Caledonia Argus

Award celebrates diabetes pioneer

Posted: 2/4/03

Franciscan Skemp Foundation will pay tribute to a champion of diabetes education and a hard-working volunteer organization when it presents the 2003 Spheres of Influence Award on February 20. Honored, (posthumously), will be Joanne ìJosieî Brague, RN, BSN, and the Franciscan Skemp Auxiliary. Presented annually since 1983, the Spheres of Influence Award recognizes those who have made exemplary contributions to the physical, mental and spiritual health of others.

Josie Brague was born in Caledonia, MN, where she grew up there with her parents, Lawrence and Leocadia Karels and her many brothers and sisters.

She began her career following graduation from St. Francis School of Nursing in 1961. As a staff nurse at St. Francis Hospital, she developed a special interest in the care of patients with diabetes and began promoting diabetes education for improved patient outcomes and quality of life. She went on to establish the St. Francis diabetes education program (now Franciscan Skemp) which received special recognition from the American Diabetes Association. She also developed an outreach program that serves eight of Franciscan Skempís regional sites.

In the community, Josie served on the board of the local chapter of the American Diabetes Association, organized and led diabetes support groups, and was a volunteer at various activities for children with diabetes. She worked with a local family to establish the Danny Mitby Childrenís Diabetes Fund within Franciscan Skemp Foundation to help children with diabetes and their families. Josie frequently helped find financial assistance for patients unable to pay for services, as well as donations of supplies and medications.

Her influence went far beyond the patients she worked with each day. She helped implement diabetes disease management guidelines for primary care physicians; developed a training course for hospital and clinic nurses to better enable them to understand and care for people with diabetes; and started an annual continuing education program for nurses, dieticians, pharmacists and physicians. She even traveled to Russia to help implement a diabetes training program there.

Josie was a certified member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators and was one of just six national reviewers for the ADA Diabetes Recognition Award program. In the early 1980s she was honored as Wisconsin Nurse of the Year.

Last March, Josie lost her life in a tragic automobile accident. She and her husband, Jerry, had been married nearly 39 years and raised three children, Suzanne, Dan and Steve. Sadly, just nine months after Josieís death, Jerry lost his battle with cancer, a battle the couple had been fighting together.

Josieís influence continues at Franciscan Skemp, having left a legacy of care, compassion and professionalism that others are determined to maintain.

Award presentations will made at a special dinner at the La Crosse Center Grand Ballroom. Tickets are $25 apiece and can be obtained by calling the Foundation at (608) 784-6449.

Top of Page