Out Of Heartbreak , New Beginnings

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina forced thousands of residents to flee their homes and take refuge in neighboring states. Each of the refugees, and those who welcomed and cared for them, has a story. But we chose this story of one Texas nurse, Cynthia Hickman, of St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, not only because it reflects the experience of so many dedicated volunteers, but because of its special "Pay It Forward" happy ending.

As Katrina evacuees poured into Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center, Mrs. Hickman felt compelled to offer her nursing skills and her compassionate heart, taking over the midnight nursing shift at the Convention Center. So far it is a story like many others, but it is what came next that caught our attention.

In recognition of her outstanding response to the crisis, Cynthia Hickman received the 2006 Johnson & Johnson Community Health Care Program Leadership Award. As a result, St. Luke’s received a generous contribution and set up an endowment fund to provide scholarships that promote nursing. The scholarship will offer encouragement and financial assistance to St. Luke’s employees, and has been named The Cynthia J. Hickman "Pay It Forward" Nursing Scholarship.

If Trevor had been a real person, instead of a fictional character, he would be so proud of you, Cynthia.  Congratulations!