Lee Park Foundation Announces 2026 Lotus Award Recipients, Honoring Compassion, Service, and Clinical Excellence
Three Holy Name Medical Center Healthcare Professionals Recognized
Teaneck, NJ — May 28, 2026 — Lee Park Foundation is proud to announce the three Holy Name Medical Center recipients of the Lotus Award for Nursing and Clinical Care, a distinguished honor recognizing unsung heroes who go above and beyond in helping others. Established in memory of Dr. Jang Ho Lee, a revered healer, teacher, and practitioner of Buddhist doctrine, the award celebrates nurses and clinical care professionals who embody compassion, clinical excellence, and selfless service in patient care.
The awards were presented by Jai-Yoo Lee, a director of Lee Park Foundation, during Holy Name’s National Nurses Week celebration on May 5, 2026. This year’s recipients of the Lotus Award for Nursing and Clinical Care are Erin Davis, Katarina Sadlon, and Nura Shehadeh. These individuals were selected for their extraordinary dedication to patients and their meaningful impact on the broader community.
The award is unique in providing a $10,000 cash prize to each recipient and in being open to both licensed nurses and clinical care staff.
“We want to lift up for all to see those many people who work so hard and give so much to others, not for the recognition, but out of their own sense of duty, professionalism, and especially human compassion,” said Gaeun Kim, Lee Park Foundation President.
In gratitude for their service and for those who selflessly help others, often unseen and uncelebrated, the Lotus Award seeks to elevate and honor outstanding examples of dedication to individuals and the broader community.
In the final weeks of his life, Dr. Lee received exceptional care from the nurses and clinical staff at Holy Name Medical Center. Moved by the profound kindness and humanity shown to their father, the Lee and Park families were inspired to honor this spirit of service through the creation of the Lotus Award.
“We are proud to see Erin Davis, Katarina Sadlon, and Nura Shehadeh recognized for their compassion and dedication. They are a powerful reflection of our entire staff’s commitment to exceptional patient care,” said Cathleen Davey, President of the Holy Name Foundation. “We deeply appreciate the opportunity to support Dr. Lee’s legacy through the Lotus Award, which aligns closely with our mission to provide comprehensive care for the body, mind, and soul.”
The Lotus Award, named after Dr. Lee’s favorite flower, which symbolizes beauty, resilience, and freedom from suffering, recognizes and celebrates hospital clinical care staff who display commitment to and passion for their patients and community. Nominations are submitted by patients and families. Winners receive a silver handcrafted Lotus pin and a $10,000 monetary gift.
“We created the Lotus Award to honor those who give from the heart, often without recognition,” said Hagen Lee, Founder and Director of the Lee Park Foundation. “The recipients are the quiet force behind stronger communities, and we are proud to bring their extraordinary impact into view.”
2026 Lotus Award Recipients
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Erin Davis is known for her rare combination of gentleness and strength. Patients consistently say she creates a sense of safety and support, offering her full attention and taking the time to thoughtfully answer every question. Her professionalism and expertise are matched by a deep, genuine empathy. Beyond her clinical work, Erin is dedicated to serving the local community through outreach programs that educate and empower expectant mothers and new parents.
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As an Intensive Care Unit nurse, Katarina “Kat” Sadlon exemplifies compassionate, patient-centered care through clinical excellence, resilience, and unwavering dedication. She balances personal commitments, graduate studies, and service to others. As a volunteer with York Street Mission, Kat supports homeless families by mobilizing Holy Name nurses for donation drives, health fairs, and holiday events. In addition to serving as a 2026 Holy Name Stroke Task Force member and unit preceptor, Kat is pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing in Leadership, further strengthening her impact as an advocate, mentor, and leader.
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Nura Shehadeh has been described as “a walking light,” bringing warmth and genuine presence to every interaction with patients, families, and colleagues. Known for her collaborative, persuasive approach, she is deeply committed to helping patients heal. She builds trust by listening closely and addressing each person’s unique psychological and physical pain. Guided by intelligence, creativity, and intuition, she consistently fosters meaningful patient experiences.
About Holy Name
Holy Name is New Jersey’s only independent Catholic health system, comprising a 361-bed acute care hospital, a renowned cancer center, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a residential hospice, a prestigious nursing school, and an extensive physician network. Healing at Holy Name goes beyond medicine and technology – it is infused with faith, conviction, compassion, and a commitment to educating the next generation of healthcare professionals through graduate medical education, a Pharmacy Residency Program, and our Institute for Simulation Learning. Learn more at www.holyname.org.
About Lee Park Foundation
Lee Park Foundation was founded in 2022 to recognize and support unsung heroes who go above and beyond in helping others. It seeks to provide the small stepping stones to help these heroes on their journey and inspire others to follow their example. Their primary grant-making program is the Lotus Award. Learn more at www.lotusaward.org.
