Hear from a Few of the HCAOA Caregiver of the Year Award Finalists

10/6/2021

HCAOA reached out to several of the Caregiver of the Year Award finalists to find out what makes them tick, why they chose to be a caregiver, and even learn some fun facts

Daina Muzirwa, Caring Friends Home Care, Conshohocken, PA
“I am a mother, and I have a gift of love. I am simply moved by the needs of others. Back home, in Zimbabwe, my community used to call me a Mother Teresa, because I used to take care of strangers, single pregnant girls who were rejected by family, as well as orphans. When I came here, I was drawn to the same line. I am fulfilled when I help and take care of those who can’t help themselves. Love heals and that’s why my patients always get better. I am a caregiver because I have so much love to give. I am indebted to humanity. Kindness is how my own mother raised me. Do to another what you would have them do to you. Fun fact: I sing with my patients and sometimes even dance just to make them light-hearted and laugh.”

Natalie Toledo, Loves Family Home Care, Fort Myers, FL
“One thing I find as a caregiver is that you have got to have a sense of humor! I’m always cracking up that some of my 90-year-olds can out-walk me! Watch out if they say they used to golf. Another fun fact is that I love art. I will go out to painting with a twist to brush up on some skills or get creative on Tik Tok with my cat named Magic. The third fact is that I am honored to have served in the Armed Services. I was a Medical Technician for nine years Active Duty Air Force. That was a LONG time ago! I am a proud mother of two HANDSOME and LOVING sons, that are the world to me.”

Adrienne Cooper, All About You Home Health, Easthampton, MA
“I decided a long time ago that there is no bigger joy or feeling of purpose than being able to help a person. As a caregiver/HHA/CNA you use everything you learn to help you complete a task - when finished if your client is smiling then you know your job was done. Fun facts: I am a mother of three and grandmother of one. I enjoy crocheting, reading, as well the outdoors. In the winter I love to bake and then share with my clients. As my grandmother always told me - it takes a special person to do what you do and that I was that special person. Always remember one small act of kindness can go a very long way.”

Click here to read about all Caregiver of the Year Award finalists and the full list of nominees.

20 Comments

Leenze

10/19/2021 11:11:18 am

@Daina Muzirwa Wow! Wow! Wow! Praise the Lord! This is BIG Mhamha. Love is indeed the greatest force in the universe, and noone is ever a stranger to love. Congratulations Mhamha.

I remember I hated going to the shops with you because the 10 minute journey would end up taking hours. You would stop to greet, hug and love on almost everybody, grown ups and kids alike. You would attend to personal issues, oftentimes assisting with your own resources. I mean I didn't even know you were collecting so much money from rentals until you left. It made sense when this lady came home to collect money for her upkeep. Then it dawned on me, the whole time Ma has been helping people and thats where the money was going. Indeed everyone called you mhamha, even now trigger, Martin and them ask about you like they are their biological mum. They are like "How is my mum?' Ahahaha

Now this, indeed you reap what you sow. I have seen the power of love in your life, once agains congratulations Ma.

Did you also tell them that you used to bring homeless strangers back home, and I would have to sleep with them in my room for months until they were back on their feet? Ahahaha.

Also that you used to randomly open the directory, call major companies and literally talk strangers into employing the orphans from the neighbourhood like when you got Tich a job at Air Zimbabwe? Anyway, That's my mum. I love you so dearly, keep holding the torch of love high, the world needs it. BUT I am so inspired to do even more in loving God and people as I pursue my purpose

Philemon Tembani

10/19/2021 08:53:07 pm

@Daina Muzirwa…this has just shown the world how one person can impact nations by a random act of kindness.
Just knowing i am loved and appreciated, has indeed motivated and moulded me into the man i am today…
As you’d always say “ People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” i know you care…
Never a day in my life have i felt like an orphan because you took us in, loved us and cared for us just as your own. Just to think of how you managed to do all this without an income makes my heart melt, not a single moment i can think of that doesn’t draw tears to my eyes, not tears of sorrows but of gratitude in awe of your selflessness towards us…
I love you mom…

Anne Duckett

10/20/2021 02:29:00 pm

Daina cared for my mom when she was on home hospice. It felt like she was a caregiver for not only my mom but for the whole family. She exuded love and warmth. Really she was like an angel for my mom at a very difficult time. She is totally deserving of this award.

Helen Goldberg MD

10/20/2021 02:40:30 pm

I am so pleased that Daina Muzirwa is being recognized for her compassion and professionalism. She was caregiver to my mother whose health was rapidly declining. Without Daina’s and her other wonderful caregiver’s loving care, my mother would have needed to be in a nursing home which she never wanted .
Daina became part of the family and was very supportive to all us.

Stephen Rawson

10/20/2021 02:49:55 pm

Diana took excellent care of my mom and dad in their home when my mom had dementia and my dad had Parkinson’s and had a hip replacement. She was very loving and went well beyond what anyone could have expected of her. She notified me of a oncoming issue with our sewer line caused by other aides flushing wipes down the toilet. She kept our Spirits up when we were despairing. She well deserves this award. Thank you.

James costalas

10/21/2021 08:59:04 am

Diana takes care my father Gus since may of 2020 she brings new life to my father with her outstanding personality. We are very lucky to have Diana as a car giver and the others can’t touch her with a ten foot pole. Please award Diana for her hard work.

Kiki Costalas

10/22/2021 08:04:14 pm

Diana Muzirwa is one of the most caring human beings I have ever met. She takes care of my father-in- law with so much love, care, and patience. She cares for him as if her were her own family. Diana will go above and beyond to make sure my father-in- law is comfortable, and happy. She has been caring for him for the past year and I truly don’t know how we could of done it without her. If their is anyone more deserving of this award it is Diana!!! She is amazing! Thank you for everything you have done for my father-in-law Diana. We all love you.

Dr. Marjory Chikoore

10/22/2021 09:27:06 pm

Daina Muzirwa you are such an inspiration. From the time I knew you to this moment in time, the love you have shown to the world is genuine love. You made it this far because God loves you. I am so proud of you and you have made us proud.

All the way from Zimbabwe you have proved that if you do your best, the world will see it. You believed in yourself and never allowed anyone to put you down or to make you feel like you are not blessed. In actual fact, you are such a blessing and this process has proved it.

Continue to think big and unleash your potential. Greater is he who is in you. I was impressed by what your son Leense wrote about you. You have been sowing and now you are reaping. My mother taught us to always do the best and God will do the rest. You have proved that Daina. Whatever you choose to do in life you can do it for the Bible says, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. You did it Daina. Hard work pays at the end. Congratulations. Ululating. May God’s grace carry you to the very top. Glory.

John Costalas

10/23/2021 08:57:55 am

Never in our lives have we ever met a person like Daina B. Muzirwa. Daina came into our lives in April of 2020 when she was assigned via “Caring Friends” to be a caretaker for my father “Mr. Gus” as Daina calls him. After my mother Lena had passed in July of 2019 my father was bed ridden and had many serious issues with his health. Once Daina became involved with his health care we noticed that my fathers physical condition had significantly improved over time to the point where he was able with Daina’s assistance to get in and out of bed, exercise and even walk around the large kitchen island at least 3 times per day. Within months since Daina became his caretaker my father was able to sit up at the kitchen table to enjoy many conversations and meals with all of our family members, which at that point clearly included Daina. My father’s whole demeanor improved and we were all lucky to experience our father as we knew him all his life as a healthy man that was proud of his entire family once again due to Daina’s efforts.
Despite his past medical conditions our family to this day have had and continue to have great moments with our father and Daina the new addition to our family. These blessed moments may not have happened but for Daina’s persistence with my father’s eating, hygiene, emotional and mental stability that she shares with him each and every day. What also impressed us about Daina is that she never appeared, like many other caretakers to be stressed out about her work or her responsibilities to her patient. She is always kind, sincere and unquestionably devoted to the well being of her patient and their family. We knew that Daina was not a registered nurse when she first started working however, we learned quickly that she possessed many talents and skills that far exceeded the skills of other medical professionals that we have experienced over the last few years.
It seems Daina’s goal with any patient we learned is never to give up on trying to make the patient get well no matter what age or illness the patient may have. She clearly has accomplished her goal with our father and his care. Daina has also taught our family about love and faith in God, which has helped all of us through this difficult time in our lives. We thank God that He brought Daina into my father’s life. They have developed a wonderful relationship with one another with many laughs and respect for each other.
Anyone reading this comment if you ever have a chance to have your loved one cared for by Daina B. Muzirwa you and your family will be without a doubt truly blessed! Good luck Daina Mr. Gus is proud of you! You deserve this recognition and award.
By: John Costalas on behalf of
The Costalas family

Nathalie Muzirwa

10/23/2021 12:57:19 pm

Congratulations my Grandma! 🎉🙌🏾💕
I am so blessed to have the honor of calling you my grandmother. You are such an inspiration to not only me, but everyone else you have stretched your hand to love and care for. I remember when I used to be so frustrated when I had to share my clothes and toys with orphans that you’d take in and shelter. Little did I know that you where just using your God given gift to love and share. Love is really all that you’ve been trying to teach me all these years and I truly pray that you will be restored and blessed for all that you’ve poured into those that you love.
Now that we are all grown up and we are now reciprocating all that you have poured into us all, it still could never be enough.
You really are a mother to all, I’m mad I have to share once in a while haha!

Super proud of you Gogo!
You deserve this <3

Love you! ❤️❤️❤️

Mark Steciw

10/24/2021 10:18:15 am

I am so excited to see that Daina Muzirwa has been recognized as a HCAOA Caregiver of the Year finalist! Daina is one of the most caring and loving persons I have ever know. She took care of my mother for many months during her declining year. She was incredibly patient and gentle. She provided excellent care. She also took care of my father who, in the beginning, was rather difficult. My parents were not used to having someone in the home but Daina won both of them over with her loving and giving presence. She totally endeared herself to them to the point where they considered her a loving friend as well as an outstanding caregiver. Daina is incredibly worthy of this award.

Annabella Mupanganyama

10/24/2021 04:45:15 pm

@Daina Muzirwa mum God watched all the special things you did for the needy, all the way you stopped and listened to the orphans and homeless giving them hope and rest. You have been a mother to many...I as your last born I grew up knowing that I wasn't the last. You took care of many and God knew what He deposited in you had to manifest. You taught us the meaning of compassion and sharing...you made everyone smile mama. You are an advisor, supporter, hand holder ,patient teacher, problem solver , caring angel. You have given many pure love from your heart and you truly deserve to be nominated mama.
I am blessed to have a mother who is so kind, generous, so loving and unselfish, and you have an unlimited supply of kindness. If I get started on all the things that make you the best mum in the world...I might not finish. Thank you mum for everything. Keep shining mum Daina as you serve God in Caring Friends America. I'm proud of you mum. Love you

Steve Costalas

10/25/2021 01:48:33 pm

I am writing this letter for Daina B. Muzirwa, our father’s health aide for the last year and a half. My father has been living at home with homecare services and has had the pleasure to help my father through his journey. Diana has been there in so many ways. She is patient, understanding, caring and passionate. She has formed a bond with my dad, Gus. Through tough times she has been there, prayed and helped in his recoveries. Now he is on hospice. He has been getting exceptional care at home.   Their bond is special. This is because of her. My dad is not an easy guy to help and dose’t trust just anyone. Diana has been well accepted by him and our large family. She is extremely helpful in communicating with family and caring for dad in so many ways.
 In his final journey, he has the comfort of her presence, soft words and encouragement. Despite bad times and bad days, she manages to get him to eat, get him cleaned and ready for interaction with friends and family. No other aide has exhibited such passion about caring for him.

I understand Diana is a finalist for a HCAOA Caregiver Award. This is a blessing as she is exceptional.

Sincerely,
Dr Steven K. Costalas
Son of Gus Costalas

Margaret Kingham

10/26/2021 07:36:24 am

Diana was beloved my my Mom, for whom she cared for many, many months. She was kind, compassionate, caring and attended to Mom's every need and want. She was able to get Mom to take her meds, do her breathing exercises, and take walks, even when Mom didn't want to. She was a credit to herself, to Caring Friends and a sterling example of what a truly committed, passionate care giver really is.

Jaime Conneely

10/27/2021 09:28:24 pm

Fantastic! What an amazing honor! I could not be more thrilled to see Daina being recognized for this outstanding award. There is no one more deserving and at the same so humble in attitude. In the short time that Daina cared for my mother, she made a lasting impression that will never be forgotten. She was the only caregiver who was able to get my Mom to respond to requests and made a lasting impression. This wonderful woman was concerned with not only my mom, but the entire family that her medical situation was impacting. She has become a lifelong friend and I now consider her my family. Daina exudes peace, patient, and kindness from the very core of her being that makes everyone around her want to strive to be more loving and compassionate to others. Anyone who is blessed to cross paths with her in this life should consider themselves truely honored. This woman is like an angel walking the earth and there is no way to truely acknowledge the impact of her presence. She is the epitome of how a person should demonstrate Gods love towards other. This award is a small glimpse of the greater rewards she has coming to her. Congratulations Love Jaime and Andrea.

Dorcas Mupanganyama

10/31/2021 09:04:48 am

@Daina Muzirwa..You are an amazing special being, a rare jewel everyone would want to have. Your kindness and selflessness is just amazing, you are an epitome of love mom.
Having you as my mother in-law is a great priviledge, i find it difficult to call you mother in-law because of your love for me and my siblings. I vividly remember how you would go with me from organisation to organisation pleading with the managers or whoever was in charge to give me a job so that i can have an income after our mom passed on. The interesting part is that by then i was not yet your daughter in-law..that alone showed me that you love unconditionally, that is just how you were fashioned ma, it's in you.

When we needed help you were always there, at one point my younger sister wanted to go for an educational trip and we had no funds. You called her to your house bought all the things needed for the trip, paid for the trip and also gave her some pocket money. It touched me and at that time i realised that God gave me another mother and i was comforted. I no longer refer to you as mother in-law but mother in-love

I love you loads mom

Mr. Gus Costalas

10/31/2021 02:33:25 pm

My name is Gus Costalas, known to Daina as "Mr. Gus". Daina has been caring for me since April of 2020. Her care, love and kindness has given me quality time with my family. In a very short period of time I knew that Daina was a special person with remarkable love and kindness for people. She truly has become a part of our family. My family all loves her. In June of 2020 without knowing that Daina was in a national competition for caregivers I said to Daina "you should win an award for your caregiving". I predicted then that Daina will win the Award. She deserves to be recognized for her sincere dedication and devotion as a caretaker. Good luck!

Christian Costalas

11/2/2021 06:11:32 pm

Daina Muzirwa is hands down one of the most caring people I have ever met in my life. She has taken care of my grandpop Gus Costalas so well it’s unbelievable. They have such a great relationship together and she will always make him eat and go outside and take him for walks around the block. She will stop at nothing to see someone recover it’s amazing!

Tadiwa Mashumba

11/6/2021 04:25:53 pm

Tender love and care is what we all look for in a caregiver , these are qualities Diana possesed in abundance . I always depended on her when l faced challenging events . Without a doubt she always was next to me either to cheer me on or hold me when im falling. As a child i never understood why but as l grow l realized that you were always looking out for me and going beyond what any child would ask for . Caring is beyond just being present but making sure u had all l wished for .Diana is an amazing mother, aunt , grandmother . She took care of me and my brother in Zimbabwe , when my mother wasn’t around we always felt loved and cared for . Lastly , of all l would like to congratulate you , it shows how your hardwork is coming to fruition. Thank you for always being there and always making sure me and my siblings have and had a mother figure to lean on

Dylan drapen

3/4/2025 08:22:59 pm

Diana very sweet woman, and excellent caregiver for my cousin Sarah. Thank you so much! ❤️

Hear from a Few of the HCAOA Caregiver of the Year Award Finalists

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