After cleaning a patient’s room, Gray noted the special needs patient wanted a different colored stuffed animal to keep her company. On break, Gray purchased one in a different color to brighten the patient’s spirits.

“It put a big smile on my heart knowing he took time out for this young woman just to make her smile,” wrote his nominator who is also a colleague.

Gray, of Taylorville, has worked at Taylorville Memorial Hospital since 2019.