Mosaic caregiver Suzanne Goddard honors Animal Shelter with donation after receiving prestigious Servant’s Heart Award
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A passionate local caregiver and the recipient of Mosaic Life Care's highest honor is using the opportunity to support the work of the Friends of the Animal Shelter.
Suzanne Goddard was recognized by Mosaic Life Care with the 2025 Servant's Heart Award for her above-and-beyond support as care manager with the hospital's Serious Illness Management program. Serious Illness Management, also known as Advanced Illness Management, is a key program within the hospital providing critical care for patients suffering from chronic illness who have seen their health and ability to function decline.
The Servant's Heart Award is the most prestigious honor given out each year by Mosaic Life Care, recognizing caregivers who display "extraordinary" commitment and compassion for patients.
“This award is about caregivers who go above and beyond for their patients,” said Mike Poore, FACHE and CEO of Mosaic Life Care, in a news release. “Suzanne’s actions show the true meaning of a servant’s heart. She didn’t just care for a patient – she cared for what mattered most to that patient. It’s incredibly humbling to work alongside caregivers like Suzanne who serve with such compassion.”
Goddard, a 16-year veteran with Mosaic Life Care, was nominated by fellow caregivers for her commitment to a patient facing end-of-life complications, stepping in to adopt the patient's dog on her own after the patient had to be moved to a facility that didn't accommodate pets.
Goddard continued to bring the dog in for visits with the patient, providing comfort and peace of mind during a difficult time. She said she was surprised and deeply honored to receive the award.
“You don’t go into nursing or caregiving for recognition,” Goddard said in a statement. “But when you can do something small that makes such a big difference for someone, it’s always worth it. Helping her know her dog was safe lifted a huge weight off her shoulders. It brought her peace.”
In honor of the award, Goddard and Mosaic Life Care donated $500 to a charity of her choice.
It was only fitting she selected the St. Joseph Friends of the Animal Shelter, a nonprofit that works alongside the shelter to reduce the number of animals euthanized by increasing public awareness of adoptable animals and assisting staff with animal care.
"Animals don't have anybody to advocate for them," Goddard added. “The shelter does so much for the community and for animals in need. It just felt like the right place.”
The donation will help support medical care for animals in the shelter, adoption programs and community services to prevent overcrowding, financial assistance welcomed by shelter officials.
“We are so honored that Suzanne chose our organization,” said Jenn Kline, president of the board of directors for Friends of the Animal Shelter, in a news release. “Animal welfare organizations everywhere are facing overcrowding and financial challenges. Donations like this help provide medical care for sick and injured animals, support adoption efforts and fund programs like spay and neuter services that keep pets healthy and families together.”
