Female heroes recognized on International Women’s Day

By Kamryn Cusumano

Three local women are being recognized as unsung heroes in the Windsor-Essex community.

Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital’s Changing Lives Together Foundation is partnering with the In Honour of the Ones We Love organization to celebrate and give acknowledgement to three women who they believe deserve to be recognized for their phenomenal behind the scenes work.

“It was here in our office that we decided that we wanted to nominate them,” said Anita Imperioli, founder and president of In Honour of the Ones We Love. “We work very closely with these ladies and they do so much in our community to give back so much of themselves and I don’t think people realize what they do.”

Lina and Linda Sabatini are twin sisters who will be receiving this award for the behind the scenes work they do at Hospice of Windsor and Essex County. The sisters were encouraged by their parents to volunteer with Hospice after graduating from high school. They began working with the organization after a work-grant became available and they have been there since, coming up on 35 years.

“For me personally, it speaks to working behind the scenes for patients and families ensuring that they get what they need,” said Linda, Hospice service coordinator. “Working with a dynamic team to help fulfill those goals. So, for myself it’s about walking along side someone and being a part of their care team. That speaks volumes.”

Hospice of Windsor and Essex County provides more than 40 wellness programs in their education center and compassionate end of life care at the Hospice villages in Windsor and Leamington. The sisters say they are able to appreciate the work they do having been the recipient of Hospice care for their father who was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago.

“The honour for having been chosen for this award is actually knowing that this work that I do has actually helped my family,” said Linda. “I’ve talked the talk and now I’ve actually walked it. I know what people are looking for and I know what struggles they’ve had as a caregiver. I know the impact it has had on us as a family going through the bereavement part of it. So, part of it is a legacy to him, the work I do because it made me want to do this even more.”

Lina, executive assistant at Hospice, said when she was told about the award she was floored.

“I actually thought it was a joke at first,” said Lina. “To be thought of is humbling and it’s very kind. I still get uncomfortable talking about it because it’s not a big deal, but they make it a big deal.”

The sisters said they are happy to share this recognition with each other and the third recipient Tish Harcus.

“I think they are amazing ladies that are so gifted,” said Imperioli. “Giving back to this community and people who have different disabilities and life-threatening illnesses, and to charities standing by their sides in any shape or form and help them, these ladies are extremely admirable.”

The women will receive their awards at an event taking place at Windsor Yacht Club to benefit women’s mental health programs at Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital, on March 8.