By RYAN SKAITH
Mosaic Life Care has officially named Suzanne Goddard, care manager for Serious Illness Management at St. Joseph Medical Center, as the recipient of the 2025 Servant’s Heart Award.
As part of the recognition, the health system donated $500 to the St. Joseph Friends of the Animal Shelter, a charity personally selected by Goddard.
The Servant’s Heart Award is the highest honor for caregivers at Mosaic Life Care, recognizing those who display "extraordinary compassion and a strong commitment to serving others." Goddard was nominated by her colleagues following a remarkable act of kindness for a patient facing end-of-life challenges. When the patient had to move into a facility that did not allow pets, Goddard adopted the patient’s dog herself and brought the animal back for regular visits.
“This award is about caregivers who go above and beyond for their patients,” said Mike Poore, FACHE, CEO of Mosaic Life Care. “Suzanne’s actions show the true meaning of a servant’s heart. She didn’t just care for a patient – she cared for what mattered most to that patient. It’s incredibly humbling to work alongside caregivers like Suzanne who serve with such compassion.”
Goddard, who expressed deep honor at the recognition, emphasized that her primary motivation was the well-being of the person under her care.
“You don’t go into nursing or caregiving for recognition,” Goddard said. “But when you can do something small that makes such a big difference for someone, it’s always worth it. Helping her know her dog was safe lifted a huge weight off her shoulders. It brought her peace.”
Goddard’s decision to direct the donation to St. Joseph Friends of the Animal Shelter was driven by her desire to help those who cannot speak for themselves. “Animals don’t have a voice,” she explained. “The shelter does so much for the community and for animals in need. It just felt like the right place.”
Jenn Kline, president of the board of directors for Friends of the Animal Shelter, noted that the donation arrives at a critical time as animal welfare organizations face overcrowding and financial strain.
“Hearing her story truly brought tears to my eyes,” Kline said. “Caring for people during such vulnerable moments and giving them peace of mind is an incredible gift. That kindness means more than words can say.”
The $500 contribution will be used to fund medical care for sick and injured animals, support adoption programs, and maintain community services such as spay and neuter programs.