Wadena, Minn. – Sept. 17, 2026 — Astera Health is pleased to announce that Patt Knudtson has been named a 2026 recipient of the Minnesota Hospital Association’s (MHA) Patient Gratitude Award. This honor reflects the trust and thankfulness of the patients and families at the center of Astera’s care.
The Patient Gratitude Award recognizes a patient whose care experience inspired them to give back to an MHA member hospital. The award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional gratitude through service, advocacy, philanthropy, volunteerism that positively impacts caregivers and the community.
Knudtson was nominated by Director of Strategic Marketing and Business Development, Amy Yaeger who wrote, “Patt was diagnosed with cancer and had treatment in 2024 and 2025 was given the all clear after a true battle. As a retired art and Family and Consumer Science educator, she has tenacity and compassion, and she has brought that to Astera Health as a volunteer to give back to one of the places that provided her care. She is willing to step in to help us in our patient care units and at events. Patt checks every box for this recognition and we are blessed to have her as a member of the Astera Health family.”
“Giving back in my community is important to me. Donating my time and financial support to Astera Health is a part of my legacy to keep cancer care close to home,” Patt said.
The award was presented at the MHA Annual Meeting in Brainerd on September 17th. If you would like to join Patt in Astera Health’s volunteer program or donate to the Foundation, go to asterahealth.org.
ABOUT ASTERA HEALTH Astera Health is a private, not-for-profit health care system based in Wadena, Minnesota. It offers care services such as primary health, surgery, cancer care, diagnostic imaging, obstetrics, orthopedics and rehabilitation. Astera Health operates a hospital and medical clinic in Wadena, and serves the counties of Wadena, Todd and Otter Tail through five satellite clinics in Bertha, Henning, Ottertail, Sebeka and Verndale. Visit asterahealth.org.