02/20/2026
On National Caregivers Day, we’re celebrating the people who lift others up.
When Community Health Worker, Kirsten Z., visited Mona, a 84‑year‑old retired Providence oncology nurse, the referral sounded simple: help sort through mail.📬
Mona was losing her vision, grieving the loss of her longtime companion and mourning the idea that one day soon, she wouldn’t be able to watch her beloved Gonzaga Bulldogs play basketball.🏀
Week after week, as Kirsten helped with bills and letters, a friendship formed. Mona shared stories from her years caring for patients, and the two bonded over their Providence roots.
Then Mona said something that stayed with Kirsten: “This time next year, I won’t be able to watch the Bulldogs on TV.” Kirsten knew she had to do something.
Thanks to her efforts, Kirsten surprised Mona with tickets to both the men’s and women’s Gonzaga basketball games — delivered personally by a former Gonzaga star. She even made sure Mona had a new hoodie and tee shirt so that she could cheer in style.
Mona’s reaction said everything: “I spent my career caring for others at Providence. To feel that same care coming back to me now… it means more than I can say.”
Happy to all who make moments like this possible. 💙