Nourishing More Than the Body: A Story of Compassion and Connection

When Ranelyn Manabat joined Lakeridge Health in October 2021 as a dietary aide, she expected to nourish patients with food. What she didn’t expect was how often she’d nourish their spirits, too. 

Over time, Ranelyn came to realize that it is often the smallest moments that matter most. A warm smile, a few gentle words, or taking an extra moment to connect can make all the difference. 

During her daily meal rounds, Ranelyn noticed one patient who rarely wanted to eat. Hoping to connect with her, Ranelyn tried something simple. She called her “Sunshine.” 

“When I called her Sunshine she opened her eyes,” recalls Ranelyn. 

From that moment on, a bond began to form. Each time Ranelyn arrived with a meal tray, she would pause and sing You Are My Sunshine. The patient would recognize her voice and begin to eat. 

That connection stayed with Ranelyn even after the patient’s passing. Wanting to honour the bond they shared, she attended the wake and brought a sunflower, just as she had promised. The family recognized her and thanked her for the compassion and care she had shown. 

For Ranelyn, this level of compassion isn’t unusual. She has prayed with patients, comforted families, and even attended funerals, not because it’s part of her job, but because, as she says, “for humanity reasons, it’s the right thing to do.” 

“It’s not only the food that nourishes the body,” she says. “It’s the soul. It’s the heart.” 

Proud to be a dietary aide, Ranelyn believes compassion has the power to transform someone’s entire care experience.  

“If we spread love and kindness, the world could change a lot,” says Ranelyn. 

And sometimes, that change begins with a simple song and a little sunshine.