We all know women who inspire hope in others with their thoughtful actions and help make our world a little kinder, gentler and warmer by their positive attitudes, gentle spirits and compassionate hearts. They give to others on a daily basis without asking for anything in return. They nurture and care for loved ones when they often are the ones who carry more burdens than those they seek to help.

They give to others of their time and money, often when they have neither of these; however, it doesn’t stop these caring women because they know there is always someone who is struggling more than they.

Caring women are all around us. They are blessed with special gifts and characteristics that set them apart from others.  These caring mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers, sisters, daughters, cousins, nieces and friends have inspired hope in others through their actions and they have made outstanding contributions to our community through their service to others.

Merit Health Natchez is proud to announce the ninth annual Caring Woman recognition program. We will be honoring Caring Women, as well as the individuals who nominated them, in a celebration luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 12. This invitation only event will pay tribute to the women who were nominated in the following categories:

4Perseverance — One who has overcome personal adversity

4Mentor — One who serves as a role model to encourage others

4Volunteer — One who invests in helping others

4Defender — One who champions the cause of a disadvantaged person or group

The first 100 nominations received by Sept. 25 will be recognized at the celebration luncheon and one extraordinary woman in each category will be selected as our 2017 Merit Health Natchez Caring Woman.

This year, Merit Health Natchez will set aside the week of Oct. 9 to 14 as Women of Merit Week. The week will kick off with a free expo event at the Natchez Convention Center.  Also included during the week will be a lunch and learn on women’s health issues, the Caring Women luncheon and a host of other opportunities for women in our area to get together and focus on their emotional, physical and fiscal well-being.  Our hospital, in conjunction with First Natchez Radio Group, is working hard to ensure this week will give women an opportunity to recharge, meet new friends, laugh, think and feel. With all the incredible demands and obligations placed on women, the events planned will help them maintain a healthy mind, body and spirit. Look for more details to follow.

In the meantime, please nominate your caring woman (women) by going online to www.listenupyall.com.  Your nomination will be submitted electronically and you never have to leave the comfort of your home or office. You may also pick up a hard copy of the application at the information desk at Merit Health Natchez and simply return it to the desk when you are finished.

Our panel of judges needs time to go through all nominations and time is needed to mail invitations; therefore, the deadline to nominate someone is Monday, Sept. 25.

Please take a few minutes and think of the women in your businesses, schools, churches, civic clubs and your personal lives who have made a difference to you and those around you. These women do not seek out recognition, so please help us show her how special she is and give her the recognition she deserves. We promise to make this luncheon one she will remember, and of course, she will always remember you — the one who made it possible for her to attend.
Eric Robinson is CEO of Merit Health Natchez.