Women’s Health
Spirit of Women Awards
Spirit of Women at Christiana Care celebrates the talent and dedication of those who devote themselves to making their communities healthier, safer and more inspirational places for women with the Christiana Care Spirit of Women Awards.
The Spirit of Women Awards focus on celebrating unrecognized individuals making an impact on women's health. Winners are selected based on contributions they make to their communities through their work and their service activities.
Spirit of Women Award winners are selected from the three following categories:
Young Person Role Model (ages 14-21)
Nominees may be lacking in the life experience, but they more than make up for it with intensity. They organize or participate in a group that shares information, material goods, education, entertainment or inspiration with the people who need them-in their home, their school or their community.
Community Hero (at least 21 years of age)
Nominees take the initiative when they see room for improvement or when they recognize a need that is not being met in the community. They work to make a positive change for the good of their community.
Health Care Hero (clinical professional)
By the very nature of their work, health care providers are supposed to have attributes that set them apart from most other people. These nominees shine brighter than others through the care given to their job-or to the person-in front of them, even when a myriad of demands and commitments are swirling around them.
2009 Spirit of Women Award Winners
Lavaida Owens White
Health Care Hero Award Winner
Throughout her 45 years in nursing, Lavaida Owens White has touched the lives of thousands, both physically and spiritually. In her current role as a Faith Community Nurse in Community Health Outreach and Education at Christiana Care, Lavaida educates and informs women, men and their families throughout the community, promoting health screenings and emphasizing the importance of a healthy mind, body and spirit. She also counsels community members in need of spiritual guidance. For the past decade, she has spearheaded a statewide awareness program promoting the growing movement for health ministry and faith community nursing. Last year she implemented the first training for Basic Health Ministry and Parish Nursing for the Christiana Care Health System.
Anna Marie Farro
Community Hero Award Winner
Anna Marie Farro is a melanoma survivor and tireless advocate for women with skin cancer in the Delaware community. Diagnosed with Stage III melanoma in 2006, Anna has dedicated herself to raising awareness of the causes and prevention of melanoma. Much of her effort focused on educating young women about melanoma awareness, the importance of sun safety and the dangers of tanning and skin cancer. Anna serves as a volunteer at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and is co-founder of Miles for Melanoma of Delaware, a non-profit organization that has raised more than $90,000 for the Melanoma Research Foundation since 2006.
Julianne Dominelli
Young Person Role Model Award Winner
Julianne volunteers for the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, raising money and awareness for pediatric cancers in the state of Delaware. She recently organized and hosted a variety show for the foundation, recruiting singers, dancers and guitar players. She even performed herself, helping raise $850 for cancer research. She serves as a speaker for the foundation, educating local Girl Scout troops and the Student Council of Delaware about the need for additional pediatric cancer research. Julianne was recently recognized for her work on behalf of the B+ Foundation by the Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen organization.
