Who's Who 2013: Cathy Abrams, Director of maternal and child services at Saint Francis Medical Center

__Community involvement:__ Member of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, volunteer state program director for the March of Dimes.

What community issue are you most passionate about?

Supporting and protecting the health and wellness of women in our community is so important. We all know that women are more often than not charged with caring for others as well as themselves. In my opinion, the community will be healthier as a whole when women are at their best physically and emotionally.

What motivates or inspires you?

I have been fortunate to have chosen a profession that has allowed me to directly impact the lives of others. As a nurse, you have the opportunity to develop relationships with others in need of care and comfort. I have been honored by many patients and families who have placed their trust in me when dealing with a life-changing health issue. It is truly inspirational to see how a person can deal with a chronic illness or loss of a loved one and eventually heal from the illness or experience.

What's the most satisfying part about your work?

As a leader in the profession of nursing, the most rewarding part of what I do is assisting a member of our team to be the best they can be. I love hearing from nurses I work with about how they have bonded with a family as they help a preterm baby grow and get ready to go home, or hear stories from a new mother about how she was so grateful for the care she received during the birth of her new baby.