Nurse Appreciation Event at ECU Health Medical Center’s Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Cancer Care Tower

On Thursday, May 12^th, a light mist faded into cool, perfect weather for holding an appreciation event in honor of nurses and other healthcare workers at ECU Health Medical Center’s Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Cancer Care Tower, built by T. A. Loving Company in 2018. National Nurse Appreciation Week was recognized this year May 6^th through the 12^th, and this event ended the week in very high spirits. The event, held in the Healing Gardens area, was hosted for the second consecutive year by Barnhill Contracting Company and T. A. Loving Company. The two general contractors have completed many eastern North Carolina building projects and are both committed to serving this region. Nurse Appreciation Day was a great way to give back to the local community.

Close to 300 nurses and health care workers from the cancer tower participated. Everyone enjoyed lunch catered by Third Street Catering, a popular photo-booth area, give-aways and much fellowship. Of those in attendance were Eddie Smith, Jr., Chief Executive Officer for Grady-White Boats and Principal Donor for the Cancer Care campaign, Dr. Michael Waldrum, Chief Executive Officer for ECU Health and Dean of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Brian Floyd, President and Chief Operating Officer for ECU Health, Bob Barnhill, Chairman of the Board for Barnhill Contracting Company, as well as many other representatives from Barnhill Contracting Company, T. A. Loving Company, the ECU Health Cancer Care Team, and the Vidant Health Foundation.

The appreciation for nurses and other healthcare workers extends past this week, but the event provides a dedicated time to show the gratitude that these caring professionals deserve. Thank you to everyone involved in the coordination and success of this event, and to the participants for their many smiles and laughs throughout the day. Your positivity and encouragement make a difference in so many lives.