Tala Award

Texas, September 16, 2009 - Texas, September 16, 2009 - Congratulations to Patricia (Pat) Profit, Culinary Aide at Silverado Senior Living in Sugar Land, for receiving the "2009 Hero of the Year"! Ms. Profit won this award from the Texas Assisted Living Association (TALA). . Pat does small things every day that make a difference in the lives of our residents and staff. Pat regularly takes extra time out of her busy day to sit and engage our residents with a joke, a hug, a smile. View entire article below.

2009 TALA Hero of Year
Patricia (Pat) Profit
SILVERADO SENIOR LIVING - SUGAR LAND

Patricia Profit has been employed as a Culinary Aide at Silverado Senior Living since September 2006. In that time, Pat has been exemplary in promoting TALA's philosophy of care and service. Pat does small things every day that make a difference in the lives of our residents and staff. Pat regularly takes extra time out of her busy day to sit and engage our residents with a joke, a hug, a smile or even special snacks and beverages that she knows would make our residents feel loved and valued. Whether it's wrapping her arms around a resident to keep him from falling or cheering on a resident who is trying to walk again after a fall, Pat nurtures the spirit of our residents and treats them with dignity and respect. Pat is well liked by staff, residents and their families who are always happy to see her smiling face, feel her upbeat spirit and hear her infectious laugh. Many people think having Alzheimer's disease or dementia is the end of life. To Silverado, it just means we have to seek out new ways to give life to those people affected by the disease. Pat provides our residents with a sense of normalcy. She never treats our residents as if they are sick. She uplifts our residents with a sense of self worth that may have been lost in the disease process.

The biggest reason I was moved to nominate Pat as a TALA hero is because of her service during Hurricane Ike. This in itself may not seem special, but the selfless part is that Pat volunteered & even brought her family to help. Pat was a lifelong resident of New Orleans until the devastation of Katrina. Pat was in her home when the levees had broken and water was rushing in quickly. She had no time to save any of her personal belongings. In an instant, she'd lost her car, pictures, family heirlooms, furniture and some friends. She'd lost everything. The water had fully engulfed her house and she had to struggle to the roof for safety. Rescue workers saved her and pulled her from the wreckage she once called home. For the next few months, Pat was shuttled from shelter to shelter by FEMA. She had to rebuild a life here in Houston and through it all has been able to stay positive and often says that she thanks God for the opportunity to live. The night Ike struck Houston; Pat was quiet, which is unlike her. When asked what was wrong, Pat revealed her immense fear of leaving her home here in Houston behind and facing the possibility of experiencing even more devastation and loss. She was visibly shaken and her voice cracked in fear. When I asked Pat why she hadn't mentioned her concerns to me earlier, Pat paused for a moment and simply stated, "I can't leave the residents, they need us and you need me, so I'm here." I was moved and touched by Pat's devotion to the residents and her undying spirit. She was willing to put her fear aside and voluntarily leave her belongings behind to assist and aid people who needed her. To experience such an act of unselfishness and courage is aweinspiring. Pat worked through a thirty-six hour shift with just a couple hours of sleep. She maintained her usual upbeat and playful demeanor throughout. In the aftermath, thankfully the residents, the community and Pat's home made it through without any loss.

I was once told by a teacher that true success is not in doing one big act, but instead in doing many small acts that make a big difference. Pat does many small things everyday that make a big difference in so many lives, but she has also performed an enormous act of love, kindness and bravery that has made a huge impact and inspired so many more. With hurricane season upon us once again, I am confident that Pat will be here for all our residents. Therefore, I believe that Patricia Profit is a Super Hero and I believe with all of my heart that she deserves this honor. Pat not only exemplifies, promotes & exceeds high standards as a Silverado associate but she's a true and genuine example of humanity at its very best!