2024 Servant Leader Awards

2024 Servant Leader Award

We are fortunate to have a strong community that works alongside us, strengthening our mission every day. This year, we are proud to honor six individuals with the Servant Leader Award. These inspiring leaders are shaping our care continuum through their dedication. The Servant Leader Award recognizes individuals who commit to putting the community above self and focusing on the greater good.

Nicole Cyr

Nicole’s spirit of hard work and determination is well-known throughout the organization. In 2013, she sustained an injury while playing soccer that initially seemed relatively minor. Over time, however, she developed neurological impairments that progressed, ultimately requiring her to use a wheelchair by 2017. While Nicole’s rehabilitation journey is ongoing, it has not diminished her drive to advocate for patient rights and equitable care.

Nicole WALKED across the graduation stage at Quinnipiac University to accept her undergraduate diploma, a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science Studies. This proud moment was the result of years of hard work—both academically and physically.

Nicole continued her advocacy, focusing on Dysautonomia Awareness even after graduation. After submitting a letter to Governor Ned Lamont, October was declared Dysautonomia Awareness Month in the State of Connecticut. She was also selected as the student representative on The Connecticut Association of Healthcare Executives (CTAHE) board.

Just recently, Nicole earned her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, with a concentration in Healthcare Management, from Quinnipiac University, graduating with a 4.0 GPA. She is a tremendous advocate, paving the way for institutions, including higher education, to design accessible programs for individuals of all abilities.

Mark Deluse

In 2012, Mark suffered a major stroke and was told he may never walk again. He regained his mobility and walked out of the hospital, after intensive therapy. Mark has since dedicated his life to giving back to others, motivated by the second chance he was given. He has volunteered in countless ways, including supporting stroke support group participants and serving as a therapy partner in the outpatient gym.

Mark encourages and motivates those who are just beginning their journey of rebuilding their lives, and many have credited him with being the voice of hope when they had none.

Mark shares his story and lives his values, running with Team Special Care in almost every 5K and marathon that supports the hospital and serving as an advocate for the hospital.

Laura Roix

Laura needed a lung transplant after being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), but first, she had to build her strength to become a candidate. That’s when she came to Hospital for Special Care’s Pulmonary Rehab program, which helped her strengthen her lungs and qualify for a lung transplant in 2017.

Since this life-changing event, Laura has taken the initiative to advocate on behalf of patients with IPF. She helped start and run an IPF support group and has spoken before the Food and Drug Administration about the need to approve two new drugs. She also advocated with First Lady Jill Biden about data gathering from patient records as part of the “Moon Shot Initiative” and with Senator Chris Murphy on the importance and effectiveness of Pulmonary Rehab.

After her lung transplant, Laura joined Team Special Care and walked the 5K at the Hartford Marathon in 2018, where she became an inspiration to patients facing lung disease.

Brian Savo

Brian Savo was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2009 when he was told he would have 2-5 years to live.

Since then, he has dedicated every year to giving back, helping make a difference for ALS patients, and advocating for a cure.

Brian has partnered with us as a spokesperson for the ALS community, most recently through the MahoneySabol 5K at the Traveler’s Championship which has benefitted Hospital for Special Care’s ALS Center of Excellence and the Neuromuscular Center. Through this event, he encourages the community to contribute and increase funding for research, care, and support for patients facing this disease.

Brian continues to give hope to the ALS community through his strength, determination, and resolve. He advocates for ALS patients and their families throughout Connecticut, having joined in numerous advocacy action days and fundraising missions.

Juliana and Nino Pisanzio

Nino and Juliana are the owners of La Marea restaurant in Old Saybrook, where their love for food is matched only by their love for people and community. They support countless causes and are always there to spread kindness and compassion in the community. Nino was so moved by our Autism patient story about Ally and Jackie and was compelled to do something. We were thrilled when they decided to hold a very successful tribute and fundraiser to support our hospital’s Autism Program.