Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Employee Spotlight

Adelie (Lee) Jornada-Cooper BSN, RN

When did you begin at Hendrick Health?

I began my career with Hendrick, formerly Brownwood Regional, in 1997 as a PRN in Women Services. The following year, I moved to a full-time position. In 2001, I began working in the Walker Cancer Center at Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood.

Why have you continued to work at Hendrick Health?

I enjoy the positive work environment and opportunity for community involvement. I have continued to work at Hendrick Health because its founding values and mission align with my personal goals - “To deliver high quality healthcare emphasizing excellence and compassion consistent with the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.” In addition, Hendrick Health was founded in response to a community need for quality healthcare.

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

It’s a month to reflect on and to honor the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage that contributes to the diversity in the United States – part of the thread that makes America great! On a personal note, my father fought alongside American soldiers during World War II. He was brought to America from the Philippines for espionage training and deployed back to the Philippines. His commitment to his native country and America inspires me greatly and also motivates me to give and share with others.

Urpaine Joy F. Festejo, BSN, RN

When did you begin at Hendrick Health?

I started at Hendrick Medical Center South on October 20, 2020 through the acquisition as a charge nurse in CCU. I began as a staff and charge nurse at West Texas Medical Center in 1987. The hospital then became Humana Medical Center. In 1998, I became the director of ICU (at Columbia Medical Center) and then charge nurse in the ICU at Abilene Regional Medical Center.

Why have you continued to work at Hendrick Health?

I’ve continued to work at Hendrick Health because I love taking care of patients. I see Hendrick Health as a good place to work. Our leadership and organization care for their employees. The staffing and equipment provided for patient care are very good. I enjoy working with our ICU team and our leadership is great.

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to me means recognition for my Asian-American culture and contribution to nursing and community. I am proud of my heritage for the tradition, the respect and value of hard work handed to me by my parents. Being an Asian-American who came to the USA from the Philippines in 1974 and never left Texas, I have learned to adjust my life challenges to belong in the American culture. I’m proud of my nursing career over the long years I served in this community.

Noel Sugay, BSN, RN, CMSRN

When did you begin at Hendrick Health?

I began at Hendrick Medical Center in May 1994 as a cardiovascular nurse in the operating room. In 2000, I moved to Cardiac Telemetry and was a staff and charge nurse. Since March 2010, I have been working in the orthopedic unit (Jones 8) as a staff and charge nurse.

Why have you continued to work at Hendrick Health?

I felt the acceptance and the warm welcome from the hospital staff and the community. Hendrick is a friendly hospital and is a very family-oriented organization, too.

What does Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month mean to you?

Hendrick is starting to be a very diversified hospital in the Texas Midwest over the last two decades. I just want to express my gratitude to our administration and the rest of our hospital staff in recognizing and in welcoming Asian American/Pacific Islander nurses in Abilene during the Asian American/Pacific Heritage Month. Your warm welcome and unending support really mean a lot to us!