Physical therapist Anna Butterfield is the Memorial Medical Center Colleague of the Month for March.

Family members of two patients nominated Butterfield. From the nomination form: “Our family has had the privilege to see Anna work with my dad, and she has been an absolute blessing. Her warm personality, her respect for all of us and her exceptional compassion surpasses all of our expectations.”

Many of the patients Butterfield works with are experiencing a very challenging time in their lives, Butterfield said, and “helping those patients smile or laugh during their most difficult time” is a rewarding aspect of her job.

To this end, Butterfield helped a patient visit in-person with his grandchildren, who he had not seen for more than two months due to COVID-19 hospital visitor restrictions. Butterfield coordinated across several clinical departments and with the patient’s family so the patient could visit with his grandchildren through the lobby glass at the hospital.

“Anna put all of it together to boost her patient’s spirit and remind him just what he is working so hard for,” a member of the patient’s family wrote. “I do not have the words to describe how that visit made all of us feel, and it was all orchestrated by Anna.”

Butterfield lives in Williamsville and enjoys doing home improvement projects and working outside when she is not relaxing by a lake or pool, traveling or spending time with her family.

“Anna exceeds expectations in a way I cannot describe,” said the second family who nominated Butterfield. “She recognizes emotionally what her patient needs and how she can facilitate that. I am so thankful Memorial Medical Center has exceptional colleagues like Anna, who is a true asset to the organization.”