Growing up in a small town, I was lucky to have my loved ones close by to spend Thanksgiving surrounded by family. Those moments of togetherness made Thanksgiving my absolute favorite holiday. Since joining UVA Health, my friends, family, and loved ones have only grown, and I feel incredibly fortunate to share this season of gratitude with all of you.
This time of year, I like to take the holiday’s tradition of thankfulness to reflect on the past year and recognize you — our UVA Health University Medical Center team. Your dedication and commitment touch countless lives, and my gratitude for you runs deep.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we’re celebrating in meaningful ways across the medical center and UVA Health:
- Community Donations: We’re making donations in your honor to organizations in need this season like Charlottesville Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry and The Salvation Army of Charlottesville, to spread gratitude beyond our walls.
- Thanksgiving Meal: For those working on the holiday — thank you! — enjoy a complimentary meal on November 28 in the University Hospital cafeteria at the following times:
- 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
- 6–8 p.m.
- 11 p.m.–1:30 a.m.
- Share Your Traditions: Connect is featuring your favorite Thanksgiving traditions! If you didn’t get the chance to submit your answers, you can share them with me through the Be Heard Suggestion Box.
- Your must-have dish (bonus points for recipes!).
- A cherished tradition.
- What Thanksgiving means to you this year.
- A photo, if you’d like!
This Thanksgiving, I’m profoundly grateful for the work we do, the impact we make, and the community we’ve formed. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.
From the turkey to the pumpkin pie (and let’s not forget the cranberry sauce), savor every bite and most importantly every moment shared with loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!
Grateful and thankful,
Wendy