January 2026 WOW Award Winner

The WOW Patient Experience Initiative recognizes team members who engage with patients/families, visitors and employees in exceptional ways, providing a superior level of commitment and reflecting the values of Wood County Hospital. Thomasina Z., Medical Office LPN at Bowling Green Family Care Center, was selected as the January WOW award winner for going above and beyond.

In December, a patient at Bowling Green Family Care Center courageously shared the challenges she and her family were facing at an appointment.

She explained that their landlord was selling their home and they were required to move out by December 31. Although they had secured another rental, they discovered just a week before moving that it was a scam, leaving them without a place to go. At the same time, her son’s 11th birthday was approaching, and the family could not afford a gift. To save enough money to celebrate him, the parents planned to disconnect their phones.

When she found out, Thomasina stepped up and organized the staff at BGFCC to come together to make the boy’s birthday special. When asked what he wanted, she said he wanted his favorite Little Caesars pizza, a Minecraft gift card and his own blanket so he wouldn’t have to share anymore.

The mother was deeply moved by the kindness shown to her family. When she later returned to pick up the gifts, she was overwhelmed with everything Thomasina and the team had done. Thomasina even used her own money to help purchase the items.

The following week, the mother called to share how meaningful her son’s birthday had been. For going above and beyond during a family’s time of need, Thomasina was honored with the WOW Award.

Thomasina is from McClure, Ohio, and holds a degree in Licensed Practical Nursing from Brown Mackie College. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She has been with WCH for three years and says joining WCH was one of the best decisions she has ever made. “I love my job,” she shared.

After nearly 12 years in long-term care, Thomasina was ready for a change that allowed her to spend more quality time with patients. That desire is what led her to Bowling Green Family Care Center.

She is known for brightening the office with her colorful scrub tops. Patients often compliment them, telling her she always has the prettiest scrubs.

A fun fact about Thomasina is that she used to play the violin and enjoys playing Call of Duty on Xbox in her free time.

Thank you, Thomasina, for taking the time to help a patient make her son’s birthday special in their time of need.