Waller, shown taking a prescription from Cody Greer, says her experience helps her as a tech, giving her a greater sense of empathy for patients battling major illnesses.

there is because she does

kidney. Today, about a year later, Utt is doing well and has even returned to her job at CVS.

As one can imagine, the bond between Waller and Utt now is stronger than ever.

“We call each other
regularly and we go
out together. I still take
her to her doctor visits
because she is a little skittish about
driving on the interstate because of
her eye,” said Waller.

Waller said the experience has helped her in her role as a pharmacy technician because she has a greater sense of empathy for those patients battling illness.

“I can relate to it more now. A lot of times you form a bond with them and if they want to come in and tell you how they are feeling you need to stop and listen and see what their concerns are,” said Waller. “After seeing someone sick like that you can relate to how they are feeling.”

selfless acts of kindness all

the time,” Utt noted. “The

reason I know this is because

she saved my life.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

kidney donation by going through a process that involved MRIs, blood work and psychiatric evaluations. After passing the tests with flying colors, Waller and Utt underwent

surgery on July 5, 2007.

Following the surgery, Waller was out of work for eight weeks, versus the expected four weeks, because of the painful pulling sensation she experienced as her muscles and nerves grew back together. But, in Waller’s opinion, it was a small price to pay to give Utt a second chance at life.

To the relief of everyone, including Waller, Utt’s body accepted the

Realizing the importance of Waller’s act of generosity, CVS recognized her in its “For All the Ways You Care” contest, a nationwide search for inspirational stories of caring. As a finalist, Waller received a $10,000 cash prize and an all-expense-paid trip to New York City to attend an honoree luncheon in early March.

“After going to New York and meeting all of the great people who work above me at CVS, they are just so wonderful,” said Waller. “I never knew how much they cared for people and how much they want to do for people.”

While Waller may be amazed by the acts of kindness exhibited by CVS and its thousands of associates, there is no doubt that many—especially Utt—believe that Waller is the one who is amazing.

“I think that Denise Waller is the most caring person there is because she does selfless acts of kindness all the time,” Utt noted. “The reason I know this is because she saved my life.” l