MHP Staff Release Balloons in Memory of Beloved Volunteer

MHP staff and volunteers release balloons in memory of Cynde Pierson, who volunteered at MHP for five years before passing away in December 2014 after a brief illness.

MAHASKA COUNTY – Some people come into your life and make a lasting impression. That’s what MHP Volunteer Cynde Pierson did, and the health system is a better place because of her.

Pierson, who volunteered at MHP four days a week for five years, passed away Dec. 18 after a brief illness. Since MHP opened it’s new Patient Care Wing in 2013, Pierson was a fixture at the Volunteer Information Desk inside entrance #4, and children and adults alike were impressed by her infectious smile and sweet nature.

According to MHP Patient Accounts Representative Deb Allman, Pierson had friends throughout the health system. “She will always be our ‘cupcake’ as she was affectionately known,” Allman said. “And she is definitely our MHP Angel.”

Allman said Monday, Feb. 2 would have been Pierson’s 55th birthday. “We wanted to mark the occasion, and felt a balloon release was positive and upbeat. And really, there wasn’t a better place to celebrate her life than at her second home – MHP.”

What made the day extra special was that Pierson’s mom, Mary Richardson of Beacon, had a front row view of the balloon release from within the hospital – as a patient. “It was absolutely beautiful,” Richardson said with tears in her eyes. “They released 55 balloons for what would have been Cynde’s 55th birthday. They stood right outside my window and gave me such an incredible gift. They truly are family.”