Hospice of Northeast Missouri, a service of Hannibal Regional, is pleased to announce Laura Pearson, RN, and Nicholas Phillips as recipients of the Gaber Founder’s Award for Excellence in Hospice Services. This recognition, established through a generous donation from Drs. Ron and Elsie Gaber of Kirksville, MO, honors outstanding individuals who demonstrate an unwavering commitment and exceptional service in providing comfort and support to hospice patients and their families.
Laura Pearson, RN, Nurse Case Manager, was recognized for her extraordinary ability to provide comfort and dignity during life’s most difficult moments. Even early in her hospice career, Laura made a lasting impact on the families she served. One of her nominators shared, “Laura cared for my husband during the final weeks of his life with a level of compassion and professionalism that made an incredibly difficult time more bearable. She provided comfort, dignity, and support we will never forget.”
In addition to her clinical excellence, Laura is known for her ability to connect with both patients and families on a deeply personal level. “Laura consistently demonstrated exceptional compassion and empathy,” shared another nominator. “She ensured both physical and emotional needs were met, never rushing through care and always taking the time to truly listen.”
Nicholas Phillips, a hospice volunteer, was honored for his dedication to providing companionship and comfort to patients. “Nicholas cared for his patient with a level of compassion and dedication that truly set him apart,” shared his nominator. “He went out of his way to ensure she felt seen, valued, and never alone - often adjusting his schedule to spend extra time with her.”
Through meaningful connection and quiet presence, Nicholas made a profound difference in the life of the patient he served. “Nicholas formed a genuine bond with his patient - whether listening to her stories, playing guitar, or simply sitting quietly by her side,” his nominator added. “Even as her condition declined, he remained a steady and comforting presence, demonstrating the kind of compassion that defines an exceptional hospice volunteer.”
Hospice of Northeast Missouri, a service of Hannibal Regional, is a non-profit hospice that focuses on quality of life for people and their caregivers who are experiencing an advanced, life-limiting illness. Hospice of Northeast serves Adair, Clark, Knox, Lewis, Macon, Putnam, Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby and Sullivan counties. To learn more about Hospice of northeast Missouri, visit hospiceofnortheastmissouri.org or call 660-627-9711.