Nancy Morrill was the kind of person that made you matter. She came into my life as a co-worker and then we became friends. Last October, we lost her to a battle against cancer and we at the Area Agency on Aging Five County truly miss her. Nancy was, and will be remembered as, the Ultimate Caregiver. The Area Agency on Aging- Five County and the Caregiver Advisory Board created the Nancy Morrill “From the Heart Award” to honor her spirit and her contributions to the Caregivers in the Five County Area.
We are currently taking nominations for the “Nancy Morrill: From the Heart Award” which will be given out on May 20, 2022, at the 20th Annual Southern Utah Seniors Conference. We have only two requirements for nominees. First, nominees must reside in Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane, or Washington Counties in Utah. Second, they must have been or currently be a caregiver.
The award will be presented by RN Dean Morrill, spouse of Nancy and former employee of Area Agency on Aging. Members of the Caregiver Advisory Board will review the nominations and choose a recipient.
To nominate a caregiver, please complete the application and return it to Tracy HeavyRunner. Applications must be received by May 1, 2022.
The inaugural Nancy Morrill: From the Heart Caregiver Award was presented on October 29, 2021, to Tony Bertucci of Escalante, Utah. Tony is a caregiver for his older brother Dennis, who suffered a stroke and now needs extensive care. The help he receives from his brother allows him to be in his home instead of a long-term care facility.
When he first started his caregiving journey, Tony gave up his home and his business to assist his brother, moving to Utah from Needles, California.
Tony and Dennis are close friends. Tony assists his brother with everyday tasks from meal preparation and cutting food, to assistance with dressing and mobility. They also take rides, hound for rocks, and exercise (usually a stationary bike) and watch television together. Tony has also been a caregiver for his parents and others throughout the years.
Dean Morrill, Nancy's husband, was able to present the award to Tony at his home in Escalante. Dean and Nancy both know the Bertucci Brothers and were told of the choice prior to Nancy’s death.
Tracy HeavyRunner is our Home and Community Based Program Director.
She has been with AAA-Five County since 1996. Tracy graduated from Southern Utah University and is a Social Service Worker. Additionally, she is a certified caregiver coach through the Rosalyn Carter Institute and a Master Trainer for the Chronic Disease, Diabetes and Pain Self-Management Programs.