Touching Lives Award

Nominations for the 2026 Touching Lives Award are now closed. A winner will be announced soon!

The Touching Lives Award was established in 2007 by Horizon Home Care & Hospice to honor people in our community who use their passion, dedication, work, and life to positively impact the lives of others in a meaningful way. The award is presented annually at the Matters of the Heart Gala, held in March, which supports the Horizon Grief Resource Center. Nominations are open to the public. Nominees do not need to be employed in healthcare or by a nonprofit organization.

Core criteria considered by the nomination committee include:

Length of Service: The ideal candidate has been providing service to the community for at least 20 years.

Depth of Commitment: The nominee demonstrates extraordinary dedication to their work. They can be counted on to respond when there is a need, to listen when others might not, and to go beyond what is considered reasonable. They are tenacious, forthcoming with ideas, and do not accept the status quo when it comes to the wellbeing of others.

Innovation: The candidate has created their own organization or project, or has taken an existing one to new heights.

Leadership: The nominee demonstrates leadership, particularly in their ability to bring people together to work toward a common goal.

Results: The candidate has produced tangible positive outcomes through their work in areas such as healthcare, human services, or community projects that improve the lives of others.

Creation of Meaningful Change: The nominee has made a unique and lasting impact that has improved the lives of others through their efforts.

History of Touching Lives Award Winners

• Mike Gifford, 2025
• Linda Smith, 2025
• Dr. S. Vance Strother, 2025
• Mary Haynor, 2024
• Diane Ehn, 2023
• Laura Hey, 2023
• Tom "Mel" Stanton, 2023
• Dr. Alonzo Walker, 2020
• Cathy Buck, 2020
• Joe Dean, 2019
• George Haasler, 2019
• Cheryl Lingle, 2018
• Florence Parnegg, 2018
• Mildred Schumacher, 2018
• Ron Komas, 2017
• William Solberg, 2017
• Dr. Ed Duthie, 2016
• Marlene Ego, 2016
• Rose Gaskell, 2015
• Dr. Gary Herdrich, 2015
• Joanne Lawlis, Trish Hilbert, Sheila Monkarsh, John Lawlis & Mike Lawlis (Lawlis Family Foundation) 2015
• Jo Ann Lomax, 2014
• Mary Ann Mosley, 2014
• Clinton Seals, 2014
• Dr. Dennis Shepherd, 2014
• “Consider the Conversation” A Documentary on a Taboo Subject, 2013
• Joy Tapper, 2013
• Paul Westrick, 2013
• Sue Derus, 2012
• Dr. David Hoogerland, 2012
• Robyn Turtenwald, 2012
• Dr. Lyle Henry, 2011
• Dr. Anthony Linn, 2011
• Pamela Parker, 2011
• Colleen McCracken, 2010
• Mary Schmidt, 2010
• Suzette Smith, 2010
• Leo Brideau, 2009
• Bill Petasnick, 2009
• Sue Ann Thompson, 2008
• Dr. Charles Tiber, 2007
• Dr. David Weissman, 2007