LifeSaver Award Series: Rachel Koenekamp, RN, Billings Clinic (Billings, Mont.)

Each month, LifeCenter Northwest selects a LifeSaver Award winner. This award honors and recognizes those who demonstrate a commitment to improving donation outcomes and culture through their actions, time and energy.

We are pleased to present this month’s LifeSaver Award to Rachel Koenekamp, RN, who is an ICU nurse at Billings Clinic in Billings, Mont.

Recently, Rachel worked many extra hours to support an ICU patient at Billings Clinic as well as their family. Once it became clear this patient would be a potential donor, Rachel was instrumental in helping with the transition to donation and she generously came in on her day off to participate in memory-making activities with the family prior to donation.

Rachel’s supervisor at Billings Clinic, Brian Hundtofte, noted that it was extremely touching to see the warmth and care Rachel showed this patient and their family as she helped them through the donation process.

“I was humbled by your compassion, especially knowing the amount of extra hours you work for this team,” Brian said. “Thank you for all you do. You helped a patient pass with dignity and a family to grieve and honor a loved one.”

Ultimately, this donor was able to donate both of their kidneys, giving the gift of life to two people. We are proud to honor Rachel with this LifeSaver Award, which recognizes her remarkable compassion and commitment, going above and beyond in a time of need to ensure organ donation could proceed.