Mount Pleasant, WI (October 30, 2023) – Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) today presented Melissa Friesema, an oncology nurse at the Advocate Aurora Medical Center in Mount Pleasant with Wisconsin’s First Congressional District’s 2023 Health Care Worker of the Year Award. In addition, Hannah Steele, a registered pediatric nurse and Gary Homeier, a nurse practitioner were recognized as Health Care Heroes.
2023 Health Care Worker of the Year Melissa Friesema
The 2023 Health Care Worker of the Year Award was presented to Melissa Friesema, an oncology nurse at Advocate Aurora Medical Center in Mount Pleasant. Melissa is known for showing true compassion to her patients by always going the extra mile to help them not only understand the treatment they are receiving, but also to encourage them along the way. Melissa steps beyond the call of duty and dedicates time in her personal life to support her patients outside of the medical center.
Health Care Hero Hannah Steele
A Health Care Hero certificate was presented to Hannah Steele, a registered pediatric nurse at Advocate Aurora Medical Center. Prior to her time at the medical center, Hannah gallantly served in the Navy as a Division Officer at the Medical Home Port, Navy Readiness and Training Command Great Lakes. Hannah is described as the epitome of a hardworking professional who demonstrates strength and determination in every aspect of her life. Hannah’s Health Care Hero recognition comes after already being acknowledged as a “Best of the best” in military medicine.
Health Care Hero Gary Homeier
An additional Health Care Hero certificate was presented to Gary Homeier, an acute critical care nurse practitioner who has served and cared for patients in Kenosha, Racine, Mount Pleasant, and Milwaukee for the last 13 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gary took it upon himself to be on the frontlines where his passion to deliver quality care to those in need shined bright. Gary is dedicated to training others in the health care field and passes along the mantra he lives by, that true healing begins in the community to which you belong.
NOTE: Recipients of these awards were nominated by local Wisconsin citizens and selected by Wisconsin’s First Congressional District’s Health Care Advisory Board. The Health Care Advisory Board is comprised of health care professionals across Southeast Wisconsin.
