Heart of the Desert Caring Hearts Award Winners
 

We are pleased to announce the first of our Caring Hearts Award Winners. We received so many heartwarming stories, it was difficult to choose the most deserving. Thank you to everybody who nominated someone special.

After careful consideration, we chose five deserving individuals to receive a special basket from Heart of the Desert Pistachios. It is our pleasure to recognize those around us who truly exemplify what "Caring" means. We are grateful every day for our families, friends, loyal employees and customers. Reading your entries reminded us what a wonderful world we live in.

We hope you all enjoy a joyful and blessed holiday!
 

1) First Winner: Eric Golden -

Eric Golden was nominated by Lora Golden -

I cared for my mom since the age of 8; she had MS. In 2005 I took her care on fulltime in my home. We had to feed her, bath her, and clean her under all circumstances. Shortly after I met my husband who instantly began to help us, support me, and raise his son. He has helped me with my mom's care all this time until her last breath this past June. He was so supportive; physically, mentally, and emotionally. I owe him my sanity and my life. He made me realize how special I am and has always supported me in whatever I do. He tells me how I was such a good daughter, a wonderful, loving, and beautiful woman. Everyday he reminds me how special I am. I would love to remind him how special he is as well. There are not many men who would have put up with what he has in one of the most trying times in my life. To me he is the real definition of a husband, father, and a man.

2) Second Winner: Ricky Delgado

Ricky Delgado was nominated by Brenda Delgado -

Ricky is my husband.  Ricky has a heart of gold.  I was diagnosed with RA (rheumatoid arthritis)5 years ago.  Ricky holds a regular 40 hour job along with side jobs to help pay for my medication.  His total work hours are 70 hours per week.  He still makes time to care for me and our beautiful 5 year old daughter.  I have been very blessed to have a husband that cares so much for his wife and family. I would love for him to be nominated so I can give something back to him that he loves so much. We make a trip twice a year to Heart of the Desert for your wonderful service and products. He deserves this gift from your "heart" to his. 

3) Third Winner: Randi Frazer

Randi Frazer was nominated by Ines Jones -

Not only has my daughter served in the Military at Holloman AFB but she is still in the Reserves. She has volunteered for meals on wheels, raised money for the Red Cross, raised money for the Lymphoma Society, and has volunteered at the School for the Blind. She is currently raising three boys, her husband is in Afghanistan, and she is starting her Nursing Clinicals. Her brother (my son) has cancer and she has gone out of her way to help him as well. It has been a rough year for her and her boys. I think this would be a wonderful show of and appreciation for all that she has done for all of us.

4) Fourth Winner: Stephanie Boettcher

Stephanie Boettcher was nominated by Steve Mahlendorf -

Stephanie is a beautiful woman, daughter, wife, mother(of 4) and friend. This time last year she found she had breast cancer. Through all the surgeries, radiation and all the trauma this does to a women, she held us all up. Working with relay for life and Fight like a Girl, she worked to help others in the same place, even as she was still fighting herself. She's an Outstanding example of how we all should be. Stephanie would suggest others for this, that's why she deserves it.

5) Fifth Winner: Savannah Court  of  Bartow

Savannah Court of Bartow was nominated by Connie Madrid

I have been caregiver/power of attorney for an elderly gentleman nicknamed "Mac" for the past eight years. Your email about this contest arrived the day before he died. He was not an easy man to care for and I would like to nominate the staff of Savannah Court of Bartow who cared for him, loved him and were so patient with him for the past seven years. Savannah Court is assisted living, not a nursing home and yet they went above and beyond to make sure all his needs were met so he didn't have to move at the very end of his life. I remember one of the aides even sharing her own lunch with him during his last weeks because it was something that tempted his appetite. He was very particular about how his bed was made, how he was shaved, and so many other things, and the aides learned his preferences and honored them. Mr. Mac's family live far away and the staff at Savannah Court became like family to him. I would love for them to get this award as their rules limit what the residents and/or their families can do for the staff so there are no conflicts of interest. Regardless of whether you select this entry or not, I think this contest is a wonderful idea and am thankful for this chance to share my appreciation for Savannah Court of Bartow with Heart of the Desert.