The seventh annual Dr. Alexander Nesbitt Commitment to Caring Award was presented to Mrs. Linda Bryant during a virtual Healthcare Decisions Day event on hospice and end-of-life care.

Linda’s commitment to caring is exemplified in her role as Heartworks Coordinator at UPMC Susquehanna. Coordinated by Linda, and staffed by dedicated volunteers, Heartworks is a family-based support program that meets twice a month on the campus of Divine Providence Hospital. The Heartworks team is committed to giving children a time and a place to express their emotions when dealing with a substantial loss. Heartworks has guided countless children and teens through the grieving process. Linda considers herself honored and blessed to be able to join together with children and teens as they embrace their emotions and continue on their paths towards self-enlightenment.

One of Linda’s important Heartworks initiatives is the distribution of grief support bags and activity kits to area elementary, middle, and high schools. Praised by school guidance counselors and librarians, these bags and kits help children express their feelings through group discussion, ar,t music and drama.

Linda’s lifetime of commitment to caring is evident in her pursuit and completion of a bachelor’s degree in childhood education and a master’s degree in family education. Her higher education and her experiences caring for her son with special needs led her to facilitate a support group for parents of children with special needs.

Linda also trains therapy dogs as a hobby. True to her caring nature, Linda has expanded that hobby into a program assisting inmates at Muncy Prison train dogs for eventual home placement. She is also actively involved in Eagles Wings service dogs and K-9 Partners For Life.

This expansive dedication to helping others is why Linda Bryant is honored this year as the recipient of the seventh annual Dr. Alexander Nesbitt Commitment to Caring Award.

The Dr. Alexander Nesbitt Commitment to Caring Award was developed by the elder care law firm of Steinbacher, Goodall & Yurchak in 2014. Dr. Nesbitt spoke about the award and acknowledged the 2020 recipient at the virtual event. The award, inspired by Dr. Nesbitt, recognizes an individual or nonprofit in the community who shows an extraordinary commitment to caring that improves the lives of others. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the award will be physically presented to Linda at a later date.