POLKTON — Debbie Allison takes comfort in knowing that her father, who suffers from dementia and lives alone, is safe, thanks to his team of BAYADA certified nursing assistants.

But when unexpected snow snarled traffic throughout the area last winter, Allison feared none of his CNAs would be able to navigate the treacherous roads to get to his home.

Polkton resident and CNA Maria Larraga-Fonseca wasn’t about to let the bad weather stand in the way of caring for her patient. She battled the icy roads to be with Allison’s father and keep him calm throughout the storm.

This type of dedication to her chosen profession is why Larraga-Fonseca’s patients and colleagues nominated her for the prestigious BAYADA Home Health Care CNA Hero award.

“Marie’s soft voice and calming presence is a welcoming experience for all who benefit from her care,” said BAYADA Director Brooke Bartlett, who presented Larraga-Fonseca with the Hero Award during a ceremony attended by her patients, colleagues, and family. “Her patients always tell me how much they love her.”

BAYADA CNAs provide personal care services such as help with bathing, grooming, meal preparation, light housekeeping and companionship. These services help patients avoid the need for a long-term care facility and allow them to remain in the comfort, safety and familiarity of home, where they want to be.

For Allison, the choice to nominate Larraga-Fonseca was easy to make.

“Marie shows great devotion to my dad,” she said. “She put the needs of my father first when she stayed with him during the snow storm. She has become a hero to our family and she is so deserving of this honor.”

Established in 1999, the Hero Program recognizes care professionals who consistently demonstrate the BAYADA core values of compassion, excellence and reliability. Each quarter, patients and peers nominate their local heroes. From the local heroes, division heroes are selected and ultimately four national heroes are chosen from among the following disciplines: registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, therapist, home health aide, certified nursing assistant and social worker. The four national heroes are recognized at BAYADA’s annual awards ceremony attended by over 2,000 employees.

To learn more about home care services or employment opportunities, call BAYADA at 704-289-6000.

Courtesy photo Maria Larraga-Fonseca, center, a CNA, received the BAYADA Home Health Care CNA Hero award. She is pictured with her patient’s son Barry Perkins and his wife, Sandra Perkins.
https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_Polkton-CNA-health-hero-fz.jpgCourtesy photo Maria Larraga-Fonseca, center, a CNA, received the BAYADA Home Health Care CNA Hero award. She is pictured with her patient’s son Barry Perkins and his wife, Sandra Perkins.

For the Record