DERBY — Griffin Hospital volunteer Claudia Csuka, of Beacon Falls, will be honored with the Caring Heart Award at the 12th annual Women’s Heart Wellness and Caring Heart Award Brunch this month.
The award recognizes individuals and groups that foster initiatives to promote and improve the general health and well-being of all, a press release stated. Marrakech, Inc., of Woodbridge, will also receive the award.
Csuka has been a volunteer at Griffin Hospital for a little more than a year, but has already positively impacted many patients’ lives as part of the hospital’s vital patient stories and complimentary therapies programs, the release stated. As a vital patient stories volunteer, Csuka meets with patients and talks with them to write a brief story about their lives. She focuses on memories or characteristics that are vital or sacred to the patient, and the stories are shared with hospital staff so they can better know and understand their patients. Csuka is also trained in soft touch therapy, which provides stress relief and personal connection that can be critical to healing.
Csuka is also a member of the Parish Council and Ladies Guild at St. Michael’s Church in Beacon Falls, and provides free rides to individuals needing transportation to their medical appointments, the release stated.
The brunch is March 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Griffin Hospital dining room, 130 Division St., Derby. Tickets are $25 and the event is open to the public. Proceeds benefit the Women’s Heart Wellness Fund, which supports heart wellness programs for women in the Valley. Reservations are due by March 20. To reserve a seat or for more information, call Eunice Lisk at 203-732-7107 or whw@griffinhealth.org.
