Employee Assistant Coordinator Jenna Rhodaberger and family participate in the ring of light ceremony at Butler Memorial Hospital. (Steven Dalton Photo)

Employees of Butler Memorial Hospital did not break the dawn alone when they started their shifts Monday morning. Some of them saw their family and friends in the parking lot, shining flashlights at the windows to illuminate the hospital.

The Butler Clergy Network organized a “Ring of Light” vigil Monday in support of healthcare workers, inviting people to illuminate the hospital in an effort to uplift the tired hospital staff.

“We are hearing that they are overwhelmed and frustrated,” said Leigh Benish, pastor of Hill United Presbyterian Church. “We know it has been very trying emotionally, so we wanted to get people together to just say 'We appreciate you.'”<b> A portion of this story is shared with you as a digital media exclusive. To read the full story and support our local, independent newsroom, please subscribe at butlereagle.com. </b>