LVHN-Hazleton Unveils New Annual Shining Diamond Award for Staff

The award, created by the family of a former patient, will honor nurses and technicians who provide exceptional care.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:35pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image of a nurse's hand reaching out, glowing with an inner light, conceptually representing the compassionate care provided by the hospital staff.A new hospital award honors the nurses and technicians who provide exceptional, patient-centered care.Hazleton Today

Lehigh Valley Health Network's Hazleton hospital has announced the creation of the new annual Shining Diamond Award, established by the family of former patient Christine Garett Falvello. The award will recognize one nurse and one technical partner each April who have gone above and beyond in caring for patients. The first recipients will be selected in October 2026.

Why it matters

The Shining Diamond Award was created to honor the compassionate care that Christine Falvello received during her time as a patient at LVHN-Hazleton, both for her leukemia treatment in 2017 and her end-of-life care in 2025. The award aims to recognize the critical work of the hospital's frontline staff and express gratitude from patients and their families.

The details

The Shining Diamond Award, named after Christine's April birthstone, will include a $1,000 monetary prize, a custom plaque, and a diamond-shaped lapel pin for each winner. Nominations can be submitted year-round by patients, family members, and hospital staff, with a review committee selecting the honorees. The first recipients will be chosen in October 2026 to allow time for other families to nominate deserving staff.

  • Christine Garett Falvello received treatment at LVHN-Hazleton for leukemia in 2017.
  • Falvello returned to LVHN-Hazleton in 2025 for end-of-life care, passing away that June.
  • The Shining Diamond Award was unveiled in April 2026.
  • The first Shining Diamond Award recipients will be selected in October 2026.
  • The award will be given annually each April starting in 2027.

The players

Christine Garett Falvello

A former patient at LVHN-Hazleton who received care for leukemia in 2017 and end-of-life care in 2025 before passing away.

Conrad A. Falvello

The surviving husband of Christine Garett Falvello, who worked with LVHN-Hazleton to establish the new Shining Diamond Award in his wife's memory.

Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN)

The healthcare system that operates LVHN-Hazleton hospital, where the Shining Diamond Award will be presented annually.

Lisa Marie Halecky

The community engagement coordinator for Lehigh Valley Health Network who was involved in the design process for the Shining Diamond Award.

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What they’re saying

“One day, while Christine was in hospice care, she asked the staff if she could go outside for a bit to enjoy the warm weather. When they heard her address, the care team jumped straight to work making it happen. The memory I have of that day, of looking down at her smiling up to me, was a gift from the staff that I'll cherish for the rest of my life. It's because of that memory, and many more, that I wanted to give something back to the hospital through this award.”

— Conrad A. Falvello, Surviving Husband of Christine Garett Falvello

“All I can say is, after working with Conrad for six months, that I feel proud to have been a part of it.”

— Lisa Marie Halecky, Community Engagement Coordinator, Lehigh Valley Health Network

What’s next

The first recipients of the Shining Diamond Award will be selected in October 2026, with the award to be given annually each April starting in 2027.

The takeaway

The Shining Diamond Award is a heartfelt tribute from a grateful patient's family that will help LVHN-Hazleton recognize and reward the exceptional care provided by its frontline nursing and technical staff. This award serves as an inspiring example of how healthcare systems can partner with the community to honor the unsung heroes who make a difference in patients' lives.