Day of Remembrance and Reflection

Event Details

* A moment of silence to remember those who died from or contracted COVID-19
* Thoughts and reflections from Northwest Kidney Centers staff and community partners
* A tree planting ceremony at Northwest Kidney Centers’ headquarters in Burien, WA.

Paul Blakes, former kidney patient and transplant recipient, will emcee.

Community guest speakers

* Gregory Davis, Executive Director, Rainier Beach Action Coalition
* Reverend Mary Diggs-Hobson, Co-founder/Executive Director, AARTH Ministry

Northwest Kidney Centers representatives

* Rebecca Fox, President and CEO
* Liz McNamara, Vice President of Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer
* Suzanne Watnick, MD, Chief Medical Officer
* Carrie McCabe, Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer
* Bob Peck, Vice President of Human Resources
* Jane Pryor, Vice President of Development and Communications

In addition to the online ceremony, reflection boards have been installed at each of Northwest Kidney Centers’ 20 dialysis clinics in the Puget Sound region to record the thoughts of staff and patients. A permanent space for reflection has been installed at Northwest Kidney Centers Burien campus, with three golden Cyprus trees representing strength, resiliency and dependability, a sitting bench and a commemorative plaque that reads:

Dedicated on March 1, 2021 to all those affected by COVID-19

In this place of Reflection,
We remember and honor those we loved and lost,
We are grateful for those that recovered,
We are inspired by the courage and tireless compassion shown by all those who cared for them,
and we hold steadfast to our mission to promote quality of life, optimal health and independence for all those we serve.

A commemorative wreath and lanterns have been sent to every dialysis clinic to represent each patient who died from COVID-19. Tulips have also been sent to each clinic to represent each patient and staff member who survived COVID-19.