HCCN honors two Wholeness of Life recipients at annual gala

HealthCare Chaplaincy Network recognized two New York health care professionals at its Wholeness of Life Gala in New York City on Thursday, highlighting the organization’s push to expand spiritual care in health care. The event also raised funds and awareness for HCCN’s mission to improve patient experience and support care for the human spirit.

Why it matters: - HCCN’s Wholeness of Life Gala is the organization’s largest source of awareness and fundraising. - The event supports HCCN’s mission to integrate spiritual care into health care and improve patient experience and patient satisfaction. - The gala honors caregivers who serve patients and families through physical, emotional and spiritual support.

What happened: - HealthCare Chaplaincy Network named two 2026 Wholeness of Life Award recipients at its gala on Thursday at Il Cortile in New York City. - The honorees are Akina Awano, Clinical Nurse III at Hospital for Special Surgery, and Desiree Borré, LMSW, Director of Patient and Family Services at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children. - Both recipients are based in New York. - The gala marked more than 60 years of service by HCCN. - The event’s mission is to advance the integration of spiritual care in health care and recognize contributions to caring for the human spirit.

The details: - Rev. Eric J. Hall, HCCN’s president and CEO, said the organization was pleased to honor two individuals who embody its mission to care for the whole person: spirit, mind and body. - Hall said the award recipients commit heart and soul to improving the well-being of the people they serve and work with. - Awano joined HSS in 2018 and works in the stepdown unit caring for vulnerable patients. - HSS colleagues describe Awano as a compassionate caregiver, attentive listener, skilled communicator and calming presence for patients and staff. - Awano works with an interdisciplinary team to support excellent care and a respectful, collaborative environment. - A colleague wrote that being around Awano inspires others to be better caregivers and better people. - Awano joined the 2026 Operation Walk NYC medical mission to Antigua, Guatemala, where she helped deliver orthopedic care to patients with limited access to high-quality treatment. - Operation Walk is an all-volunteer medical humanitarian organization that provides joint replacement surgeries at no cost in the United States and globally. - Awano is also pursuing a master’s degree while caring for her three young children. - Borré has more than 20 years of service at St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital. - Borré holds a master’s degree in social work from Fordham University. - Her background spans foster care, early intervention, early education, health care, mental health and counseling services. - For the past nine years, Borré has led the Patient and Family Services team. - Borré regularly makes time for families, listens to their concerns and helps them advocate for their children. - HCCN said Borré reflects the mission and values of St. Mary’s and embodies the Wholeness of Life Award through leadership, advocacy, compassion and service. - The gala will also recognize 10 additional Patient Care Honorees for their service. - HCCN said all honorees represent the meaning of Caring for the Human Spirit. - The honorees are listed on the Wholeness of Life Gala website. - Hall said HCCN continues to lead in the integration of spiritual care through clinical practice, education, research and advocacy. - Hall also said the organization has long supported people facing life’s most profound challenges, regardless of beliefs. - Donations can be made through HCCN’s donation page.

Between the lines: - The award choices spotlight frontline clinicians and family-support leadership, not just chaplaincy roles. - HCCN is using the gala to reinforce spiritual care as part of broader patient-centered care, not a separate service. - The inclusion of a medical mission and family advocacy work suggests the organization values impact beyond hospital walls.

What's next: - HCCN will continue promoting the gala as a fundraising and awareness platform for its programs. - The organization will keep advancing spiritual care through clinical practice, education, research and advocacy. - Additional honorees will be recognized as part of the gala program and featured on the event website.