UCHealth

At UCHealth Longs Peak Medical Center, patient access specialists Leah Rose and Ruth Palacios make it a point to know every patient who walks through the doors. Over time, they noticed a group of men who always sat together before radiation treatments, turning casual chats into a daily support circle they eventually named the Radiators. Leah and Ruth embraced their role in the group, becoming the “Beam Team” as the men bonded over shared experiences and encouragement. Wanting to honor that connection, the pair surprised the Radiators with custom Beam Team mugs, which sparked emotional reactions. Even after completing treatment, the Radiators still stop by to welcome and support new patients beginning their journeys. Leah and Ruth say the group reminds them every day that compassion can turn a waiting room into a community. Thank you, Leah and Ruth, for your work to improve lives♥️

While on her lunch break, acute care nurse Abby Boer noticed two stray Rottweilers dodging traffic near UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. Concerned for their safety, she called security and followed the dogs to a nearby pond, where they began chasing ducks. Abby stayed with the animals until Aurora Animal Control arrived, ensuring they were safe and calm. Thanks to her quick thinking and compassion, both dogs were rescued and are now receiving care. Her colleague, Kacey Whittenburg, nominated her for a Celebrating You recognition, sharing that Abby’s “commitment to care doesn’t stop when she leaves the patient floor.” Thank you, Abby, for your work to improve lives♥️

When an alarm sounded on the cardiology medicine unit, nurse Eli Kaliski didn’t hesitate. He rushed to help a patient who was choking and alongside his team, acted fast to clear the airway within minutes, preventing a potential tragedy. “Thanks to Eli’s swift intervention and calm decisiveness, a potentially life-threatening situation was averted, preventing what could have been a severe or even fatal outcome,” said nurse manager Nick Klein. Thank you, Eli, for your work to improve lives♥️

When a coworker’s day took a flat turn, Christopher Klein didn’t hesitate to help. After his colleague, Heather, discovered a flat tire in the parking garage, Chris stepped in, swapping it out in no time so she could get home safely. A longtime nurse at UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital and an avid cyclist, Chris brings the same teamwork and dependability to his patients and peers that he shows on the road. When he’s not caring for patients, he’s training for long-distance races or teaching the next generation of nurses at UNC. Thank you, Christopher, for your work to improve lives♥️

Sepsis is life-threatening and hard to detect but virtual monitoring is saving more lives with faster response times. Learn how UCHealth hospitals now prevent at least 1,000 additional sepsis deaths each year.