Advocating for patients

April 18, 2014

Hartford HealthCare social workers receive award for their dedication to patients.

Hartford HealthCare social workers Charmain Ali and Hillary Keller, who work on behalf of cancer patients at Hartford Hospital, have been awarded the first-ever Advocacy Award from the Connecticut Sports Foundation.

“We are extremely proud of Charmain and Hillary and the exemplary work they do every day on behalf of our patients,” said Donna Handley, vice president of operations for the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute. “They are richly deserving of this recognition.”

Ali and Keller were recognized at the Foundation’s annual Celebrity Dinner at Mohegan Sun on Feb. 7. The Foundation, which provides financial support to cancer patients across the state, praised the social workers for their tireless dedication on behalf of cancer patients at HHC. The Advocacy Award is intended for those who have a long history of partnering with the Foundation to make sure cancer patients in the greatest need are being assisted.

“It has been my great pleasure to have worked with Hillary and Charmain for many years; they are perfect examples of what an oncology social worker should be,” said Jane G. Ellis, president and executive director of the Foundation. “They stand out for their exceptional professionalism, compassion and attention given to each and every oncology patient that they refer to CSF. Cancer patients, at a critical time in their lives, are so fortunate to have them working on their behalf. They have set the bar extremely high for the award selection process in the future.”