Plattsburgh, NY – When Matthew Kuhn picked up the phone one morning, he didn’t expect the conversation to bring him relief. His mother had recently undergone surgery for a hip fracture and was recovering at University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital. Like many families navigating complex care decisions, Kuhn was doing his best to understand what would help his mother most.

Because of her advanced dementia and pain, he said she often struggled to work with physical therapy teams during their evaluations.

“I wasn’t sure what else to do. I felt very defeated,” Kuhn says, adding he was worried he was running out of ways to help her keep improving.

That’s when Kate Juntunen, a case manager at the hospital, came into the picture. Kuhn says what stood out to him immediately was how she listened.

“She was compassionate, understanding and listened to my requests patiently,” he shares.

Kuhn said he explained why he believed his mother might still benefit from rehabilitation, even if progress looked different because of her dementia. What mattered most to him, he said, was knowing that every small step could improve her quality of life.

He recalls that Juntunen not only heard him out but made him feel that his concerns mattered. An hour after speaking on the phone initially, she called him back with unexpected news: she had located a three week rehabilitation placement for his mother.

“In one hour, she lifted a very heavy weight off my shoulders and heart,” Kuhn says.

He also said Juntunen took time to visit his mother in person – something he described as especially meaningful.

“That really showed her caring character,” Kuhn says. “She exemplifies what an advocate for the patient should be.”

His mother was transferred to the rehabilitation facility the next day. According to Kuhn, therapists worked patiently with her. She was able to stand, transition and take five steps – small victories he and his family cherished. Kuhn’s mother has since passed away. But for him, Juntunen’s actions stand out as a moment of true humanity during a difficult time.

“Kate made a difference when it mattered most,” he says. “The world needs more of her kindness. We are forever grateful.”

That compassion is why Juntunen has been named the hospital’s newest BEE Award honoree. She was presented with the honor during a surprise ceremony with her colleagues. During the award presentation, she was presented with a certificate commending her for her extraordinary work. Juntunen, like all honorees, also received a BEE Award pin, a beautiful and meaningful sculpture and a basket filled with bee-themed gifts.

All Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital employees who support patient care by working together with physicians and registered nurses to improve the physical, emotional and spiritual health of patients and their loved ones are eligible for the BEE Award. Nomination forms and boxes are located at each of the hospital’s main entrances and on the UVM Health Network website. Support staff may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. A committee reviews nominations and awards a deserving employee each quarter.

University of Vermont Health – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital 
75 Beekman Street 
Plattsburgh, NY 12901 

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About Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital 

University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital is a 300-bed level III trauma center trusted by 87,000 people across New York’s North Country. Our staff are committed to delivering care with skill, compassion and respect — supporting patients, families and the communities we call home. As part of a rural academic health system, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital combines high-quality, community-based care with medical innovation and research to bring advanced treatment as close to home as possible. Together, we’re addressing health care’s toughest challenges while working alongside partners and neighbors to improve access, affordability and outcomes for our region.

About University of Vermont Health Network

University of Vermont Health Network is a rural academic health system with more than 100 years of service to small towns and cities across Vermont and northern New York. We are deeply committed to reimagining rural health in ways that will benefit our communities for generations to come and keep exceptional care close to home. Our system includes an academic medical center, two community hospitals, three critical access hospitals, a children’s hospital, a cancer center, a multispecialty medical group, 154 outpatient sites and care beyond the hospital through home health, hospice care, four skilled nursing facilities and other support services. Our care is informed by an essential partnership with University of Vermont’s The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine and College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Together, as a health system serving a rural area, we are tackling health care’s biggest challenges — supporting the communities we serve and investing in our employees by addressing housing affordability, quality childcare and professional development needs. To learn more, visit us at www.uvmhealth.org.