Ellsbury was nominated for her compassion, respect, and excellent work at the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home.

“Cindy was compassionate and professional in her conversation, and yet explained in simple words for my understanding. The time spent with her was helpful and meaningful, heartwarming and kind,” read a nomination. “Cindy was kind and supportive about the decisions we were making for my dad. She made me feel heard when I came to her with concerns, and she had a calm serenity about her.”

Ellsbury personally experienced hospice during high school when her mother was sick with metastatic breast cancer. She and her father interacted with their hospice team in their home and felt the communication could be improved.

“We weren’t sure what was happening or what we should do,” said Ellsbury.

Now in her role, Ellsbury feels it is important to teach family members the signs and symptoms of death, along with how to care for their loved ones by managing their symptoms.

“Hospice is important to me, and to my heart, because of my past,” she said. “I feel like I am here for a reason, and I cannot think of anywhere else I would rather be. I have realized through hospice that many people in our community are suffering quietly and you do not really know what someone is going through. Pause, be patient and courteous.”

The annual award was created by the Hofbauer family in memory of Debbie Hofbauer, a past patient of UnityPoint Hospice, to recognize hospice team members. Families and caregivers of patients can submit nominations for employees based on compassion, respect, excellence, attitude, trust, teamwork, and growth.

Ellsbury has been a registered nurse since 1995, first at Trinity Regional Medical Center for 16 years, before moving over to the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home. She enjoys vacationing with her family, hiking, and gardening.