Congratulations to our Fall 2025 Extra Inch Award winner, Amanda Kast, MLS, medical laboratory technician in our laboratory! Going the “extra inch” is doing something above what is expected in service to a patient or their loved one. Extra Inch Award winners and nominees are those who help improve a patient’s experience by going out of their way to ensure the best possible care.
Amanda was recognized by Shannon Sackett and the HR Department for taking a test sample with abnormal results to Lansing for further testing herself so that a three-year-old patient could receive treatment more quickly.
Amanda Kast, MLS, Laboratory
Fall 2025 Extra Inch Award Winner
Amanda Kast, MLS
“Amanda received a sample on a 3-year-old child, did the testing and found abnormal results. A courier was not available to take the specimen up to Sparrow Pathology in Lansing, so she graciously drove the specimen up there herself. Because she did this, Sparrow Pathology was able to look at our results, perform addition testing and then give a definitive diagnosis for the patient. Amanda’s willingness to go above and beyond for the patient helped to get a diagnosis within hours instead of days so the patient could get the treatment they need faster.”
Nominations by Shannon Sackett & the HR Department
Also nominated was Brittany Shaffer, RN from the surgical department.
Brittany Shaffer, RN, Surgery
Fall 2025 Nominee
“During an emergency appendectomy for an 8-year-old patient, Brittany demonstrated exceptional compassion and holistic nursing care that extended beyond the clinical setting. After the procedure, she noticed the child’s shoes were worn and falling apart. Rather than making assumptions or placing judgement, Brittany simply recognized an opportunity to support the family during a vulnerable moment.
Remembering a bag of gently-used children’s clothing and supplies she had planned to donate, Brittany asked the caregiver if they would be open to receiving items that might be helpful. With full respect for their dignity and autonomy, she offered the family the option to choose anything they found useful. The caregiver graciously accepted, and several items met immediate needs for both the child and caregiver.
Brittany’s willingness to go the extra inch made a meaningful difference for a young patient and their family during a difficult time. She embodies the true essence of patient-centered care, demonstrating that extraordinary nursing is found not only in clinical skill, but in genuine humanity.”
-Sarah Huff
