June 29, 2021
Act of Kindness
When bad things happen to good people, it’s often family who’s there to help. For Joe Wedin, a long-time CentraCare employee, it was his CentraCare family who sprang into action when he experienced a stroke of bad luck.
Wedin, a Sterile Core Specialist who’s worked at CentraCare for 20 years, had saved for years to purchase a Fat Tire bike – his primary mode of transportation that he used to commute to work year-round. But on June 7, he was getting ready to go home after finishing his shift at St. Cloud Hospital when he saw that his bike lock had been cut and his prized possession was gone.
Taking action
Larry Asplin, Director of Surgery, heard about what happened and wanted to do something. Asplin sent an email to the surgery team and the response was overwhelming. “Joe is much-loved and just a great employee,” said Asplin. “Donations came from across the department, including from some colleagues who hadn’t even met him before.” In total, the department raised $3,150 dollars, which was presented to Joe as a surprise during their department huddle meeting on June 22.
Thankful beyond words
“Words can’t express how overwhelming and emotional I felt,” said Wedin, who already purchased a new electric bicycle with the money he received. “I have amazing coworkers that I look forward to seeing every day, and the love and support they showed me makes me feel so blessed.”
Vanessa Hoff, Manager of Sterile Processing, joined Larry Asplin to unveil the oversized check that the team made up for him. “Joe is always wanting to do what’s right for his O.R. staff customers and has that ‘get it done’ attitude,” she said. “We’re very lucky to have him and I’m so glad we could help him out.”
Hoff added that the surgery team is like a big family. “We’re no strangers to raising money to help others – especially when one of our own is in need,” she said. “Over the years, we’ve done bake sales, silent auctions and donations like we did for Joe.”
That’s what family is all about.
Congratulations Joe! What a beautiful gift from your team.
Wow!!! Fabulous!!! How lovely!!! 🙂
Yay Joe. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy! Be careful out there Joe! Great story you guys and yes, great (past) co workers. Generous and kind.💕
SallyNicholson OLD Pacu
Joe,
You are valued and loved! Thank you for always being a team player & making a difference. Enjoy your new wheels!
We are so very lucky to have you in our big Surgery family!! You are an outstanding piece and an incredibly hard worker. May your new wheels take you on many fun adventures!
Thank you all so much for all the love and support you have shown me and you keep showing me on a daily basis. You’re all beautiful amazing people and I don’t know where my life would be without you. We support each other through the good and the bad. We truly are one big family. Words can’t express how much you all mean to me. We all have ups and downs in life but we’re always there for each other to help each other out. You all are truly beautiful amazing people. Words can’t say enough thank you. 😉😎👍🎈
How awesome! Joe is an awesome person. Loved working in the OR with him and the whole team. Everyone was an important part. Miss you all!
You guys are awesome. Joe is so lucky to have you in his life. And he deserves nothing but the best. And I see he has it in is work family
Sweet bike Joe!
Couldn’t of gone to a nicer guy!! Loved working with Joe all those years ago!
Congratulations Joe! You are such a wonderful asset to the Periop department! Thank you for everything you do each and every day!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story! Happy for Joe!
Thank you for sharing this story. It’s great to hear about these acts of kindness and teamwork 🙂
I am so happy to see this! You all are a true family that is very evident! Enjoy that new bike. 🙂
Joe is an awesome person and (past)coworker!!! The work family in the surgery department is second to none!! They all come together when one of them is down, so Happy for you Joe!!
That is awesome to know that co-workers have each others back!
What a wonderful outcome to an initial bad experience. It’s great to hear how our generous employees always step up to help a CentraCare family member – and others!
I’m crying. This is the sweetest thing ever. What an awesome team to get together to help one of their own.
That’s great! Such a nice thing to do!
Joe is one of a kind. Great employee and even better human! What a wonderful thing to do for him <3