honoring exceptional care
Through our Guardian Angel and Shining Star programs, grateful patients, families, donors and community members can honor caregivers who have made a difference in their lives. A gift of $10 or more through the Sanford Health Foundation guarantees personalized recognition for your honoree, including a certificate and card featuring your message of thanks and a special pin they can wear proudly. Best of all, 100% of your gift stays local to support other patients and families in your community.
The stories below are heartfelt expressions of gratitude for caregivers who have gone above and beyond. These are real words from real patients and families. Each story serves as a reminder that even the smallest acts of compassion can have a lasting impact. Together, these moments celebrate the power of gratitude, the dedication of our caregivers and the meaningful connections that strengthen the communities we serve.
Charlotte Johnson
Charlotte, a senior social worker at the Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo, ND, was recognized by a grateful patient for going above and beyond.
“Charlotte has spent countless hours helping us with many struggles we’ve endured. She works with true compassion and truly cares about all the people who are going through some of the hardest times they have had to go through. She works from her heart, and we are ever thankful for her during our journey the last several months.”
Read more about Charlotte’s impact and her Postcards of Hope initiative.
Bart Sheldon
A grateful patient recognized Bart, guest services representative at the Sanford Health Marshfield Clinic’s – Stevens Point campus, with his third Shining Star for his ability to put everyone at ease.
“Mr. Sheldon is so highly disciplined and thorough as he goes about conducting his routines. He brings so much more to the large waiting room, a warm and friendly ambiance that fills the room and relaxes everyone sitting in the space. His presence is undoubtedly one more positive factor contributing to what makes Stevens Point Campus so remarkably superior.”
Max Buchholz, CRNA
Max Buchholz, CRNA at the Sanford Bismarck Medical Center, was recognized for the first time as a Guardian Angel by a patient grateful for his compassionate bedside manner.
“Max kept me comfortable, informed and reassured. He explained unfamiliar sensations, told me what was happening and continually reminded me how well I was doing. His compassion made what could have been a traumatic experience feel safe and supported. I will always be grateful for the care he gave me and my family.”
Emily Borchert, RN
A mother, grateful for Emily’s compassion when treating her daughter, recognized Emily Borchert, RN and Diabetes Educator at the Sanford Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD, with her first Guardian Angel.
“I can’t thank Emily enough for her help getting my daughter set up on an insulin pump. My daughter clicked with her instantly. I truly believe through all the problems we’ve had here in the beginning, my daughter would have given up and gone back to injections had it not been for Emily’s help. She shows true empathy and compassion, a true Guardian Angel to our family.”
Peter Kurniali, MD
A generous donor recognized Dr. Kurniali, a specialist in hematology and oncology at the Sanford Cancer Center in Bismarck, ND, after his compassionate care of the donor’s brother throughout his cancer journey.
“Thank you, Dr. Kurniali, for the expert care and compassionate approach while my brother was in the hospital. You cared for him while he was diagnosed with advanced liver cancer. You were very caring and thoughtful the evening you had to share the cancer diagnosis with him and his family. You’ve been his doctor for many years, and we have always appreciated you.”
Honor a Caregiver Today
Has a member of our Sanford team made a difference in your life? If you’ve felt the care, compassion and support of a doctor, nurse, staff member, coworker or volunteer, take a moment to honor that special person today. It’s easy to share your appreciation — and your words of thanks, along with your gift of gratitude, will mean the world to your honoree.