Elliot Volunteer, Karen Ross, Receives 2025 Pastoral Counseling Services Good Samaritan Award

Elliot Hospital proudly celebrates Karen Ross, a beloved volunteer, for receiving the 2025 Good Samaritan Award presented by Pastoral Counseling Services, Inc. (now BrightLeaf) on Oct. 9, 2025, in Manchester, N.H.

Karen has dedicated more than 15 years and 10,000 volunteer hours to serving Elliot Health System’s patients, families, and caregivers with extraordinary compassion. Karen wears many hats at Elliot Hospital including way finder, on-call volunteer, and NICU baby cuddler – a role she lovingly calls her “paycheck.” 

Karen’s acts of kindness go far beyond expectations. Over her years of service, she has selflessly gifted stuffed animals to children facing surgery, clothing for NICU babies whose families are in need, and even gift cards for parents spending long days at the hospital. She does all of this quietly, never seeking recognition, simply believing “it is my job and duty to take care of community.”
Her impact is deeply felt by the families and colleagues she supports. In reference to Karen’s caring nature, parents of a NICU patient said, “We loved that you sang to her and soothed her with French lullabies. You are absolutely incredible.”  
Additionally, a colleague shared, “Karen helped a distressed patient navigate to another facility in freezing temperatures with kindness and compassion.”
Karen was nominated for the Good Samaritan Award by Director of Community Relations and Volunteer Resources, Anne-Marie Hafeman.  

Karen said, “Thank you Anne Marie Hafeman for nominating me and your kind words and to the Pastoral Counseling Services for this honor - which I humbly and gratefully accept, not only in my name but in the name of all Sisters of Mercy. Since 2010, the Elliot Hospital has provided me with innumerable opportunities to be of service not only to patients but to the many parents and caregivers I encounter. Small acts of kindness are received with overwhelming gratitude…an offering cup of coffee; a small stuffed toy to a young child about to undergo surgery, or clothing for a newborn whose parents are financially unable to do so. Every day offers different opportunities to be kind and be of service.”
Karen’s volunteerism reflects the enduring spirit of mercy and selfless dedication to others. We are honored to have her as part of the Elliot Health System family.

Congratulations, Karen!  Thank you for all you do to serve with compassion and support everyone in the Elliot Health System family. 

Learn more about volunteering at Elliot Health System.