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Arizona Health Care Association’s Resident of the Year resides at Life Care Center of Paradise Valley
Posted on Friday, October 23, 2009
On Aug. 27, 2009, a resident from Life Care Center of Paradise Valley in Phoenix, Ariz., received an exceptional honor from the Arizona Health Care Association.
Manuel “Manny” Gallegos was named the Resident of the Year. This award is given to one resident of a long-term care facility each year.
“Our AHCA Resident of the Year nomination was Manuel for many reasons, including his devotion to others, his love for his peers and associates, and his kind and gentle heart,” said Lorna Mattox, activities director at the facility.
Gallegos has lived at the facility for five years, and he is known to love “working” around the facility. When he moved in, he immediately began looking for ways to help those who help him. Daily, he lends a hand in the dining room, passes out ice cream and assists the activities department.
One special story Mattox shared happened one day when she saw Gallegos was walking down the hallway with his hands cupped around something. She asked him what he had, and his simple reply was, “God’s friend.” Mattox accompanied Gallegos to the patio where he released a moth he had saved and proceeded to encourage it to fly to safety.
“If Manuel sees a moth as God’s friend, I can only wonder what Manuel sees when he sees you or me,” said Mattox.
Gallegos received this recognition at an awards luncheon during AHCA’s Annual Conference and Trade Show. The day of the luncheon, the facility hired a driver and stretch limousine to transport Gallegos and his companion to the event.
A local television personality presented Gallegos with a medal and plaque, and the room erupted into applause. Stories of his love and compassion brought many attendees to tears.
“It was a magical moment when Manny won the award,” said Mattox. “When it was over, he told me ‘It felt like I was the president.’”
About Life Care Center of Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley is known for its natural beauty. Nursing home residents of Life Center of Paradise Valley take pleasure in the picturesque surroundings and benefit from the dedicated nursing care they receive. The nursing home facility also offers inpatient rehabilitation therapy, available to all its residents. Within minutes from six medical plazas and a hospital, Life Care Center of Paradise Valley is an ideal choice among long-term elderly care providers.
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