They bring sunshine to Orthopedics and beyond

Written by Zoe Walsh, zwalsh@iuhealth.org, Communications intern for IU Health's Metro Region

In the Orthopedics department at IU Health Fishers, a committee is working to bring joy to their fellow team members and the community.

The Sunshine Committee began in 2021 with four members. Now, their numbers have grown to ten team members—almost half of the department’s team.

The committee hosts events and fundraisers for team members and charities outside of the hospital. Becky Pinkston, a medical assistant in the department, is one of the team members actively involved.

“We planned birthdays and holidays, baby showers and that kind of stuff. Then it evolved into doing outside help, like hygiene bags for those experiencing homelessness, supplies for the animal shelter and more,” Pinkston explains.

“You're together with your coworkers almost more than you are with your family. This department turns into a family. You get special relationships,” says Penny Smith, a receptionist within the department.

If a team member is going through a hard time, the committee is there for them to lean on.

“We celebrate the positives, but there's been some trials that our team members have gone through, and we’ve been able to provide meals and such,” says Kaitlin Simerly, a registered nurse.

The team members have seen a positive effect on patients who visit the office at IU Health Fishers as well.

“It lets [patients] know that we care about more than just getting them in here for their orthopedic problem. We believe in a connection with other people and having empathy towards our community,” Pinkston says.