Meaningful Reflections: August 2025 Human Sunshine Award 

By Kim Crawford Meeks
Spiritual Health & Counseling Manager

The definition for our Human Sunshine Awards is written on the award and states:

“Human Sunshine ‘you’: A person whose smile can light up a room, whose laughter is infectious and whose energy is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. They spread joy and happiness wherever they go, and their positivity is contagious.”

I had not received any nominations for the Human Sunshine Award this month, so I reflected on which employee among the USA Health facilities encompasses this definition of light to our world.

Immediately, I thought of the clerk in The Shoppe at University Hospital. The aroma in the gift shop is comforting with coffee flavors and candle fragrances dancing in the air. The gifts and goodies are thoughtful, fun, of excellent quality, and there is a wonderful variety. The candies and treats very much make one feel like a kid in a candy store. There is a special quality beyond the look, aroma, and merchandise.

The feeling and experience in the University Hospital gift shop provided by Ashley Peyer, Pat Taylor and Hannah Mabry provide that extra quality. 

The recipient of the Human Sunshine Award this month is Hannah Mabry because she immediately came to mind when I was thinking through the many employees I know in our system. Hannah fits the description perfectly, because her smile lights up any room, her laughter is infectious, her energy is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, she spreads joy and happiness wherever she goes, and her positivity is contagious. I think quite possibly she can be seen from other planets and the heavens because of her radiant light.

For the first time in my Human Sunshine Award articles, I want to directly write a message to our recipient:

Dearest Hannah,

Your light, joy, compassion, and love leave an imprint on the hearts of those who meet you and a feeling of hope in their souls. 

Let your light shine!

Blessings,

Chaplain Kim Crawford Meeks

What is your role at USA Health and how long have you been here? 

My main role at USA Health is helping customers find suitable gifts, apparel, and essential items in The Shoppe at University Hospital. I have had the honor of being with USA Health since May 2021.

What do you love about your job here? 

I love having the opportunity to serve people within my community. It brings me joy to help patients, families, and employees feel seen, supported, and cared for.  

Does your role impact patients, families, employees? If so, how?

I feel my role impacts patients, families, and employees by providing them with a warm and welcoming atmosphere while they are at our hospital.  

Do you find fulfillment in your role? If so, how?

I feel like I make a difference in small, yet meaningful, ways by providing encouragement, comfort, support, and kindness to our customers.

Our theme for Spiritual Health and Counseling this year is “If you can't find the sunshine, be the sunshine. When the world is bleak around you, how do you find the sunshine?”

I find the sunshine through my faith in Jesus Christ, focusing on small acts of kindness and practicing gratitude.

Is there someone who you think of when you think of human sunshine?

When I think of human sunshine I think of many people in my life, such as my family, friends, and coworkers. 

Is there a quote that brings you sunshine on a cloudy day?

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13 . 

Chaplain Kim Crawford Meeks | Spiritual Health and Counseling Department

Learn more about Spiritual Health and Counseling at USA Health. Patients, family members, and USA Health associates are encouraged to call the Meaningful Reflections Line at 251-445-9016 for a daily recorded word of encouragement.