Community Health Worker Fulfills Dream for Patient Losing Her Vision

Most people remember the last basketball game they watched because of the score. 
For 84-year-old Mona, the games she will soon see will be remembered for something far more meaningful: the kindness of a Providence caregiver. 

The referral that came from Providence Primary Care Kendall Yards seemed straightforward: a patient needed help reading and sorting her mail. Providence Community Health Worker, Kirsten Z., expected a short, routine visit. But the moment she stepped into Mona’s living room, she understood the weight Mona was carrying. 

A retired oncology nurse from Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, Mona spent years caring for patients and comforting families. Now, she is navigating her own struggles. Her vision is deteriorating quickly, and her doctors expect she will be fully blind within the year.  Her grief is also compounded with the recent loss of her 15-year-old Labrador. 

Kirsten began visiting weekly to help Mona open mail and read bills. In between envelopes and appointment reminders, a friendship took shape. 

“I love that she is Providence family! It’s something we bonded over right away,” Kirsten said. 

Mona shared stories from her years as a nurse and talked about playing basketball in her younger days. And she confided in Kirsten that she is a huge Gonzaga University basketball fan. 

Then Mona shared something that stayed with Kirsten. 

“This time next year, I won’t be able to watch the Gonzaga Bulldogs on TV,” she said quietly. Mona explained it was the saddest part of losing her vision. 

Kirsten knew she needed to do something special. She reached out to a local contact to see if anyone might be willing to donate tickets, so Mona could see her beloved Bulldogs in person while she still has her sight. 

“I knew I wanted to figure out a way to cheer her up,” Kirsten said. “And when she mentioned the Gonzaga Bulldogs, I knew that’s it – that’s what we’re going to do.” 

What happened next felt like Spokane at its best. 

Within days, doors opened. Thanks to Kirsten’s community outreach, she was able to help secure tickets to both a men’s and women’s Gonzaga basketball game for Mona plus a friend. 

And the tickets came with a special surprise—they were personally delivered by former Gonzaga women’s basketball star Shaniqua Nilles. 

To make the games even more memorable, Kirsten helped outfit Mona with a donated Gonzaga hoodie and T-shirt so she could arrive dressed in style.   

When Kirsten shared the surprise, Mona was overwhelmed. 

“I just can’t believe someone would do this for me,” she said. “I spent my career caring for others at Providence. To feel that same care coming back to me now… it means more than I can say.” 

For Kirsten, this was not extra—it was exactly what her role is meant to be. 

“My job as a community health worker is literally what our Providence promise is,” she said. “It is to know me, care for me, and ease my way.” 

She continued, “This is absolutely a way of knowing Mona and breaking down whatever barriers she is experiencing. Part of that was getting her out of her grief cycle and giving her something to look forward to.” 

Stories like Mona’s remind us of what makes Providence special. 

Our caregivers do not just provide care—they create connection, restore dignity, and bring humanity to healthcare. 

This is the Providence Mission in action, in part, to serve all, especially those who are poor and vulnerable, with compassion, justice, and profound respect for the dignity of every person. 

And it is what makes Providence not only a place to receive care— but one of the best places to give it.