Adena Pike Medical Center team member earns silver at Special Olympics USA Summer Games
A week after shining on the national stage, Kaitlyn Brown was back at work in the cafeteria at Adena Pike Medical Center greeting others with a smile.
Kaitlyn, who has worked the past eight years at the hospital through a partnership with the Pioneer Center, was a swimming silver medalist at the recent Special Olympics USA Summer Games in Minnesota. Upon her return, her cafeteria colleagues and others across the hospital celebrated her accomplishment with cake and congratulations.
Kaitlyn Brown was celebrated by her Adena Pike Medical Center colleagues after earning silver at the Special Olympics USA Summer Games.
Kaitlyn Brown brings home silver in swimming
Kaitlyn, who had to qualify for the national event with a strong performance at the state level, was the silver medalist in the 50-yard breaststroke. She also put together a personal best time in winning her initial heat of the 100-yard freestyle before finishing fourth in the finals of that event.
Kaitlyn said she’s enjoyed the attention she’s received since returning, which included being interviewed on a local online news platform.
A lifelong love of swimming
Swimming has been a lifelong love for her.
“It keeps me exercising and helping with my weight and lets me connect with friends,” said Kaitlyn, who also will be celebrating her 30th birthday in July.
A valued member of the Adena Pike Medical Center team
When not spending time training in the pool, Kaitlyn can be found performing a variety of tasks at Adena Pike Medical Center’s cafeteria running the gamut from stocking to serving. Her light-hearted demeanor has made her a favorite among co-workers and visitors alike.
“Everyone here loves Kaitlyn, not just those of us in food and nutrition,” said Nathan Craumer, manager of critical access support services. “She is a valued member of the team, a hard worker who knows her job well, and is always willing to try something new.”
Kaitlyn’s excitement leading up to the competition was such that her colleagues threw her a small party before she left, then recognized her accomplishment upon her return.
That type of caring is part of what has kept Kaitlyn coming in to work at Adena for so long.
“I really love it here,” she said. “I’ve made great friends.”