UP Health System – Marquette Care Aide Peggy Seaver Honored with Julianne Kirkham Award

At UP Health System – Marquette, we are proud to honor our dedicated employees who embody the spirit of compassionate care and go above and beyond for our patients and their families. We are thrilled to announce Peggy Seaver as the recipient of the Julianne Kirkham Award. This award recognizes exemplary employees in our support and ancillary departments who understand their vital role in supporting the care of our patients and our community.

Peggy, a care aide, has been celebrated for her exceptional dedication and compassionate approach to patient care. Her outstanding service was brought to light by a heartfelt nomination from a family member of one of our patients:

“My 93-year-old mom was recently an inpatient, and overall, we had a good experience. I wanted to pass along an outstanding employee to you. It was Peggy Seaver. I believe her title is care aide. She was in my mom's room this Saturday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and went above and beyond in everything. My mom has dementia and was a fall risk and was here with pneumonia. Peggy was very compassionate and caring. She did everything from emptying her dirty linen basket to assisting her in the bathroom, getting her a fresh gown, washing her hair and cleaning her up, helping feed her, taking her vitals, and changing her bedding. She interacted with my mom and kept her company. I had no idea care aides did so much!”

This testimonial highlights Peggy’s extraordinary ability to make patients feel cared for and respected. Peggy’s warmth, patience, and tireless efforts ensured that her patients' needs were met with dignity and kindness, demonstrating the profound impact that support staff have on the overall patient experience.

Peggy’s recognition as the Julianne Kirkham Award winner is a testament to the values we hold dear at UP Health System – Marquette: empathy, dedication and excellence in care. Her actions remind us that every role in our hospital is integral to providing the best possible care for our patients and their families.

Congratulations, Peggy, and thank you for your unwavering commitment to making a difference. Your work inspires us all!

About the Dr. Julianne Kirkham Award

Named in honor of Dr. Julianne Kirkham, this award pays tribute to those who, just as Dr. Kirkham did, believe that our own lives become better as we help others’ lives become better. Every individual patient mattered to Dr. Kirkham, and she touched countless lives throughout her career. She was a true educator to patients, families, and fellow medical colleagues. She was intellectually curious and had a deep love for helping others. Her warmth, knowledgeable compassion, sense of justice, and fierce advocacy for her patients during their darkest times gave them hope and direction. Her sense of humor was brilliant, helping to put her patients at ease. Dr. Kirkham lived her life with a greater purpose to help others.

Sadly, Dr. Kirkham passed away unexpectedly in 2020. She was courageous, generous, and inspiring, with an unrelenting desire to create a ripple effect of positive change in the people and the world around us. In honor of Dr. Kirkham’s memory, UP Health System — Marquette created this award to recognize those who follow in her footsteps.

Recipients of this award are chosen by a hospital committee on a quarterly basis based on nominations submitted by staff.