Betty Walker, of Caribou, known at Cary Medical Center as the CEO — ‘chief entertainment officer’ and more formally as the director of volunteer services, has been selected as the Maine Hospital Association’s 2011 Caregiver of the Year.
Betty Walker was a single mother to three girls when she joined the team at Cary Medical Center as a receptionist in the Rehabilitation Services Department in 1986. From her first days, according to her nomination from Cary’s CEO Kris Doody, it was clear that she understood the power of humor and used it to improve the lives of the patients at the hospital. She formed a group of “Hill-Billie” women, known as the Hooters, who played the spoons, did crazy dances, sang, read poetry and entertained patients at the annual cancer patient/family/staff Christmas party. They also visited nursing homes and hospital patients.
“Betty’s selection as 2011 Caregiver of the Year is an example of how hospital care is more than just making sure patients get the right treatments,” said MHA President Steven Michaud. “It’s also about ministering to their emotional needs.”
Inspired by the physician/humorist Patch Adams, Walker started a clown ministry at the hospital as well as organizes the hospital annual talent show which raises thousands of dollars. In her current position Walker has developed one of the strongest hospital volunteer programs in Maine, with nearly 100 volunteers logging more than 10,000 hours annually. Her blood drives have provided nearly 10,000 units of blood, earning recognition from the American Red Cross.
In the midst of all this, Walker successfully raised her family, ensuring that her special needs daughter had the opportunity to excel in her creativity and talent. Earning a degree from Northern Maine Community College, graduating at the top of her class, she later became a mentor for students there.
The lady with the brilliant smile and endless compassion and energy was recently named one of 50 Shining Star graduates of NMCC in recognition of the college’s 50th anniversary.
Ironically, after caring for so many people, Walker became a patient herself. In March, 2010, she was diagnosed with endometrial/uterine cancer. Three rounds of chemotherapy and 25 radiation treatments later, she is in remission. But while Walker was receiving her treatments, her co-workers and the community rallied around her, organizing a benefit concert and raising more than $10,000 to tide her over while she was out of work.
“Thanks to the marvelous advances in medicine and her courage, determination and a passionate desire to share time with her new granddaughter, Betty Walker has, once again, overcome adversity and is in remission,” Doody said in Walker’s nomination. “She was so excited by her recovery that she immediately was determined to get back to planning the Cary Talent Show for this October. Betty has been given what she has given so much of — a gift of life.”
“I never dreamed I would be nominated for something like this,” said an emotional Walker. “I think of caregivers as being doctors and nurses, the hands-on staff. But, I guess I am a caregiver,” she admitted, in reference to her daughter, who has Downs Syndrome. ‘How do I feel? I guess shocked would be the word,” she siad.
Walker, who is never without a new joke, which she delivers in her hilarious straight face way, continues to mentor students at NMCC and for 23 out of 25 years she has been the Senior Seminar speaker. As with most seminars those attending are usually asked to extend their comments regarding the program or speaker.
“After one of my Senior Seminars, I told everybody to stand up, place their hands on their heart and turn completely around,” laughed Walker. “Of course they all did what I asked — then I told them, ‘there when you are asked about my seminar you can say, ‘Betty Walker brought us to our feet, touched our heart and turned us around.’
Bill Flagg, director of community relations and resources at Cary Medical stated, “One key thing about Betty is that she brings humor to the hospital and that is so important. We have a very high expectation of those who work at Cary and there is no one who better communicates this culture than Betty. People listen to her and she knows what’s going on,” he added.
“If I had to describe Betty Walker,” said Flagg, “I would say that she is someone with a passion for life and a positive personality, regardless of the challenges she may be faced with. You can’t help but be in a positive mood around Betty Walker.”
Proof of her positive outlook and her faith and strength of mind became no more obvious than when she was diagnosed with cancer. “On March 29, 2010, my doctor came into my office and told me I had cancer — pretty good huh, she came to my office,” Walker laughed, “I told her I would probably have to bill her.”
“On Friday, April 2, I found out I was going to be a grandmother for the first time — I knew the Lord was going to let me see my grandchild,” she said, with a slight quiver to her voice.
“Today I am cancer free,” Walker smiled brilliantly, “I get to stay on earth and bring a little laughter and fun to everybody — I’m planning on staying.”
“I am deeply grateful and honored to receive this award but even more honored to work for an organization that thinks I’m worthy of this award and would submit my name for nomination” said Walker.
Whether you know Betty Walker for her continuous work with volunteer services, from blood drives or have laughed until you cried as she opened up her wonderful treasure chest of jokes, keeping Kris Doody wondering what was coming next during the annual Cary Talent Show — it doesn’t matter, anyone who knows this incredibly strong woman realizes there is truly something very special about her.
