Brooke Malone

Dec 4, 2012

Dear Brooke,

November 11, 2012 was Veterans Day, a day when we stop to honor fallen soldiers, veterans and our nation's heroes. But luckily, we had a hero among us right here at SPIN, a Direct Support Professional Hero! Brooke this hero was you and we cannot share enough our deep gratitude for your competent, passionate, caring dedication.

Around 12:15 on this day, you encountered a situation we all pray we will never face; you found Janet Grant slumped over in her favorite chair following lunch. Extraordinarily, you jumped into immediate action with your calm, caring nature assessing Janet’s status and used your CPR and First Aid training by calling 911 and responding by attempting chest compressions in her chair, stood her up and then attempted back blows. When Janet became unresponsive, you lowered Janet to the floor confirming she was not breathing and began multiple cycles of CPR, performing chest compressions, rescue breaths and finger sweeping to clear Janet's airway. Brooke, little did you know when you arrived to work that day that your acute observation and fully present work accountabilities would save a life, not anyone’s life, Janet’s life!

The paramedics arrived and transported Janet to Holy Redeemer Hospital. You contacted your supervisor, Jen Williams, and reported the incident. Jen arrived at the hospital and in her own words, “the scene was breathtaking. Janet looked up and smiled and a tear stained Brooke sat by her side gratefully holding her hand as the assigned ER nurse Irene took Janet’s vitals.”

Due to your immediate and skilled response in administering CPR and rescue breathing, Janet did not experience a total loss of oxygen, therefore enabling her blood and oxygen to flow to vital organs.  The medical personnel and SPIN’s Health Services Department have communicated that Janet’s medical incident could have been fatal without your quick and capable action.

Janet is doing great and certainly has an even greater special relationship with you! Janet's family expressed their deep appreciation for the care Janet receives each and every day but especially that which she received on November 11th!

It is well known that SPIN’s Direct Support Professionals are nationally recognized for their commitment and personal investment in their professional development.  This is a true benchmark of our incredible workforce.  Annual training is taken very seriously by all SPIN employees and ensures that SPIN DSPs continually develop and hone their skills and competencies.  Brooke, your outstanding example of SPIN’s Pillars is an inspiration to us all and challenges all of us to be fully engaged in all that we do.

In addition to this nomination by Jen Williams and the Professional Development Team, your outstanding call to action has been shared with many, especially the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Red Cross, who would like you to know that they share in our pride and pleasure and extend their sincere recognition for your act of heroism.  

Brooke, on behalf of the SPIN Corporate Board, SPIN managers, your fellow colleagues, and most importantly, Janet and her family, we are so very proud of you and congratulate you on this most deserving Employee of the Month Award for December, 2012.  During this holiday season, we celebrate joy and thankfulness.  Due to your commitment to excellence, we have even more to be thankful for. 

With deep appreciation,

Judith R. Dotzman
Executive Director