The Patrick “Hal” Saenz Award honors non-hospital healthcare workers who have devoted themselves to helping others during the pandemic. This award was created in honor of a cherished employee of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona who we tragically lost to COVID. Recipients of the award have stepped up and gone above and beyond to provide thoughtful leadership and passionate care in the community. This is the spirit in which Patrick lived his life.

Patrick worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona as a nurse. He was a one-of-a-kind character with a sweet demeanor, who approached his caring for members in a holistic way. He always provided a positive perspective and consistently took into account the member’s values, preferences and choice to self-direct care. Tremendously loved by his colleagues, Patrick was a bright spot in the day, always offering a joke and a caring hand.

Originally from Clifton, Arizona, Patrick was a scholarship student at ASU, where he earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. He was a huge fan of his alma mater, as well as the Cardinals, Diamondbacks, and Phoenix Suns. He was such a passionate fan he could even be found at team practices.

A lover of storytelling, concerts, camping, fine restaurants, sports, friends, and family, Patrick led a life of depth and substance. As busy as his life was, he always found time to play with his sister’s dog and would use his days off to spend time with his mother, whom he cherished beyond words. A culinary explorer by nature, Patrick always knew about hidden culinary gems in the Valley. He would go out once or twice a month for cocktails and dinner with his sister, and always took her to the most unique restaurants.

We lost Patrick to COVID in 2020. But we will always remember how he brightened lives wherever he went. When we think of him, we are reminded of the saying, “Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.”