Diane White cares for a pediatric patient in Rockford, Illinois.

COLUMBIA, Md. (July 26, 2017)—Maxim Healthcare Services, an established provider of home health care, health care staffing, behavioral health care, and population health and wellness services, announced today that Diane White, RN, a nurse in its Rockford, Illinois, office is this year’s National Caregiver of the Year award winner. White was honored by her colleagues and the Maxim leadership team during a special caregiver appreciation ceremony on July 25.

“Caregivers are the heartbeat of our organization,” said Bill Butz, Maxim’s chief executive officer. “Diane truly exemplifies Maxim’s commitment to providing the highest quality of care, and we are proud to celebrate her dedication to delivering an outstanding patient and family experience.”

White has been a registered nurse for 42 years, and for the past five years has cared for Peyton, a vision-impaired six-year-old. From bathing and feeding to helping with daily exercises, White not only supports her patient, but her family as well. Peyton’s mother, Kristy McNeilly, suffers from terminal cancer and White’s caretaking ensures she has adequate rest. White often picks up extra night shifts, driving an hour each way—even when the roads are covered in snow.

“I am here today because of my patient and her family. We are a team working together so she can have the best life possible,” said White.

“With Diane’s help and everybody’s love, she’s come a long way,” said McNeilly of Peyton’s progress in a special tribute video highlighting White’s commitment to caregiving. “She’s got a real big heart, she cares,” added Peyton’s father Steve.

“Thank you. I just love going to work. I love my little Miss P. She’s why I’m here,” said White upon receiving the award.

Maxim's Caregiver of the Year Award program was established in 2011 and is designed to enhance the caregiver experience at Maxim and acknowledge and celebrate Maxim’s nurses and aides for the outstanding work they do to deliver quality patient-centered care and service to many of the nation’s most medically fragile and chronically ill patients.

Visit maximhealthcare.com for more information.