA Health University Medical Center team members who work alongside our nurses to impact patients' experiences — just as bees and flowers depend on one another.

Every month, the Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center team members with this award. Submit a nomination.