Our Employees -- Shannon's Story

Banner Health is recognized for the quality of our people. Each employee has their own story of why working at Banner is special for them:

• Continually Learning: Pat's Story
• Professionally Dedicated: Dan's Story
• Compassionate to All: Shannon's Story

Compassionate to All
Thanks to a self-trained dog and a flexible employer, Shannon Vande Krol is able to continue working in a job she enjoys.

Vande Krol, a member of the environmental services team at Banner Gateway Medical Center, suffers from seizures. They had become so debilitating that she was missing work frequently.

Her managers at Banner Gateway asked what they could do to help.

Bringing my service dog, Rogue, to work would help a lot, Vande Krol told them.

Rogue is an Akita who can sense when Vande Krol is going to have a seizure. The dog can usually give her 15 to 45 minutes notice of an impending seizure. Rogue barks or gets Shannon’s attention so she can get to a safe place and get better control of her days. “Rogue is just the best.’’

Now, she and Rogue go through the hospitals hallways, cleaning as they go and bringing a smile to employees and patients as the see their close partnership in action.

Shannon’s co-workers throughout the hospital have also been helpful. They have a special stash of goodies for Rogue and keep a special eye on Shannon. 

“This is a great place,’’ she said. “People really care about each other.’’