Menu Close

Passion for compassion: Health care heroes in cancer, burn units

Greg Tilque, Senior Economic Development Manager, GPCC
Greg Tilque, Senior Economic Development Manager, GPCC

In my role overseeing the business retention and expansion program of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce’s Phoenix Forward economic development initiative, I get to meet amazing business owners and employees daily.

The Phoenix Forward initiative is designed, developed, and driven by the business community to put a focus on a more robust, dynamic business retention and expansion program. It also supports local businesses in targeted industry sectors poised for growth and expansion. I have met with hundreds of companies, big and small, during the past two years. I get to hear both their stories of triumph and the struggles they faced—and overcame—in starting their business and the challenges they face every day to keep it going.

While I meet with companies in every sector, those who work in health care impact me the most. I am constantly amazed and impressed at the dedication, compassion, and commitment displayed by professionals who provide services to people facing life-threatening situations.

Recently, I met with two companies that reminded me how much I appreciate the doctors and other medical professionals who provide care to burn victims and people with cancer. My spirits are always lifted when I see how the staff at these facilities care so much for the people they are helping heal.

These doctors, nurses, caregivers, and even the front office staff should be applauded for all they do to help people. These caregivers have a deep love for helping others who are likely experiencing the worst life has ever dealt them.

Through these visits, I have had the great privilege of meeting people like Pat Kardos, director of nursing at the Arizona Burn Center. She has dedicated her life to the nursing profession and is teaching others how to continue that tradition of having a caring heart and showing incredible professionalism, even when the times get rough. She is a shining example of what it means to give selflessly.

From the front desk staff who warmly greet patients when they arrive at the office to the doctors and nurses who go out of their way to make burn victims feel as comfortable as possible, these people are unsung heroes.

Thanks to all of the healthcare professionals and caregivers out there who work hard to make our lives better and help us recover. They enrich the lives of so many people when they need it most. Please take time to thank these people when you get a chance. No one deserves it more.

Phoenix Forward is a coordinated, strategic approach to economic development established by the Great Phoenix Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the Arizona Commerce Authority, the City of Phoenix, and Maricopa County. The business retention and expansion program is an aggressive outreach program focused on connecting businesses to resources, building sustainable relationships, and obtaining industry intelligence that is analyzed to identify trends and strategize on key economic indicators.