Cedar Valley Hospice receives HPCAI
Excellence in Care Award
The Hospice & Palliative Care Association of Iowa (HPCAI) presented Cedar Valley Hospice with the inaugural Excellence in Care Award at a special ceremony in Des Moines on Dec. 1. The event, held annually, also acknowledges dedicated volunteers from around the state, which included five Cedar Valley Hospice volunteers.
The Excellence in Care Award recognizes a hospice or palliative care organization that leads with innovation, quality, and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. Nominees must be a HPCAI member and uphold the highest standards in clinical quality, family support and community engagement, serving as a model for excellence in end-of-life care.
“We are honored to be chosen amongst the hospice organizations in Iowa to receive this award,” said Cedar Valley Hospice Chief Executive Officer Michaela Vandersee. “It truly is a testament to our committed staff and volunteers, who devote their hearts to helping patients and their families Make Each Moment Matter.”
The five volunteers honored were: Ashley Utley and Tyann Rouw from the Waterloo locations; Karen Ryan from the Waverly location; Rosetta Anderson from the Independence location; and Shelly Hook from the Grundy Center location.
For more information or to request care, visit cvhospice.org or call 319.272.2002 or 800.626.2360.
Honored Volunteers
From left: Ashley Utley, Tyann Rouw, Karen Ryan, Rosetta Anderson, Shelly Hook
Ashley Utley, Waterloo
As a member of the Cedar Valley Hospice Friends Committee, Ashley helps raise funds and awareness for Cedar Valley Hospice through events and advocacy. She attends monthly meetings with enthusiasm, always offering fresh ideas and jumping in wherever needed. Whether assisting with setup, teardown, creating decor or recruiting her family to help, Ashley ensures every event runs smoothly.
At the Release & Remember event, Ashley’s generosity shines. She not only sells T-shirts but personally donates commemorative items such as butterfly glasses, stickers and handmade butterfly bracelets. This year, she made over 500 bracelets to sell at the event, raising nearly $2,000 for our patients and families. In just four years, Ashley has become an invaluable part of the organization.
Tyann Rouw, Cedar Falls
Tyann Rouw has been a volunteer since 2024 and has already made an incredible impact. She serves as a patient/family volunteer and is a valued presence at the Hospice Home, where she consistently brings kindness to everyone she welcomes. Her calming presence and sincere compassion offer comfort during some of life’s most difficult moments.
Tyann has formed meaningful connections with the patients she visits and is incredibly grateful for these experiences – most recently with a patient she sees weekly who is living with dementia. Her gratitude for the opportunity to serve is evident. Tyann also volunteered at Cedar Valley Hospice’s youth grief camp, where she provided support and encouragement to young people coping with loss. Her empathy and gentle nature allowed her to connect deeply with campers, helping them feel seen, understood and supported.
Karen Ryan, Sumner
Karen Ryan has been a part of the Cedar Valley Hospice family since 2017, and from the very beginning, her compassion and kindness have stood out in everything she does. Karen is the kind of volunteer you can always count on — steady, dependable and willing to take on any new assignment that comes her way.
What makes Karen truly special is the way she connects with patients and families. She has a natural gift for bringing comfort in difficult moments, offering quiet support at the bedside, or simply being a calm and caring presence when words aren’t enough. Her service reflects the very best of what hospice stands for — dignity, compassion and love. She has touched countless lives and her grace, empathy and heart shines through with every visit she makes.
Rosetta Anderson, Oelwein
Rosetta Anderson of Oelwein has been a patient/family volunteer for 11 years. She felt called to give back after Cedar Valley Hospice took great care of her father. Rosetta has helped several patients throughout her volunteer tenure. Some of her experiences stand out; in particular, one gentleman who requested a volunteer to play cards with him. Rosetta admits she didn’t know how to play, but the patient taught her, and from there on they had so much fun! When Rosetta learned of our GEM program that helps carry out patients’ wishes, she recommended a patient who would love to go fishing. He was selected to enjoy an afternoon of fishing at his favorite spot with his Cedar Valley Hospice care team… including Rosetta!
Since she is a baker and gardener, she often takes flower cuttings from her garden or baked good to her patients when she visits. “It really brightens their day,” she said, “and I love to share with them.” Rosetta is also a great advocate, regularly visiting her local library looking to ensure Cedar Valley Hospice information is available on its community resource wall. She is a special volunteer with so much kindness, positivity and compassion.
Shelly Hook, Grundy Center
Shelly Hook is an outstanding and dedicated volunteer who joined in 2014. Her compassion shines in every interaction. As an active patient/family volunteer, she gives her whole heart to those she visits. She builds genuine, caring relationships with patients and families, offering comfort, companionship and support during some of their most tender moments.
In addition to her patient visits, Shelly generously volunteers at the Hospice Home, filling shifts and supporting both staff and families with the same kindness and compassion. Her caring spirit, smile and positive attitude shine through as she warmly greets patients, families, and visitors, making each person feel welcomed, valued and supported. Shelly often shares, “If I can make a difference in someone else’s day and put a smile on their face, that fills my heart.” This simple yet powerful statement captures her spirit perfectly.
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what inspires us
Enriching lives in the Cedar Valley is at the forefront of our mission. We are experts in providing hospice and palliative care, grief support and providing additional services for those with life changing diagnoses. As a not-for-profit organization, your gifts make our mission possible!
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