Nevada 90th birthday party an Act of Humankindness

With his 90th birthday approaching while hospitalized at Dignity Health Siena Hospital in Henderson, Nevada, one anonymous patient received the gift of humankindness.

Brenda Griego, the director of philanthropy at St. Rose Dominican Health Foundation, first met the soon-to-be nonagenarian when he made a philanthropic gift to express his gratitude for the excellent care he had received in the emergency room.

Even as he was nearing the end of his life, Brenda made sure that the patient, and his family, had the opportunity to celebrate his birthday.

The day before his birthday, Brenda reached out to Tyler Whipkey, the vice president of mission integration, to ask if a chaplain could visit the patient and his family to offer support.

Brenda began her development career at her alma mater, Bucknell University in Pennsylvania. She earned her CFRE credential in 1998, and moved to Las Vegas in 1999. She feels honored to have worked for great southern Nevada organizations and businesses like the UNLV Foundation, Caesars Entertainment, and Roseman University of Health Sciences prior to joining the St. Rose Dominican Health Foundation as the Director of Philanthropy. A mom to two who is married to David Griego, Brenda is proud to make a difference in our community.

With this background, it is no surprise that Brenda took the lead to plan a small birthday party in the patient’s room with family gathered at the bedside.

“On his birthday, Brenda called me asking if we could make sure that a chaplain stops by to support the patient and his family, as it looked like the patient would be dying that same day,” said Tyler.

When Tyler and the chaplain arrived at the patient’s room, they found Brenda slicing his favorite chocolate cake, having just led a rousing rendition of happy birthday.

To recognize the way Brenda exhibited compassion, one of CommonSpirit Health®’s core values, Tyler nominated her for an Act of Humankindness award.

CommonSpirit Health is committed to recognizing, sharing and celebrating the many extraordinary ways in which employees make humankindness known in the lives of the patients we serve.

The annual Acts of Humankindness Awards are an opportunity for staff across the CommonSpirit Health ministry to pause, acknowledge and celebrate the many ways in which our people bring our mission to life through selfless giving in service of others.

Brenda was one 615 awardees out of more than 4,300 individuals who were nominated for these awards this year.

“The family members gathered there raved and said that Brenda had been their ‘angel’ throughout his admission,” continued Tyler. “It was very clear that her kindness did not go unnoticed.”