Henrieta Sulag, STNA, CHPNA, joined the Hospice of Dayton staff four years ago.  How she came to Hospice of Dayton and why she is so committed to our mission is an inspirational story.
Henrieta Sulaj was born in Albania, the daughter of a physician and a journalist.  Like her brothers, Henrieta earned a degree in mathematics and served as a teacher for over 28 years.   When she arrived in Chicago twelve years ago, she spoke no English, and struggled to find work for over a year.  Finally (and fortunately for Hospice of Dayton) she became a nursing assistant at Dayton area extended care facilities. While at Kingston, she encountered members of the Hospice of Dayton staff, and embraced the hospice mission as her own.  “I could not help my mother when she became ill and needed me there,” Henrieta says.  “So I told her I was going to help other people, and treat them as I would have treated her.”

Henrieta’s heart is with Crisis Care.  Asked why, she explains “It’s the personal relationships with patients and families.  If I make the patient comfortable, I am comforting the family.  I want to help them find peace.”  Sometimes families are suspicious and unwelcoming because of her accent.  ”When I can win over those families, it makes me so happy!” she says.  She extends her love of her own family as she cares for patients.  “I was not able to kiss my Mom good-bye.  I can kiss my patients.  It’s so personal.”