Joan Cashin
Joan Cashin would probably be surprised to learn
that friends, neighbors and family had set up a foundation to
further the ideals she stood for. She considered herself just
an "everyday person." In fact, her life was very basic
in may ways. She was baptized, received First Communion, was Confirmed,
Married and ultimately had her Funeral Mass all in the same Church
just 2 city blocks from the house in which she was born.
Joan's positive influence traveled far beyond
her immediate reach, however. Upon her death one neighbor responding
to Joan's self-evaluation as an "everyday person" said
that John was "everyday in the same way that the sun is an
everyday event. She warmed those around her with her smile and
her caring. Her example helped others see better what they could
not and should do. Her steadfastness inspired hope in all who
knew her."
For much of her life, Joan Cashin served in
the health care field. At various times she was the Head Nurse
of an Intensive Care Unity, a Cardiac Care Unit, a Post Op Unit
and other areas where patient needs are most intense as are the
demands on the caregivers skills.
Though her administrative talents were exceptional
that's not what made Joan special. She was very much a hands on
caregiver - staying late for her patients, fighting on their behalf
and grieving when she lost one. Joan was the first to respond
to a cry, to ask before being called, and to stop and chat when
a patient looked lonely or frightened. The impact was great and
some grateful patients maintained contact for years.
Even when Multiple Sclerosis ended her career,
she did not give in. She continued to help and inspire others
for nearly 18 years, losing mobility but never her smile nor caring
nature.
In her final 2 year struggle with cancer, her
lifelong role was somewhat reversed. Now it was the caregivers
who were cheered and inspired by Joan and her new role as a dying
patient whose body and bones might break but her spirit never
would.
It was in Joan's death that all of us realized
how far her influence and inspiration had reached. Over 1,000
gestures of sympathy and condolences poured in from all across
the country. Even those who had never met Joan had only heard
of her from others were moved. Among these John Cardinal O'Connor
and Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity sent particularly
eloquent tributes to Joan's struggle and example. Everyone whos
life was even partially touched by Joan was moved. From the postman
to the newspaper boy to even the garbage man, all were moved by
the lady with the wonderful smile and the encouraging word for
everyone.
That's why all of us banded together to form
the Joan Cashin Foundation. It is dedicated to assisting those
organizations that show the helpful, caring, encouraging traits
that were Joan Cashin. We are happy that your efforts meet those
ideals.
This write up accompanied the award letter.
The Xavier High School community is very grateful to the Joan
Cashin Foundation, particularly Arthur D. Cashin, Jr., and the
Rev. Dan Gatti, S.J.
