Firmly
ROOTED
MERCY MEDICAL CENTER MERCED FOUNDATION
Winter 2015
Support Grows One Person, One Event, One Organization at a Time 4
Big Support for Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center Comes from Modest Beginnings Heritage Property Management showed their support for the Merced Firefighters Breast Cancer Awareness T-Shirt Drive.
The Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center was built to provide quality cancer treatment to the people of Merced. Now we are experiencing a continuous show of sentimental and financial support from people in the Mercy Medical Center community for the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center. Finding a cure for cancer is a cause that is connecting people throughout the community. “Most people have a personal connection with someone whose life has been forever changed by a cancer diagnosis, and those connections often turn into a cause,” said the new Director of the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center Kanwar Singh. By creating funds and raising awareness, individuals whose lives have been affected by cancer have been able to channel their personal adversity into an opportunity to advocate for others. This fall, three independent organizations each designed and coordinated fundraising events to benefit the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center with a lot of support from local businesses. Teresa and Lynn Stinson travel the world hunting big game, but they set their sights on a local target recently and landed a big prize for the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center. “I’m a nurse, but I still felt relatively unaffected by breast cancer until my mom was struck down by it,” said Teresa. Lynn’s first wife Carol also lost her battle with uterine cancer. The Stinsons created the non-profit organization Let’s Fight Cancer Together to raise awareness
and raise funds in the community. The second annual event for the group was in November, and nearly 400 people bought tickets that included dinner and dancing. There was a silent auction in addition to raffle items. Kelly Gaither has been a nurse at the cancer center for nearly ten years, and is also a longtime participant with the Friends and Family of Carol Stinson Relay for Life team. When Kelly and Teresa put their heads together, they were equally excited to promote an event that could enable the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center to start a transportation program for patients. A $10,000 donation was directed to this program as a result of this personal connection. “I’m inspired by the courage I see in our patients every day,” Gaither said. “I just don’t even have words to express the courage I see.” “The response from our community was huge, and we wanted to really invest back into the community in a meaningful way,” Teresa Stinson replied. “The facilities are phenomenal, and the nurse in me loved to see the doctors so involved.” Both women understand the challenges faced by patients who live in rural areas and have to travel several times a week to Merced for treatment. They each cited the sad fact that people stop their treatment when they lack transportation. The sizable donation was made possible in part from generous support from the business (continued on page 2)
Cancer Center Services
Cancer Center From page 1
Ananda Yoga Therapy Yoga therapy is the process of empowering individuals to progress toward improved health and well-being through the application of the philosophy and practice of Yoga. Above all, it seeks to raise your level of consciousness by reinforcing the natural effects of yoga postures. With this, it is also designed to harmonize your mind, body and soul. Pathways Towards Recovery The Pathways towards Recovery program is a comprehensive restorative wellness program designed to assist in managing the physical side effects of cancer treatment for survivors during treatment or during recovery phases. The program provides a supervised restorative movement regiment developed for small group participation. Massage Therapy Studies of massage for cancer patients suggest massage can decrease stress, anxiety, depression, pain and fatigue. We provide 15 minute sessions by a certified massage therapist for our cancer patients that have been cleared by their physician to receive on their treatment day. For questions or more information on these services provided by the Mercy Foundation, please contact us at 209.564.4200.
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Cancer Support Group Gives an opportunity to anyone who has gone through an experience with cancer to share stories with others, learn from those who share and make new friends in the process. This support group is free to attend and open to anyone that has survived or is battling cancer. Family and friends are welcome to join as well.
Let’s Fight Cancer Together Board Members Teresa and Becca Stinson present a check for $10,000 to the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center Transportation Program. community, which donated over 100 raffle and silent auction items. Event sponsors made the evening both successful and enjoyable, including Gary Frago of Gary’s BBQ, music from Mark and Ginny Carpenter of The Sounds Man, and libations from Modesto Toyota. The Heroes Wear Pink campaign during Breast Cancer Awareness Month is another local effort that has experienced exponential growth as a result of business participation. The Merced Firefighters Local 1479 have enthusiastically promoted the Heroes Wear Pink campaign for the past four years. Union President Chad Englert appreciates the passion he sees from his fellow firefighters for the cause, and marvels at the way the event has grown. This year, you might have seen the black t-shirts emblazoned with “Fight Like a Girl” on the back worn all over town. The Local 1479 had the t-shirts printed to sell as a way to raise money and awareness. The shirts got some big exposure when they were worn by employees from the City of Merced, Heritage Management Group, London Properties, Costco, and Merced Irrigation District. “This was our biggest year by far raising $7,785,” said Englert proudly. “Every shirt you see is a person who cared enough about the cause to contribute and to raise awareness. It’s awesome because you know the work you’re doing is making a difference.” The City of Merced and Mercy Medical Center encouraged employees to purchase
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the t-shirts and wear them instead of their standard attire on Fridays during the month of October for the past few years. This October, for the first time, the several thousand patrons of Costco experienced a sea of employees who traded their uniforms red vests for the signature shirts too. General Manager of Heritage Management Group, Hilary Woodring, credits an employee in their corporate office, Amanda Gallegos, with suggesting that their small office of employees should join the Local 1479 firefighters in their campaign. Heritage Management Group actually bought the Heroes Wear Pink t-shirts for their employees and encouraged them to wear them on Fridays during the month of October. Then a friendly competition evolved throughout their apartment communities and retail store to see who could sell more shirts to vendors, residents, family members and friends. By the end of the month, the handful of employees sparked t-shirt sales near $2,000. “We were really excited to participate this year,” said Woodring. “People in the community seemed to enjoy being part of something bigger than themselves.” Donna Silveira is another inspiring example of how one person’s desire to be part of something bigger than themselves created an annual fundraising event that continues to grow each year. Four of Silveira’s eight siblings lost their respective battles with cancer. Two sisters (continued on page 14)
Three Newest Foundation Board Members are Firmly Rooted in the Community Three professionals who have been movers and shakers in the Merced community most of their lives have dedicated their respective time and talents to the Mercy Foundation Board. Philip Brown, RN has been at Mercy Medical Center for 16 years, and is currently the Director of Emergency Services. Brown was integral in facilitating the physical move into the new facility when it was built, and also very involved in bringing the Stroke Program to Merced. He has proudly followed in his mom and his grandmother’s footsteps as an employee at Mercy, and has consistently supported foundation campaigns and events. “I believe the ER is the pulse of the community and I’ve enjoyed making connections and sharing ideas with the administration and the dedicated folks at the Mercy Foundation,” says Brown. When asked how he’d like to contribute to conversations and progress at the foundation, he referred to himself as a potential interpreter or a bridge between the technical and non-technical entities he now represents. Michelle Symes-Thiara was born and raised in Merced, and actually graduated from Merced High School with Philip Brown. Now the two will share the opportunity to serve as foundation board members together as well. Symes-Thiara has worked for the Merced County Office of Education for over 20 years providing education administration support and technology oversight. She thinks she would like to focus her efforts at the foundation on helping to create a social media presence that would benefit the foundation’s efforts. To marry her enthusiasm and experience in local education with developing initiatives that further link young people in the community with Mercy Medical Center would be significant. “We’ve got a lot of great things happening in Merced, and the new hospital facility and UC Merced have enabled us to attract some pretty phenomenal people to the community too. There are lots of ways we can grow.” April Zinser has worked at Mercy as a Unit Coordinator for 8 years and recently graduated from nursing school at Merced College while raising two young children.
New Board Members: April Zinser, Philip Brown and Michelle Symes-Thiara.
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New President Chuck Kassis Continues Course for Quality Care At Mercy Medical Center Merced, there is a change in leadership but the high level of compassionate care and vision for the future remain the same. Incoming Mercy Medical Center President Chuck Kassis is one of many talented professionals who was motivated to make the move to Merced when the new hospital was being planned. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a hospital administration professional to build a brand new hospital,” according to Kassis. Kassis came to Merced seven years ago to work as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Mercy, bringing thirty years of experience in progressively responsible health care management to his new job as president. Our new president is also a member of the Merced County Health Care Consortium, where he previously served as chairman, as well as a member of American College of Healthcare Executives and Rotary International. “Chuck has been instrumental in developing the direction, vision, strategies, and facilities we’ve worked on together,” said retired president David Dunham. “He knows how things work and will be a terrific asset for Mercy Medical Center in Merced.” He counts himself “very, very fortunate” to have worked two years in the old building before working through the move. Also, Kassis said that he enjoyed having the opportunity to build relationships with donors during the capital campaign fund drive and other foundation events like Taste of Merced. “I found people to be very receptive to what the new hospital would bring to the community in terms of growth and services offered, especially regarding opportunities in tandem with UC Merced,” Kassis added. “We have a tremendous number of opportunities that donors participate in.” The major focus that President Kassis wants to expand upon during tenure is being able to provide the best and safest patient and employee experience. He believes Hello humankindness is a movement we can all participate in and be proud of. The Mercy Foundation would like to welcome our new president, and pledge our enthusiastic support for his mission to foster humankindness in the halls of Mercy and beyond!
Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation I www.supportmercymerced.org I Page 3
Family Birth Center RN Lisa Grisham enjoying the festivities at the Spirit Booster luncheon. Maria Alvarez Melissa Asato Dayna Barrios Valerie Bland Odete Borges Redentor Caroro Blanca Castiglione Rosalia Castillo Tuhin Chaudhury Roxanne Cohen Arcelia Contreras Shaheen Counts Kathy Cravalho Eva Diaz Bernadette Dixon Tamara Edwards Tammy Fernandez Jessica Godoy Alejandra Gomez Deanna Guevara Gaddy Herrera Julio Iniguez Melisa Ivey Rotselle Jumento
Paula Lawrence Sabrina Mancilla Shirley Mays Rose Miranda Brenda Peaster Natalie Penate Denise Perkins Sarah Potter Mary Prado Desiree Ramirez Lori Ramirez Sarah Randall Vera Rocco Anna Romero Vikas Sablok Christy Soto Florence Thomsen Hector Torres Julie Tyra Ara Valera Regina Varney Juan Villegas Margaret White
Thank you to all of the employees who attended the 2014 Spirit Boosters Luncheon. Along with the 47 new Spirit Boosters listed above, we had 35 current Spirit Boosters increase their gift to the Mercy Foundation! The Mercy Foundation is so grateful for the continued support from our wonderful employees who are truly improving health one gift at a time.
Celebrate A Life There were smiles and there were tears as Chaplain Rico Monton used imagery from nature to illustrate the opportunity we have to celebrate the dignity of each life intentioned during the Celebrate a Life ceremony in early December. Chaplain Rico gave a river rock to each guest who attended the candlelight ceremony. He likened each human life to that of a stone; how people start out rough with sharp edges but become smooth, unique, and beautiful with age. “It was the kind of event that moved you and brought people together,” said Olivia Rivera. Rivera participated in the ceremony to honor the memory of her mother, Virginia Rivera, who
Chaplain Rico Monton gives a moving presentation during the Celebrate a Life ceremony.
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Candlelight Ceremony a Beautiful Way to Celebrate the Life of a Loved One
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Welcome New Spirit Boosters!
Guests enjoy an interpretive dance at the Celebrate a Life event. passed away this year at age 91 after suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. Even though Olivia hasn’t lived in Merced for very long, she was touched by how “wonderful and warm” the community has been. “We feel like we’ve been a part of them forever.” While those present had a spiritually rewarding experience, their honorary contributions made a significant physical impact in the Mercy Medical Center community as well. Surgical Services will benefit from the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Navigation System acquired using the $16,000 cumulative donation generated by Celebrate a Life this year. “It’s very purposeful that these donations are helping us to increase the quality of life and the safety of our patients,” said Director of Surgical Services Janet Ruscoe.
In memory of Carol Adams Barb and Walt Adams
In honor of Stanley Barker Jan and Michael McGraw
In memory of Mrs. Eileen Adams Barb and Walt Adams
In recovery of Kory Billings Lisa and Mike Wegley
In memory of Jim Adams Barb and Walt Adams
In memory of Ralph Borelli Bridget and Reno Martinelli
In memory of Dr. Walter Adams, Jr. Barb and Walt Adams
In memory of Michael Bradley Carol and Robert Longobardi
In memory of Hugh Allison and Jack Easby Mary Allison
In memory of Peter Ho Bue Bridget and Reno Martinelli
In memory of Annie Amato Jannine and Michael Amato
In memory of Lorraine Campodonica Sharon & Michael Marchini
In memory of Don Avila Joyce Avila
In memory of Sarah J. Carman Peter Carman (continued on page 5)
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Celebrate From page 4
In memory of Katherine Coleman Carol and David Dunham
In memory of Elmo Giampaoli Josephine and Dario Giampaoli
In honor of Joe Marchini Dr. Daniel Ikemiyashiro
In memory of Carol Ann Souza Maryann Souza
In memory of William Coleman Carol and David Dunham
In honor of Windi Gravance Jan and Michael McGraw
In memory of John J. Souza Maryann Souza
In memory of Janet Cross Katie and Phil Favier
In memory of Marlene Hagerman Nada and John Pazin
In memory of Angelo and Albertina Martinelli Bridget and Reno Martinelli
In memory of Richard Cross Katie and Phil Favier
In memory of Pearle and Dale Hammond Kathleen Wollen
In memory of Patricia Dean Kathleen Crookham In memory of Linda Denney Mel Denney In memory of John Dunham Carol and David Dunham In memory of Joyce Dunham Carol and David Dunham In honor of El Portal Dental Group Trang Nguyen
In memory of Robert Hoyer Katrina Hoyer and Shane Smith In honor of Timothy Jautzen Vivian Ortiz In memory of Joan Kelly Kathleen Crookham In memory of William J. Koenig Michelle and Steven Koenig In memory of Richard Lang Mrs. Phyllis Lang
In honor of the Euker Babies Jennifer and Gregory Euker
In memory of Gordon Lobdell Lydia Lobdell
In memory of Phil Fanelli Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc.
In memory of Henry Lovelace The Lovelace Family
In memory of Raymond Favier Katie and Phil Favier
In memory of Inez Lovelace The Lovelace Family
In honor of Adrian Fedele, M.D. Ms. Durrell Ewing
In memory of Inez Lovelace Lisa and Mike Wegley
In memory of Peter J. Fluetsch Lisa and Mike Wegley
In memory of Inez Lovelace Barbara Adams
In memory of Peter J. Fluetsch Fluetsch & Busby Insurance
In memory of Inez Lovelace Shannon Aquino
In memory of Carmella Fredericksen Sally and Mike Strasser
In memory of Inez Lovelace Lannie Haslouer
In honor of Phyllis Freeze Earlene Schneider In memory of Martha Gallaugher Kim and Rod Brawley In memory of Ashley Brunmeier Garcia Donna and Pat Brunmeier In memory of Rick George Katie and Phil Favier
In honor of Maddox and Marin McAuley Matt McAuley
In honor of Winston Ho Susan Fan
In memory of Friends & Family of the EVS Staff Environmental Services Department
In memory of Anna and Tony McGraw Lisa and Max Dalrymple In honor of the Mercy Emergency Department Staff Dr. Gary W. Tamkin In memory of Our Parents Mrs. and Mr. Donald Kock
In memory of Domenico Marchini Sharon and Michael Marchini
In memory of Walter Stephens Earlene Schneider In memory of Jack Stockton Barb and Walt Adams In memory of Virginia Strasser Sally and Mike Strasser In memory of G. Wayne Symes Loretta Symes In memory of Elizabeth Taylor Janice Wilkerson In memory of Dr. Ed Tetangco James Raveret, M.D. In memory of Dr. Ed Tetangco Mark Via, M.D. In memory of Della and Angela Trovato Lydia Lobdell
In memory of Stephen Pokorny Cynthia Temple
In memory of Mrs. Jane Vilas Danna and Dan Holmes
In memory of Dr. George Porter Barb and Walt Adams
In memory of John D. Wainwright Barbara Wainwright
In celebration of 50 years of marriage, Bev and John Raggio Lisa and Mike Wegley
In memory of Mary and Hubert Walsh Susan Walsh
In honor of Pastor Charlie Reed Mrs. & Dr. Napoleon Washington
In memory of Duane Weller Eileen Weller
In memory of Robert E. Reese Marilyn Reese
In memory of the Deceased Members of Wessels’ Family Penny Sawyer
In memory of Walt and Rachel Roduner Eleanor and Richard Roduner
In memory of Mary Manly Nancy Brawley
In memory of Barbara and James Spence Kathy Souza
In memory of Hazel Pillsbury Fred Pillsbury
In memory of Virginia Rivera Lisa and Mike Wegley
In memory of Inez Lovelace Sally Strasser
In celebration of Hudson Marchini Lisa and Mike Wegley
In memory of Adeline McGowen Elaine and Dick Garcia
In memory of Brian Pazin Nada and John Pazin
In memory of Tony Laverdure Edith Nahas
In memory of Eva Marchini Sharon and Michael Marchini
In memory of Martinelli family Lydia Lobdell
In honor of Granddaughter Scarlett Janice Wilkerson In memory of Mike Schneider Earlene Schneider In memory of Harriette and Joe Schwartz Marcee Samberg
In honor of Roy and Marilyn Young Janet Young In memory of Sara Youngblood Kim and Rod Brawley Celebrating Health Patricia and Michael Keennon Steven J. Margaretic Jesus Montes Dr. Sunit R. Patel Beverly and John Raggio Scoto Brothers Farming Dr. Frank Berry, Jr.
Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation I www.supportmercymerced.org I Page 5
At Mercy, patients are being treated on every level, health professionals and administrators are constantly searching for progressive ways to increase the quality of care and the opportunity to pursue best practices. Two new initiatives for increasing patients’ access to quality care close to home have been identified as desirable resources that would greatly benefit the greater Merced community. The Mercy Foundation will provide opportunities for raising the necessary funds for these campaigns, which currently fall outside of internal budget boundaries at Mercy Medical Center. The Bronchial Thermoplasty System has been clinically proven to increase asthma-related quality of life for people who suffer from severe asthma. The Bronchial Thermoplasty (BT) device applies mild heat inside the airways to reduce excessive smooth muscle. The reduction in muscle tissue helps minimize airway constriction. A specially trained pulmonologist can deliver a safe outpatient procedure in three sessions that will decrease severe asthma attacks, emergency department visits, and lost work days for affected patients using Bronchial Thermoplasty. To bring this valuable system to Mercy will require a $70,000 financial commitment from our community. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) will further Mercy Medical Center’s commitment to high-quality health care by providing our surgeons with essential resources. This affiliation with a national organization that is controlled by physician peers will generate comprehensive data and establish collaborative relationships. Surgeons will be empowered to utilize the latest in surgical techniques, protocols, and advancements in patient
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A Growing Commitment to the Community in 2015
Board Champion, Dr. Shailesh Patel and Physician Champion, Dr. Dortha Chu will lead the way in fundraising to bring the NSQIP program to Mercy. procedures to improve patient care. To bring the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program to Mercy, $150,000 will need to be generated by the Mercy Foundation. The mission of the Mercy Foundation is to further Mercy Medical Center’s commitment to provide excellence in health care through stewardship, financial support and community collaboration. “We believe excellence in health care is achievable when we can attract compassionate, skilled professionals and offer them the best available resources to work with,” said Katie Favier, Vice Chair of Fund Development. Dignity Health believes that humankindness holds the power to heal the people we serve and the world we share. We hope that the caring community of Merced will continue to support the Foundation this year in these new campaigns. If you are interested in joining the Mercy Foundation in helping transform the health of our community, please contact Lisa Wegley for more information at 209.564.4200.
Happy Trails to You, President Dunham! The Mercy Foundation would like to recognize and appreciate the significant contributions of Mercy Medical Center President, David Dunham. Dunham, a Board Certified Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), retired December 31st after more than forty years of service in health care. His career had humble beginnings; he was a housekeeper at UT Knoxville before he became an accomplished administrator at regional hospitals in Georgia, Virginia, and ultimately, Merced, California. Had the Dunhams’ adult children not migrated to the West Coast, our community may not have had the benefit of his productive leadership.
An “interesting opportunity” for a new replacement hospital to be built in Merced provided the perfect incentive for he and his wife Carol to make Merced their new home. “It was a great experience to have been part of the team that brought the new facility, physicians, staff, and services to Merced,” said Dunham proudly. “Mercy Medical Center is now a focal point in this community for growth.” After ten years as President of Mercy Medical Center, Dunham plans to take full advantage of life near the beautiful Sierras by spending more time in nature. Also, he is looking forward to enjoying his young grandchildren and playing golf with his friends from the Rotary Club. We are grateful for your guidance and for your commitment to caring for our community!
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Early Detection is Key to Surviving a Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Early detection is an incredibly important factor for survivability of a cancer diagnosis. This is particularly true with lung cancer, which is the leading killer among all forms of cancer. Generous donations to the Mercy Foundation’s first major gift campaign have equipped physicians in Merced with incredible technology to enable early detection and increase the chances for a patient to defeat an undesirable diagnosis. The cost of the Advanced Digital Ultrasound System (EUS) and Ultrasound Video Bronchoscope (EBUS) was $400,000. The lungs are a large, spongy set of organs nestled near the heart that enable humans to breathe. However, the lungs can also harbor tumors that can grow for quite a long time undetected before manifesting with symptoms. Coughing and fatigue are leading clinical symptoms of lung cancer in the early stages, but are often attributed to a host of other issues and dismissed by patients according to the American Lung Association. The Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) is a diagnostic tool that can quickly confirm cancerous growths in the gastrointestinal and respiratory area, where previous technology was limited only to what could be seen inside the airways with a basic bronchoscopy. Senior Director of Perioperative Services Janet Ruscoe, compares it to using an ultrasound to get images of a baby from outside the body. The goal in bringing an EBUS to Merced is to decrease the amount of time from suspecting lung cancer to beginning a timely treatment protocol, thus increasing the patient’s prognosis exponentially. Lung cancer is categorized in four stages: Stage One being the least pervasive and Stage Four indicating the most significant spread of cancer cells to other areas of the body. Stage Four lung cancer currently has a less than 1% chance for survivability. “It was striking to me when I moved to Merced that most patients we see are diagnosed with Stage Four lung cancer,” noted Dr. Parminder Sidhu of the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center. “At UC Irvine, it was much more common to encounter patients in a variety of stages; more proportional.” The difference in survivability at different stages is also striking. If lung cancer is detected at Stage One, there is approximately a 70% survival rate. If detection first occurs at Stage Three, only a 20% chance for a cure exists. Dr. Sidhu laments the effects of late stage diagnosis as well as delayed treatment that can occur when financing and out-of-town scheduling are an issue. He finds value for himself and for his patients to have local continuity of care from diagnosis through treatment. Having endobronchial ultrasound available at Mercy will curtail obstacles for timely care and enable a more personal and complete treatment cycle.
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Endoscopic Ultrasound Video Bronchoscope Technology Now Available in Merced
Board Member, Dr. Parminder Sidhu; Physician Champion, Dr. Sunit Patel; Director of Respiratory Services, Adam Williams; and Endoscopy Clinical Manager, Linda Golden proudly display the new EBUS equipment. Dr. Sunit Patel was the Physician Champion for the endobronchial ultrasound acquisition. The Merced pulmonologist is receiving special training on the EBUS and is anxious to utilize the technology with his patients. “With endoscopic ultrasonography, we can actually go into the tumor or lymph node. We use less anesthesia to diagnose and focus at the site, and have a very low risk of rupturing blood vessels in the area of the tumors,” according to Dr. Patel. Endobronchial ultrasound provides increased image quality and increased patient comfort in addition to the superior navigational performance and precise positioning indicated by Dr. Patel. “It’s what the future will be like,” Ruscoe says of endoscopic ultrasound technology. “Many newly trained Pulmonologists and Gastroenterologists have exposure or actual training with this equipment and expect it to be available wherever they decide to practice post-residency (specialty fellowship).” Board Champion Ric Kirby was eager to assist with this first major gift campaign. Kirby’s mother died from lung cancer in 1994, and he hopes that this technology can spare others from a late stage lung cancer diagnosis. “The thing that affects all of us is having access to high quality, affordable health care,” said Kirby. “I’m proud to have played a role in bringing early detection and diagnosis for lung cancer to our community”
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Mercy Foundation 2014 Honor Roll The mission of the Mercy Foundation is to further Mercy Medical Center’s commitment to provide excellence in health care through stewardship, financial support and community collaboration. Without the generous support of our donors, we would be unable to fulfill this mission. We would like to sincerely thank our generous donors who contributed to the Mercy Foundation in 2014. AAH Massage Maria Abarca Alyssa Abarca Samia Abdallah Rachel Abril Dana Acosta Yrel Acosta Kasandra Acosta Barbara and Walt Adams Varilyn Adams Josslyn Agauyo Dr. Valerie Albano Stephanie Alcantar Maria Alcantara Esther Alcorta Michael Aldrich Joylin Aleru Jasmine Alexander Jill and Keith Alley Mary Allison Raquel and William Altavilla Philip Alvarez Jannine Amato American Legion Riders Chapter 83 Amie Marchini Gerontologist, Inc. Brenda Amunrud Sarah Anderson Yyessenia Andrade Daniel Andresen Hillary Andrews Paty Anguiano Shannon and Timothy Aquino Cristyn and Anthony Aquino Ruel Arandia Alejandra Arellano Tina Arias Nathan Armendariz Dawn and Tim Arnsberg Giancarlo Arocena Carol Ash Fatima Ashas Gurpreet Athwal Cheryl Atkins Lora Atkinson AV Thomas Produce, Inc. Joyce Avila Sherri Avrett Yvonne and Robert Ayers Theresa Azevedo Malinda Azevedo Mangal Bagri Cheryl and DianandBaijnauth Claire Bakken Latricia Baltrip Martha Banaria Bandoni, Inc. Karen and Louie Bandoni Sylvia and John Bankson Gerardo Barajas Lynnda and Ed Baran Joanne and Albert Bardini Michael Barker Sheree Barnes Casey Barnes Kyle Baron Felipe Barragan Rose and Ronald Basmajian Gail Basso Rhonda Batson Rebecca Battis Brian Battles Bear Creek Anesthesia Medical Group Yvonne Becerra Linda Beever Neomi Belcher Michael Beltran
Margaret Bender Susan and Ed Benes Lisa Bennett Diana Benson Nancy and Don Bergman Katie Bernard Christine Bernardo-Rodrigues Glennda Berry-Lopez Dr. Frank Berry Patricia Betschart Kelly Bitonio Dorothy and E.W. Bizzini Lisan Blackwell Eileen and Terry Blackwood Arnold Blaquera Lawrence Blazina and Doris Gonella Janet Bloed Carrie Bogue Alicia Bohlke Dr. Anna Bolling Amy Bollinger Carla Borba Santram Boughen Mai Boushell Carol Bowman Jayleen Boyd Andrew Boyd Marlena Boyle Lynnette Boyles Debra Braden Joan Brammer Tammy Brass Nancy Brawley Mason Brawley Kimberly and Rod Brawley April and Michael Brewer Glenda Brinsfield Bristol Hospice Susan Brooks Jeni and Mel Brooks Gina Broussard Joy Brown Curtis Brown Philip Brown Shirley Brown Kim Brown Jordynne Brown Sheri and Corbett Browning Joanna Browning Angela Bruening Donna and Pat Brunmeier Paulina Bruns Glen Bruss Rose Mary Bunce Patricia Burkhart Sandra Burrough Betty and Ralph Busby Dawn Butler Amanda Butler Martha Butler Elwanda Byrnes Irene Cabral Ana Cacho Yuli Cai Lisa Calderon Victor Calderon California Land Investment Company Martha Camacho Mary and Scott Camper Angel Cancina Sally Canelo Annette Cardenas Gina Cardenas Veronica and John Carlisle Peter Carman Lynn and Grant Carmichael Redentor Caroro
Eric Carpenter Suzanne and Robert Carpenter Antonia Carrillo Josephine Castaneda Virginia Castilleja Stephanie Castillo Tania Castillo Janine Castro Rebecca Cates Elisa Catuiza-Karr Sonia Cavan-England Central Valley Nephrology Medical Associates, Inc. Century 21/Salvadori Realty Carlos Cervantes Marcee Cervantes Ray Cervantes Virginia Cervantes Magania Theresa and Dennis Cesar Senda Chang Natalie Chao Kay and Gerald Chapman Karen and Galen Chastain Tuhin Chaudhury Catalina Chavez Nallely Chavez Salazar Cheesman’s Custom Concrete Andrea Chicchon Marylin and John Chiero Baljinder Chima Anita Chin Benny Ciriaco Cameron Clemens Betty and Lincoln Clendenin Connie Clifford Laura Coberley Lynn Cody Roxanne Cohen Kelli Cole Jeff Cole Vanessa Collins Lynn Collins Monica Colunga Susan and Eric Conley Colleen Connors Abigail Contreras Maria Contreras Debbie Copus Cristen Cornaggia Jenny Correia Congressman Jim Costa Jesse Cottrell Shaheen Counts Kevin Cox Nancy and Bert Crane Bert Crane, Jr. Kathy Cravalho Naioma Crawford Kathy Crook Kathleen Crookham Judith and Kenneth Crow Ofie Cruz Megan Cuizon-Caroro Amy Cullen Carlene and Jim Cunningham Nancy Cunningham Okomoto Gloria Dagsi Antoinette and Robert Dal Porto Lillian Dal Porto Lisa and Max Dalrymple Elizabeth Davidson Bob Davis and Linda Tatum Christine Davis Julie Davis Matt Davis Susan Davis
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Kelli Dayhoff Sharon De Bettencourt Esther De Leon Carol Deavers Annabelle Dela Cruz Susana Delatorre Adriana Delgadillo Donald DeLong Aaron Delworth Nicole Delworth Melvin Denney, Jr. Natalina Descalso Del Nero Andrea Devoe Kelly and Greg Di Carlo Jodi Diaz Sonia Diaz Dignity Health - Corporate Office (Rancho Cordova) Dignity Health Medical Group Merced Tammy Dixon Mary Dolan David Doll Pearl Dowell Susan and Salvatore Dowhaniak Sandra Draney Tina Drew Frances Drummond-Mercado Mary Ellen Du Pertuis Diane Dubberley Carol and David Dunham Van Duong Benjamin Duran and Rosemary Parga-Duran Deborah Durbin Jason Duyette Rose Eager-Sabo East Bay Community Foundation Jane Eastman Elise Eastman Joslin Ebrahimi Educational Employees Credit Union Emma Edwards El Portal Dental Group Brian Elmore Environmental Services Department Richard Escola Paul Escueta Yzamar Espinoza Andrea Estrada Jennifer and Gregory Euker Andrea and Jim Evans Helen Evans Evergreen Funeral Home & Memorial Park Durell Ewing Fagundes Dairy Frank and Michelle Fagundes Vicki and Ralph Fagundes Susan Fan Favier Farms Kathryn and Phillippe Favier Charnese Felix Kory and Paul Feltz Dorothy Fenton Dodie Fernandez Irene and Arturo Fernandez Brigid Ferrari and Derek Meyer Odilia Ferreira Jennifer Ferreria Lori and Larry Ferriera Ron Field Norma and Hugh Flanagan Maria Flores Mary Flores Stefanie Floriano Catherine Fluetsch John Fluetsch Kelli and Doug Fluetsch
Sara Forbes Grace and William Foster Annissa Fragoso Desiree Franco Jeanne Franco Lucy Franco Jane Fraser Mike Freeman Elizabeth Freitas Nelfa Freitas Nini and Clarence Freitas Mary Friesen Nancy and Francis Fruhbeis Michelle Frye Pam Fulcher Sylvia and James Fuller Bette and Robert Gaestel Kelly Gaither Pauline Galinda Christine Gallagher Diane Gallagher Lindsey Gallagher Audra Gallardo Leobardo Gallegos Lori and Michael Gallo Elsie and Alfred Gamboni Anita and Joe Gamboni, Jr. Julie Garber Belinda Garcia Blanca Garcia Casie Garcia Edgar Garcia Elaine and Dick Garcia Heather Garcia Pam and Marc Garcia Samuel Garcia Yolanda Garcia Svetla and Dimitar Gargova Garrett Hearing Center Roberta Gaxiola-Alvarez Janet German Thelma Germany Jeanne and Bob Giampaoli Josephine and Dario Giampaoli Maria and Raymond Giampaoli Margherita and Arturo Giampedraglia Janice Gibson Dennis Gillen Laina Gilmore Susan Gilmore Joan and Leroy Gilsdorf Linda Golden Gustavo Gomez Loren Gonella Griselda Gongora Olivia Gonzales Jaime Goodman Jasmine Gould Zulma Granados Karen Gray Eugene Green Rochelle Grise Lisa-Marie Grisham Carrie and Scott Grissom Vanessa Guevara Debbie Gunn Matthew Gunn Lynn Gutierrez Lilia Guzman Melbourne Gwin and Judith Hartman Julie and Stephen Hale Stella Hamill Jerena Hammett Valerie Hanckel Brandie Hankins Kathryn and Ronald Hansen La Tanya Harris Patricia Harris Jeremy Hartman Mary Haslouer Annette and Jason Haugen Karrie Haygood-Floriano Stephanie and Ron Heberline Jennifer Heinrich Alice Hellner Lonnie Hendricks Burt Henry Gail Hepper
Ahley Her Tanya Herje Deborah Hernandez Evelyn Hernandez Janet Hernandez Karen Hernandez Lainie Hernandez Laura Hernandez Maria E. Hernandez Rhonda Hernandez Yazmin Hernandez Ana Hernandez-Villa Jua Herr Michael Herrera Jennifer Hicks Susan Hicks Jennifer and Jerry Hilliard Hilmar Cheese Company Cherrie and Glenn Hilmer Mary Hintenach Cheryl Hirsch Jarrod Hodgdon Mary and John Hofmann Trudy Holck Nancy Hollingsworth Danna and Dan Holmes Nancy Holmes Joan Hoornaert Leonia Hosburgh Michael Hostetler Sally Howard Betty and Michael Hoyt Victoria Humphries Bobbie and Gerald Hunt Tami Hunter-Neal Jamie Husain Daniel Ikemiyashiro Image Masters Sueja and Michael Ingle Jena Ipock Marilynne and Berent Isenberg Beverly Ivers J. Marchini Farms Irma Jacobs Greta and Tom Janz Kay Jelacich Evette Jenks Jewish Community Foundation of the West John Hale Painting, Inc. Amelia Johnson Bennie Johnson Seventhia Johnston Carolyn and M. Stephen Jones Charlene Jones Danisha Jones Gloria Jones Tawny Jones Robert Potter and Peggy Joseph-Potter Lydia Juarez-Mendoza Christina Jurado Ranvir Kang Kaplan College Anne Kasper Elizabeth and Chuck Kassis Manvindar Kaur Erica Keck Patricia and Michael Keennon Carla and George Kelley Sarah Kimbrough Rosa Kindred-Winzer Olivia and Dorrance King Kirby Manufacturing, Inc. John Kirihara and Judith Salzberg-Kirihara Gillian Knickelbein Elaine and Donald Kock Michelle and Steve Koenig Kathy Kohrman Ashley Koplin Ellie and Dennis Koplin Cindy and Kenneth Krauss Marie and Leroy Kyhn L. Martinelli Farms Laird Manufacturing Sarah Landels Isabel Lane Phyllis Lang Julia Larson Linda Larson
Andrea and Cyril Lawrence Leap, Carpenter, Kemps Insurance Agency Janet Lee Joaquina Lee Noel Lee Shoua Lee Ashley Leffard Jose Lemus Joanna and John Lennox Cesilia Leon Rose Lindsey Carol and James Linneman Lydia Lobdell Loretta Locke Susan and David Lockridge Dianne Loeffers Christine and Dave Long Carol and Robert Longobardi Rita and Don Longton Claudia Lopez Desiree Lopez Rodolfo Lopez Sergio Lopez Ayesha Lor Judy Lorenz Jan and R.J. Lorenzi Madeleine and E.J. Lorenzi Angelica Lua Serena Lueras-Crites Olivia Lynch Christina and Edward Macha Anna Machuca Marylee Madden-Bost Luzviminda Maderazo Teresa Madrigal Carol and Jim Madruga Lavetta and Charles Maestas Dalia Magana Erlinda Magliba Dawn and Lewis Maiorino Make It Happen Sue Malaythong Domingo Maldonado Suzanne Malone Juliette and Joe Marchini Sharon and Michael Marchini Ronita Margain Steve Margaretic Dominic Markgraf Steve Maron Deborah Marquez Bridget and Reno Martinelli Andrea Martinez Aricia Martinez Candido Martinez Maria Martinez Martin Martinez Victor Martinez Brandi and Robert Masasso Sally Mate Culley and Guy Maxwell Ann May Karen Mayfield Mrs. Mayfield Rigo Mayoral Shirley Mays Kevin Mc Gauley Jan Mc Graw McAuley Motors Jeanne and Barry McAuley Jannette and Matthew McAuley Monte McAuley Jane McClelland Jim McDiarmid Brian McDonald Nellie and Russ McGarry Karen Mcintire Karen and Robert McLaughlin Schatzi McMilin Cassandra Means Maria Medeiros Marissa Medina Delene and Mark Meidlinger Frank Mejia Karen Mejia Liliana Mendez Michelle Mendoza Renee Mendoza
Santiago Mendoza Merced Faculty Associates Medical Group, Inc. Merced Heart Associates Merced Honda Merced Irrigation District Merced Medical Supply Merced Pathology Medical Group, Inc. Merced River Farms, Inc. Merced Women’s Club Mercy Medical Center Medical Staff Michelle Metcalfe Annetta and Charles Meyer Kellee Meyer and Douglas Brown Suzanne Michaelis Acela Middleton Gemma Minetti Carol and Vic Minetti Linda Mininger Margeliza Minson Eva Miranda Irene Miranda-Henson Monika Modest Orlando Molinero Kathleen Monson Kimberly Montague Elidia and Jesus Montes Karen Montgomery Rico Monton Gerald Flanders and Melinda Montoya-Flanders Amanda Mora Gilbert and Susan Morales Nestor Morales Sue and Henry Moreno Kaaren and Chris Morgner Alice Moschitto Debra Moss Nellie Moss Mary Ellen and Robert Mott Markey Moua Thomas Moua Catriona Moynagh Roberto Muniz Andres Munoz Jeanette and Frank Muratore Rita Murphy Edith Nahas Fred Najjar Martha Nambatac Daniel Nance Rebecca Nannini Linda Navarrete Suki Nawaz Rosella Nelson Sylvia and Michael Nelson Jody Newton Merilyn Newton Vaune and Steven Newvine Calvin Nixon Matthew Noneman Nor-Cal Pump & Well Drilling, INC. Marvin Nunes Valeria Nunez Dolly and Jerald O’Banion Cesar Ochoa Lisa and James Ochoa Rebekah Ogden Betty Jo and Donald Ohlinger Robin Oka Julianah Olabode Nancy and Wendell Olson Marilyn and Tim O’Neill Pauline and Francis Oneto Karen Orong Melba Orozco Alex Ortega Vivian Ortiz Claire Osborne Olivia Osborne Maria Oseguera Sally Paasch Pacific Gas and Electric Kathy Padilla John Pagano Isai Palma Roxanna Pantoja
(continued on page 10)
Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation I www.supportmercymerced.org I Page 9
Honor Roll
From page 7
Esther Pardo Lloyd Pareira Soonhee Park Kathryn Parker Paul Parker Violet Parrish Minda Partridge Patel Anesthesia Associates Services, Inc. Nita and Sunit Patel Leonard Pauletti Mark Pazin Nada and John Pazin Brenda Peaster Michelle and Garth Pecchenino Heidi and Josh Pedrozo Kelly and John Pedrozo Audrey and Richard Peguero Aurora and Alfred Peguero Donna Pena Tom Penrod Lourdes Peres Ruben Perez Glorie Perocho Ragina Perryman Jessica Petersen Linda Peterson R. Steve Phillips and Margaret Connell Virginia Pierron Lindsey Pierson Fred Pillsbury Mary and Bernardo Piniol Connie Pino Douglas Piuser Stephanie Piuser Roman Pomicpic Arthur Porras Sujung Price Barry Prisaznik Deneen Proctor Chantell and Andrew Propes Heidi Prows Janet Pryor-Parr Matt Purdy Cindy Quintana Ruby Quintero-Flores Susan Radtke Beverly and John Raggio Raley’s Beatriz Ramirez Gabriela Ramirez Rick Ramirez Oscar Ramos Jason Ranzoni Henry Raquel Joni Raquel James Raveret Salila and Mohan Reddy Arani and Annapurna Reddy Jessica Reed Marilyn Reese Robin Reese Rosebella Refendor Jonalyn Requillo Hillary and Charles Reyburn Rex Reyes Edith Reyna Karen Reynolds Maridee Reynoso Jewelene Rezendes Billy Richards Michael Richards Riggs Ambulance Service Gaye and Curtis Riggs Right Edge Fun & Fitness, Inc. Kimberley Rivera Suzi Roberts Jett Roberts-Mahy Patty and Gary Robertson Julie Rocha David Rodrigues Donna Rodrigues Dalila Rodrugiez Kelsey Rodriguez Mike Rodriguez Theresa Rodriguez
Gloria Rodriguez-Dag Jesus Rodriguez-Nava Eleanor and Richard Roduner James Rogers Carolyn and David Rogina Carol Romero Linda Romero Soles Michelle Rosa Genevieve Rose Michele Rose Marcia-Marie Rosson Greg Rouleau Pamela and Steve Roussos Ellen and Creed Rowan Roxanne’s Birkenstock Footwear Amita and Atul Roy Asela Ruelan Sandra Ruiz Janet and Terry Ruscoe Nancy Rushing Maria Rutan Susan Rutherford Sablan Orthopedics,Inc. Nai Saelee Chio C. Saephanh Nkaukageosis Saeteurn Rene Salazar Robert Salcido Taylor Saldana Annette Samaniego Marcee and Mark Samberg Ruth and Michael Samberg Millicent Samuelson Lillian Sanchez Angelica Sanchez Sanderson Law Offices, LLC Baldish Sandhu Elizabeth and Michael Sanford Eleanor and Ezio Sansoni Carolyn and David Santos Roberto Sapiera Penny Sawyer Elizabeth and Jerry Schaffer Lillian and Larry Scheidt Robert Scheuerman Beverly and Harold Schick Jessica Schindler Earlene Schneider Jennifer Scholz Scoto Brothers Farming Raja Sekaran Guadalupe Serna Liza Servin Manjit Sharma Sue Shepherd Mark Siaotong Rupinder and Parminder Sidhu Mary Sifuentes Linda Silva Nancy and Edward Silva Fred Silveira Minerva Silveira Steven Silveira Adelia Simental Patricia Simmons Annie Simms Salender Singh Irene Sisneros Sisters of Saint Dominic Sara and Joshua Skunca Jillian Small-Elms Amy Smith Dara and Kevin Smith Liliana Smith Maria and Scott Smith Misty Smith Rosa Smith Shane Smith Carol and Manuel Soares Joseph Soares James Sofranek and Andrea Stewart George Soles Sara Solorio Mary Soriano Damaris Sotelo
Katie and Jose Soto Maria Sousa Sara Sousa Martha Souza Maryann Souza Kathy Souza Susan and Gordon Spencer Karen and Edward Spinardi Sharon Spinardi and Rich Gipson Steve Squires Victoria Squires St. John’s Festa, Inc. Lorelei and Ronald Stapp Darleen Stavrianoudakis Terri and Lawrence Stefani Dawn Stephenson Belinda Stevens Judi Stevenson Stevinson Ranch Golf Club Betty and Donald Stewart Don Stewart and Kelly Pirtle Vivian Stierwalt Nic Stone Hannah Strasser Sally and Michael Strasser Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home Charlene Straughter Kathleen and Robert Streeter David Strobel Teresa Strube Deann Sufuentes Saly Sulieman Margaret Swisher Edgar Sye Jeremy Sy Loretta Symes Danniel Tamburo Gary Tamkin and Sandra Steffenson Tamkin Lisa Tarbell Maziar Tarighi Kristina Tau Karen Tellez Cynthia Temple Ralph Temple and Carole Whitehill Diane Tenorio Margaret and Ronald Tesone Npib Thao Thiara Orchards Jay Thiara and Michelle Symes-Thiara La Tresha Thompson Florence Thomsen Kathryn Thornton Marilyn and Peter Tinetti Carol Torres Esther Torres Hector Torres Kristian Torres Judy Townsend Dena and Samuel Traina Henry Tran Alexandra Tristan Jose Tristan Juancarlos Tristan Kathleen and Joseph Trovato Sheena Truong UBS Financial Services University of California, Merced Yashvinder and Satnam Uppal Rosendo Vaca Maria Valencia Octavio Valencia Rachel Valencia Rosalinda Valencia Valley Emergency Physicians Medical Group Lisa Van Hagen Matthew Van Hagen Debbie Van Hoecke Judy Van Tassel Kimiko Vang Pachia Vang Pao Vang Sabestain Vang Carolyn and Russell Vara Isabel Vargas Kristi Vargas
Page 10 I www.supportmercymerced.org I Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation
Rebecca Vargas Lupe Vasquez Sara Vasquez Meena and Arun Vasudeva Judy Vega Sherri Velasco Andrea Velasquez Mildred Velazquez Maria Vera Tammi Verley Joel Verrinder Linda and Mark Via Charlene Vidales Jill Vieira Maria and Timothy Vietmeier Diana and Eduardo Villarama Rene Viveros Volunteers of Mercy Medical Center Jessica Volk Yolanda Votta Karen and Mark Wagner Barbara Wainwright Linda Walker Elizabeth and Joel Wallace Robert Walsh Susan Walsh Shawna Ward Tamara Warwick Nadine and Napoleon Washington Stephanie Wedde Lisa and Mike Wegley Rhonda Weisser Franki Welch Saundra Welch Eileen Weller WestAmerica Bank Shiela Westlake Sharon White Myla Whiteside Elizabeth Whitmyre Nancy Whittaker Patricia and Robert Wiechert Rose Wilbourn Janice Wilkerson Adam Williams Gerald Williams Sonia Willson Andrea Wilson Cynthia Wilson Debra Wilson Tiffany Wilson WM. J. Koenig, Inc.. Kathleen Wollen Chi Chi and Roger Wood Justin Woodley Carrie Xiong Hushee Xiong Julie Xiong Lee Xiong Mary Xiong Nancy Xiong Carrie Yang Maying Yang Isabel Ybarra Dewayne Young Elizabeth Young Janet Young Cassaundra Yuen Holly and David Zacharias Maria Zaragoza Rachel Zarate Tamira Zarza Maria Zavala Travell Zavala Diana Zendejas Mai Zeunges April Zinser Kathleen and Paul Zizza Suzanne and James Zopolos Teresa Zuniga
Our apologies to anyone who was inadvertently missed or incorrectly listed. Please contact our office so that we may correct our records.
Cumulative Donor List The Mercy Foundation honors those donors who have contributed lifetime cumulative gifts of $5,000 or more. The gifts listed below represent our donors’ commitment to improving health care in the Merced community and we are incredibly grateful for their support. $5,000 - $9,999 Dana Acosta Mary Allison Arthur Alvernaz † Jannine and Michael Amato Amie Marchini Gerontologist, Inc. Vicki and Peter Bandoni Lynnda and Ed Baran Bristol Hospice Connie and Ronald Brons June and Gary Brown Philip Brown Brenda and Robert Burt Barbara and Dr. Donald Carter Caseworx, Inc. Castle Atwater Kiwanis Rebecca Cates Natalie Chao Kay and Gerald Chapman Lulla and Woodworth Clum, Jr. Eva and Don Coburn Vanessa Collins Country Villa La Sierra Care Center Country Villa Merced Kathy Dawson Dr. Nicolas Dela Pena Natalina Descalso Del Nero Diversified Clinical Services Doug Boyer Construction Beulah and Raymond Douglas † Rosemary and Benjamin Duran Joslin Ebrahimi Educational Employees Credit Union Emma Edwards El Portal Dining, Inc. Vicki and Ralph Fagundes Kory and Paul Feltz Norma and Hugh Flanagan Fluetsch & Busby Insurance Jeanne Franco Lucy Franco Nini and Clarence Freitas Pam and Marc Garcia Mary A. Garcia Linda Golden Mika and Rick Grisham Guaranty Residential Lending Betty Hale Julie and Stephen Hale Elaine and John Hamuza Bettie J. Harris Pat Harrison Stephanie and Ron Heberline Deirdre and Dermot Hegarty Hilltop Ranch, Inc. Hilmar Cheese Company Cherrie and Glenn Hilmer House Mart Charlene and Bill Hunt Greta and Tom Janz Violet and Harold Johnson † Carla and George Kelley Kirby Manufacturing, Inc. Gillian M. Knickelbein Michelle and Steve Koenig
Kathy Kohrman Deborah and Eric Kolhede Malinda Krenn Kao Nou and Paul Lo Susan and David Lockridge Erlinda Magliba Sharon and Michael Marchini Lisa and Mark Mayo Julie and Walter McCalman Karen and Robert McLaughlin Merced Honda MERCO Credit Union Carol and Vic Minetti Shannon Moffett and Michael Choy Susan Moore Alta Moreno Barbara Mullin Martha Nambatac Jody Newton Calvin Nixon Dianna and Gregory O’Connor Gregory Olzack and Ann MacDonald Marilyn and Tim O’Neill Mary Lou and Gerald Parker Smita and Dr. Shailesh Patel Alba Perez Mary and Bernie Piniol Premier Valley Bank Prine Construction Inc. Barry Prisaznik Joni Raquel RBB Architects, Inc. Salila and Dr. Mohan Reddy Robin Reese Rendina Companies Renegade Classics Outlet Kim and Robert Rogina Barbara and Wesley Root Michele Rose Roxanne’s Birkenstock Footwear Sue and Allen Rutledge Jeanne and Michael Salvadori San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District Baldish Sandhu Elizabeth and Michael Sanford Shire Regenerative Medicine Smith & Stapp, CPA’s Smolinsky Fantasy Football League Carol and Manuel Soares Karen and Ed Spinardi St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Mission Church Sally and Mike Strasser Stryker Instruments Gary Tamkin and Sandra Steffenson Tamkin Dr. Raymond Tan Lisa Tarbell Maziar Tarighi Mame and Henry TeVelde Thiara Orchards Paul Tsai and Dolores Tan Judy Van Tassel Linda and Mark Via Yolanda Votta Richard Walls
Stephanie Wedde WestAmerica Bank Nancy Whittaker Janice Wilkerson Chi Chi and Roger Wood Ellie Wooten Ann M. Yeadon Janet E. Young Renato Yuzon $10,000 - $24,999 Michael Aldrich American Legion Riders Chapter 83 Anberry Rehabilitation Hospital Dawn and Tim Arnsberg Atwater Firefighter’s Association Joyce Avila Sydney Ayotte Cheryl and Dianand Baijnauth Bank of America Foundation Nancy and Don Bergman BloodSource Sandee and Dr. Lee Boese Dr. Anna Bolling Nancy Brawley Lynn and Grant Carmichael Carmel and Jack Collins † Davita Dialysis Kelly and Greg Di Carlo Dignity Health Medical Group Merced Mary Ellen Du Pertuis Lisa and Tim Dylina Teresita 0Enad Anthony Farrar First Foto Bette and Robert Gaestel Margaret and William George Sara Givens † Lori and Daniel Graver Greif Bros. Construction Doreen Hartmann Dr. James Huish Sueja and Michael Ingle John Hale Painting Peggy Joseph-Potter and Robert Potter Nirmala and Dr. Ravi Kumar Leap, Carpenter, Kemmps Insurance Agency Janet Lee Kim and Joe Lombardi Madeleine and E.J. Lorenzi Culley and Guy Maxwell Teresa and Daniel McNamara Merced City Firefighters Union Merced Irrigation District Merced Mall, Ltd. Merced Pathology Medical Group, Inc. Kathleen Monson Sue and Henry Moreno Surya and Mani Nallasivan PaineWebber Incorporated Rabobank Razzari Ford Mazda Riggs Ambulance Service Ron Smith Buick-Pontiac-GMC-Jeep (continued on page 12)
Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation I www.supportmercymerced.org I Page 11
Cumulative From page 11
Janet and Terry Ruscoe Jeanne and Mike Salvadori Kota Shekar Terri and Lawrence Stefani Sarah L. Stuart-Edgerton Cynthia Temple Transcounty Title Company UBS Financial Services University of California, Merced Debbie Van Hoecke Connie and A.A. Waldron Linda and Ben Wells Holly and David Zacharias
Susan K. Radtke Carolyn and David Santos Dr. Davin Soehnen and Dr. Kristina Sogocio Soroptimist International of Merced Loretta Symes Donna Tetangco Suzanne and James Zopolos
$25,000 - $49,999 Jane and Tony Abbate Julie and Robert Abbate Kaaren and John Abbate Sabra and Jim Abbate Acker Memorial Golf Classic $15,000 - $24,999 Barbara and Walt Adams Jill and Keith Alley Sylvia and John Bankson Arvin Sango Foundation, Inc. Dr. Frank Berry, Jr. Dr. Sima Asadi and Dr. Foroutan Ahmad Dorothy and E.W. Bizzini Marjorie and John Barnhart Sally Canelo April and Michael Brewer Care Wear Uniforms Suzanne and Robert Carpenter Theresa and Dr. Dennis Cesar Kathleen Crookham Connie Clifford Brian Elmore Bert Crane, Jr. Eye-Q Vision Care Ken Joyner Reno Ferrero † Cindy and Kevin Kelley Foster Farms Vijya and Dr. Hanimireddy Lakireddy Josephine and Dario Giampaoli Nancy and Gary Larson Maria and Raymond Giampaoli Andrea and Cyril Lawrence Nancy and Don Gormly Cynthia A. Lesher Debbie and Jerry Holloway Lydia Lobdell Greg Hostetler Amie Marchini and Kory Billings J.D. and R.M. Wainwright PTR Mason, Robbins, Browning & Godwin Christine Jenkins McCarthy Builders Carolyn and M. Stephen Jones Merced County Board of Supervisors Joseph Gallo Farms Annetta and Charles Meyer Kaplan College John Minetti † Elizabeth and Chuck Kassis Nada and John Pazin Dr. Madhu Kris and Dr. VijayaTangella Michelle and Garth Pecchenino Carol and Jim Madruga Scott Porter Juliette and Joe Marchini Beverly and John Raggio Kim and Mark McAuley Marilyn Reese McAuley Motors Lillian and Larry Scheidt Delene and Mark Meidlinger St. John’s Festa, Inc. Minturn Nut Co., Inc. Kathleen and Dr. Robert Streeter Karen Montgomery Thiara Brothers Orchards Melinda Montoya-Flanders and Gerald Flanders Barbara Wainwright Cindy and Caesar Muratore Elizabeth and Joel Wallace Jim Myer Lisa and Mike Wegley Sue and Charles Novotny Kathleen and Paul Zizza Linda Ottemoeller-Fricke and Layne Fricke $50,000 - $74,999 Nita and Sunit Patel Meenakshhi and Dr. Shivarama Bhat Mark Pazin Central Valley Nephrology Medical Associates, Inc. Pazin & Myers, Inc. County Bank of Merced Dr. R. Steve Phillips and Margaret Connell Nancy and Bert Crane Bernardo Piniol Carlene and Jim Cunningham
Susan and Salvatore Dowhaniak Carol and David Dunham Helen B. Evans Dana and Ric Kirby Christine and Dave Long Tim and Billie Razzari Amita and Dr. Atul Roy Marcee and Dr. Mark Samberg Lorelei and Ronald Stapp Michelle Symes-Thiara and Jay Thiara $75,000 - $99,999 Dr. Lawrence Blazina and Doris Gonella Golden Valley Health Centers Dr. Daniel Ikemiyashiro Mercy Hospital Salary Deductions Karen and Dr. Mark Wagner $100,000 - $249,999 Yvonne and Bob Ayers Bear Creek Anesthesia Medical Group Jeannie and Michael Bliss Bunny and S. R. “Gus” Drumm † Rose Eager-Sabo The Family of A.E. and Sarah Montgomery Jan Falasco Fluetsch Family Catherine Fluetsch Doug and Kelli Fluetsch Barbara and Brian Fuentes Lori and Michael Gallo Danna and Dan Holmes Arthur and Lillian Luz Estate Jeanne and Barry McAuley Marge and Robert McAuley † Monte McAuley Betty and Donald Stewart Valley Emergency Physicians Medical Group Wal Mart Foundation $250,000 - $499,999 Aurelio and Alfreda Pia Trust Merced Faculty Associates Medical Group, Inc. Yashvinder and Dr. Satnam Uppal Volunteers of Mercy Medical Center $500,000+ Elmo Giampaoli † †: Deceased Our apologies to anyone who was inadvertently missed or incorrectly listed. Please contact our office so that we may correct our records.
Board Members From page 7
Her ability to handle multiple responsibilities and desire to make a difference in her community will come in handy as she joins the Mercy Foundation Board. Zinser believes that she has built great relationships through her work with the Employee Capital Campaign for the new facility, and professes a passion for volunteering and raising money for causes that make a difference in the community.
“I look forward to continuing to build relationships with the employees at Mercy and discover what they think is important for our hospital,” said Zinser. “They know what is best for our patients and will be key to providing the best possible care for the patients in our community.” Thank you to Philip Brown, Michelle Symes-Thiara, and April Zinser for bringing your collective skills to the Mercy Foundation Board!
Page 12 I www.supportmercymerced.org I Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation
Thank You for Making the SIM Family a Reality Medical Simulation Manikins Make Training More Realistic
Clinical Educator, Dawn Butler, demonstrates how SIM Newbie, Isabel can train staff for real life situations. “With SIMs the training possibilities really are endless,” according to Clinical Education Supervisor, Emma Edwards. Major support from Mercy Foundation’s Night of 1000 Stars Gala in 2013 made the acquisition of the SIM family possible. The manikins, training modules, and software cost were acquired for $240,000. Each simulation manikinlooks human, and was named with input from the staff at Mercy after individuals who have made a real-life impression in our medical center community. David Dunham just officially retired after 10 years of service as President of Mercy Medical Center in Merced, but his SIM Man namesake will continue to provide valuable training throughout the hospital in his honor. SIM Woman is named in honor of labor and delivery nurse Lori Buendia. According to Family Birth Center Director Rebecca Cates, Buendia was a passionate perinatal specialist, and was instrumental in launching the SIM program before she passed away in 2013. Obstetrician-gynecologist Robert Small is also recently retired after delivering generations of babies for families in Merced. His spirit and his name will remain at Mercy vicariously through the pediatric training manikin formerly known as SIM Junior. Baby SIM, which can simulate emergency scenarios of children up to a year old, was named Aliceafter a former pharmacy staff member who worked at Mercy for 35 years. Alice Ammermanworked with kindness and grace, even during her own personal battle with cancer. Tiny Newborn SIM was named after Isabel Ortega, the youngest stroke survivor identified by hospital staff. Isabel, now 18 months
old, is the daughter of Emergency Room Clinical Manager Alex Ortega. The Newborn SIM used in the neonatal resuscitation program is designed for the stabilization of newborns in the delivery room. All five of these highly interactive simulation manikins will be used for quarterly in-house staff trainings and for impromptu educational purposes. According to Edwards, the simulated experiment gives the best opportunity for medical professionals to practice their skills and exposes them to unusual situations before the need arises to treat actual patients. Cates concurs on the importance of critical care training, and claims that the staff loves having the opportunity to practice highrisk procedures. “We want the team work, the responsiveness, and the technical knowledge to be routine, so that when there is a critical situation we are prepared to best serve our patient.” Night of 1000 Stars Gala sponsors who had the opportunity to see the manikins in action and to interact with them were very impressed, according to board member Marilyn Reese. “We invited about a hundred donors from the last gala to come and see what their donations brought about,” said Reese. Edwards and representatives from the nursing staff presented three interactive patient scenarios resulting from a car accident to demonstrate the extensive training potential that the SIM family can provide. Donors were especially taken with some of the unexpected actions, such as when the SIM Man spoke and that his pupils actually dilated.
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The new SIM family at Mercy is making clinical education “cool”. Not just realistic in size and appearance, the new simulation manikinsused for training in the clinics are also life-like in their biological simulations. They all have breath and bowel sounds, pulses, and can produce body fluids mimicking tears, urine, and blood.
Clinical Educator, Tim Vietmier, demonstrates on SIM Man, David. The Mercy Foundation is able to facilitate an opportunity for other organizations to experience the lifelike manikins up-close, and learn more about how they are empowering health professionals at Mercy to achieve the highest possible standard of care. If you are interested in sharingthe SIM family in action with your organization, please contact the foundation at 209.564.4200. Mark your calendars so you don’t miss the next big gala event“La Vie en Rose” on September 26, 2015 where Merced College will be transformed into the beautiful streets of Paris.We will truly be celebrating “Life in Pink” as the event will benefit the purchase of a 3-D mammography machine to assist in early detection of breast cancer for our community.
Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation I www.supportmercymerced.org I Page 13
Cancer Center succumbed within a month of each other. She felt urgency to dedicate her time and resources to help relieve suffering for others whose lives have been affected by cancer. Silveira owned Renegade Classics bike shop outside of Merced and created the Ride for the Cure. Silveira organized the Ride for the Cure for six years until she closed her bike shop last year. This year the Cancer Awareness Ride for the Cure evolved under her direction, and gained fresh momentum with sponsorship by the American Legion Riders. A group from the American Legion toured the cancer center early this year and met a memorable character named Mike Gleason. They were inspired by Gleason’s account of his diagnosis and the quality care he was able to receive locally from the staff at the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center. “Mike is this big guy who told us that not only could he not ride his bike anymore, but that he actually dropped the bike just trying to move it,” said American Legion Chapter 83 President Neal Camp. “We offered to fix it up and put training wheels on it for him.” Instead, Gleason decided to donate his bike to the group. They agreed to fix it up and raffle it off to raise money for the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center. With a sharp new custom paint job donated by Brent’s Customs, Neal estimates that the value of Gleason’s classic 1999 Kawasaki nearly tripled. In October, forty riders participated in the scenic ride to raise awareness, followed by lunch, live music and the raffle prizes. WestAmerica Bank in Hilmar was a major sponsor for the event, along with 22 other local businesses that contributed sponsorships of $100 each. In November, almost 500 raffle tickets were sold for the donated bike with the
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From page 2
American Legion Riders says a prayer before they start their Ride for a Cure. freshly-painted signature breast cancer ribbon on the side. The lucky winner was Mercy OBGYN Dr. Yasser Ratl Mrad. He bought the last handful of tickets available one day from Camp outside the Childs Avenue Clinic! At the end of the day, the American Legion Riders were able to donate $11,564 to the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center to enhance their mission. The Let’s Fight Cancer Together, Heroes Wear Pink, and Cancer Awareness Ride for the Cure touched thousands of people in their quests to elevate cancer awareness in our community. These three fundraisers this fall raised a combined total of over $29,000 to benefit our community locally at the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center. The organizers of each event all commented on how much work is involved with putting on their respective events. They were also unanimously enthusiastic about creating the opportunities again next year. “We’re already reserved for next year, with eight tables pre-sold to folks who couldn’t attend this year,” offered Stinson. “Next year Heritage Management plans to start selling t-shirts earlier so that people
Board Members Carla Kelley
Philip Brown Kathleen Crookham Katie Favier Dan Holmes Vice-Chair, Fund Development Parminder Sidhu, MD Daniel Ikemiyashiro, MD Chuck Kassis Vice-Chair, Marketing Ric Kirby Edward Macha Secretary Cyril Lawrence Steve Koenig Board Chair
Treasurer
can wear them all throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” added Hilary Woodring. According to Neal, the American Legion would be interested in sponsoring the Cancer Awareness Ride for the Cure and raffle an annual event too. “If someone has a classic bike that they would consider donating the way Mike Gleason did, it would be another big money-maker for the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center.” Please contact the Mercy Foundation at 209.564.4200 if a classic car or bike like Mike Gleason’s might be a donation you’d personally consider making. All three organizations featured in this article have also set their sights not only on repeating their efforts, but on increasing their respective efforts next year. Is there a donation of time, talent, and treasure that you or your business could share this year? You could launch your own initiative or support an existing one. Our foundation staff is happy to help connect you with what you are passionate about centering around health care.
Associate Members Shailesh P. Patel, MD Marilyn Reese Michelle Symes-Thiara April Zinser, RN
Walt Adams Vicki Bandoni Frank Berry, MD Lawrence Blazina, MD Anna Bolling, PhD Nancy Brawley Judy Campbell Suzanne Carpenter Bert Crane, Jr. Nettie Descalso Del Nero
Page 14 I www.supportmercymerced.org I Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation
Catherine Fluetsch Doug Fluetsch Nini Freitas Skip George Philip Golden Doris Gonella Steve Hale M. Stephen Jones Lydia Lobdell
Carol Madruga, RN Amie Marchini Barry McAuley Dennis McKim Chuck Meyer Greg Olzack Mark Pazin Garth Pecchenino Judy Pfitzer-Boyer
Margaret Pia Billie Razzari Ken Robbins Marcee Samberg, RN Carol Soares Ed Spinardi, II Betty Santi Stewart Donna Tetangco, RN Nancy Whittaker, RN
Honorary Members Bert Crane Rose Eager-Sabo E.J. Almo Lorenzi
A Simple Way to Become a Member of the Heritage Club Legacy Circle! Presented by Bill Altavilla The Mercy Foundation recently created the Heritage Club Legacy Circle in order to recognize those thoughtful donors who want to support the future of health care in our community. There are several ways to become a member of the Heritage Club Legacy Circle. Essentially, you need to remember Mercy Medical Center in your estate plans or create an irrevocable gift. • You can name the Mercy Foundation as a beneficiary of your estate. If you don’t have a will or living trust, you will need one in place. You can include the Foundation as a beneficiary for even 1% or 2%. • You can also include the Foundation as a beneficiary of your insurance policy, IRA or 401(k) / 403(b) plans. These gifts are very easy to set up using a beneficiary designation form. Again, naming the Mercy Foundation for even a small percentage can make a big difference in our community’s health care future. • You can establish a Payable on Death (POD) account with a bank or investment account. That way, your gift goes directly
to Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation outside of any estate proceedings. Many people who do not want to write a will or trust will use this simple technique to make sure that their estate goes directly to the individual or organization that they want it to go. • There are more complex gift alternatives where you can receive lifetime income, an immediate income tax deduction and the comfort of knowing that you have made a major commitment to the future of Merced community’s health. These options include a charitable gift annuity or a charitable remainder trust. Whatever way you choose, designating an asset or including the Mercy Foundation in your estate plans is a powerful way to support the community! Your thoughtful commitment is deeply appreciated and we are pleased to honor you as a member of the Heritage Club Legacy Circle. If you’d like more information on designating the Mercy Foundation in your estate plans or establishing a charitable gift annuity, please contact Executive Director Lisa Wegley at 209.564.4200.
To find out more information about Heritage Club Legacy Circle, please visit our website at www.supportmercymerced.org Step 1: Simply click on the button to learn more
Step 2: Click on “Mercy Foundation Legacy Circle” on the menu on the left side of the page
Planning Your Legacy
Memorials & Honorariums Oct. - Dec. 2014 With sincere appreciation, we acknowledge the patrons listed here who have chosen to preserve a memory or pay tribute to a loved one by donating to the Mercy Foundation. In Honor of Lisa Wegley Irene and Arturo M. Fernandez
In Memory of Peter Fluetsch Barbara and Walt Adams
In Memory of Lelma Joseph Darleen Stavrianoudakis
In Memory of Adeline McGowen Vivian Stierwalt
In Memory of Danice Berry Cherrie and Glenn Hilmer
In Memory of Peter Fluetsch Margherita and Arturo Giampedraglia
In Memory of Joan Kelley Lannie Haslouer
In Memory of Dr. Ken Wehrle Eleanor and Ezio Sansoni
In Memory of Mike Conlin Carol and Vic Minetti
In Memory of Joan Kelley Volunteers of Mercy Medical Center Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation I www.supportmercymerced.org I Page 15
NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID MERCED, CA PERMIT NO 702
2740 M Street • Merced, CA 95340
The mission of the Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation is to further Mercy Medical Center’s commitment to provide excellence in health care through stewardship, financial support and community collaboration. ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
A Little Girl With Big Ideas
Mercy Foundation
Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00am - 4:30pm 2740 M Street Merced, CA 95340 Phone 209.564.4200
Bill Altavilla Planned Giving Specialist Delene Meidlinger Annual Giving/Event Officer Heidi Pedrozo Associate Development Officer Sally Strasser Data Entry Clerk Visit us on the web: www.supportmercymerced.org If you no longer wish to receive future fundraising information for Mercy Medical Center Merced Foundation, please identify yourself by contacting us at 209.564.4200 or emailing us at mercyfoundationmerced@dignityhealth.org.
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Lisa Wegley Foundation Executive Director
Carina Davis presents her donations to President Chuck Kassis and Dr. Parminder Sidhu. Carina Davis loves to sing, dance and dress up like so many five year old girls. But this little girl decided she could dress to benefit others in distress. In 2014, the Davis family went to the Breast Cancer Awareness Month kick-off breakfast at a local firehouse. Carina noticed the “Heroes Wear Pink” t-shirts that all of the firefighters were wearing and began to ask questions about the cause. “She kept asking questions and it spurred some great conversations in our house about how people get sick and how raising money can help people get better,” said proud papa and Pastor at Gateway Community Church, Matt Davis. “It was great to see her enthusiasm and the desire to try and help others when she understood the need.” Every day during the month of October, Carina decided to wear an outfit in the signature pink color for breast cancer awareness. Mom Maya Da-
vis, a school teacher at Gracey Elementary School in Merced, took pictures of her little girl dressed in pink each day and posted it on social media sites. Posting Carina’s picture on Facebook and using hashtags like #CarinaWearsPink on Twitter along with requests for donations to benefit breast cancer patients provided an opportunity for their friends to support her efforts. “She loved doing it!” he added. At the end of the month, Carina’s desire to help inspired contributions totaling $300! The Davis family donated the proceeds to the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center. They took a personal tour of the facility and appreciated the opportunity to further “connect the dots” for Carina, according to Matt Davis. The Mercy Foundation applauds the inspiring efforts of sweet Carina and her family. Thank you for helping make a difference and for motivating others to action!