News : Virginia Gay Hospital Celebrates Legacy of Care, Compassion and Community

Virginia Gay Hospital Celebrates Legacy Honorees, Recognizing a Legacy of Care, Compassion, and Community

The Virginia Gay Hospital and Clinics and VGH Health Care Foundation recently hosted its annual Legacy Honors Celebration, an evening dedicated to honoring individuals whose service, leadership, and compassion have shaped the heart of healthcare in Benton County.

The evening began with a warm welcome from Tina Eden, Chief Executive Officer, who spoke on the theme “Growth, Patient Access, Staff Strength, and the Importance of Community.” Eden shared updates on the hospital’s continued expansion of services, including the launch of a diabetes education program, growth in wound care, specialized orthopedic and therapy services, and the addition of new outreach and telehealth offerings.

“Everything we do centers around the patients we serve,” Eden said. “Our growth is intentional, our access is expanding, our staff is stronger than ever, and our community remains at the heart of it all.”

Eden also celebrated the hospital’s “Zero Deficiency” survey results across multiple departments, a reflection of VGH’s high standards in patient safety and quality care, and recognized new leadership appointments, including Amanda Seiler as Director of Nursing, Lisa Rule as Director of Emergency Services, and Audrie Sigman as Nursing & Rehab Administrator.

Mary Barkdoll, Clipper Corner owner presented VGH Health Care Foundation with a $2,310 check from her Gifts of Hope Fundraiser. Mary has been an integral part in raising breast cancer awareness and that early detection saves lives! Over the last 5 years, Mary has raised over $10,000 to support the fund. VGH is grateful for her dedication and support for those in our community.

This year’s honorees, Tracey Franzenburg, RN; the late Harold Vanscoy, PA-C; Kris Goranson, LPN; and Lu Horak, represent more than a century of collective service to patients, families, and colleagues. Each has left a lasting mark on Virginia Gay Hospital, embodying the spirit of care that continues to define quality care close to home.

Tracey Franzenburg, RN was honored for 37 years of service marked by compassion, mentorship, and professionalism. Known for her positivity and steady presence, Franzenburg served in multiple nursing roles across the hospital and was admired by colleagues as both a “work mom” and a teacher. Her dedication to learning, teamwork, and patient advocacy inspired generations of caregivers. “Tracey made every patient’s experience brighter and every coworker’s day better,” shared presenter Denise Evans.

The late Harold Vanscoy, PA-C, was recognized posthumously for his extraordinary career in medicine and service to the country. A decorated U.S. Army Green Beret who served three tours in Vietnam, Vanscoy’s bravery earned him the Bronze Star, Silver Star, and three Purple Hearts. After returning home, he brought that same courage and compassion to rural healthcare, dedicating nearly two decades to Virginia Gay Hospital and Clinics. His family accepted the

award on his behalf. “Harold’s heart was as strong as his heroism,” shared presenter Mike LaGrange. “He lived his life in service — to his patients, his community, and his family.”

Kris Goranson, LPN, was celebrated for nearly 30 years of nursing service defined by warmth, professionalism, and an unshakable dedication to patients. Working closely alongside Dr. Brian Meeker and fellow honoree Lu Horak, Goranson became a cornerstone of the Vinton Family Medical Clinic and VGH family. “Kris has always believed nursing is about human connection,” Dr. Meeker said. “Her kindness and humor touched every life she encountered.”

Lu Horak, who began her career in 1973, was also honored for a lifetime of care. Known for her calm reassurance, quick expertise, and steadfast dependability, Horak served generations of families with grace and heart. Dr. Meeker described her as “the constant,” a medical assistant whose decades of work reflected the true essence of community medicine. “Lu embodies the values we all strive for, kindness, presence, and compassion,” he said.

In addition to honoring these remarkable caregivers, the event highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Virginia Gay Hospital Health Care Foundation, led by Don Logan, whose leadership has guided over $2 million in fundraising to support equipment, education, and patient care initiatives. Logan recognized the collective generosity of donors, including the Charles & Helen Yundt Charitable Grant, the Tony and Dottie Anthony Scholarship, and community contributions through the Tree of Lights Campaign.

“Each gift, large or small, represents a story of caring,” Logan shared. “Because of your generosity, patients receive quality care close to home — the kind of care that Tracey, Harold, Kris, and Lu exemplified every day.”

“As we look to the future,” Eden said, “we carry forward the example of those we honor tonight, caregivers who showed that excellence in healthcare begins with compassion, commitment, and community.”

The Legacy Honors Celebration was both a tribute and a homecoming, a moment for the VGH family to pause, reflect, and celebrate the people who make the mission of local healthcare possible.

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About Virginia Gay Hospital Virginia Gay Hospital and Clinics is dedicated to providing compassionate, quality healthcare to Benton County and surrounding communities through its hospital, four family medical clinics, home health, and nursing & rehab services.