Horizons Summer 2024

Inspiring philanthropy. Changing lives. supportmercyfoundation.org

Mother Mary Baptist Russell, California Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, is depicted here as a woman of vision, courage, and compassion blazing the trail for her companions and followers as they bring healing to those in need.

Celebrating 70 Years: Working Together to Advance the Mission of the Sisters of Mercy in Sacramento

April 14th marked the 70th anniversary of Mercy Foundation partnering with donors like you to improve and save lives in our community through your heartfelt generosity!

Created in 1954, Mercy Foundation raised $16,360 in our first year to help the Sisters fund much-needed improvements at Mercy General Hospital. As the Sisters expanded their ministries in Sacramento, Mercy Foundation grew as well—thanks to our generous community, we have raised more than $167 million since our inception. Today, Mercy Foundation supports a network of dozens of ministries carrying out the mission of the Sisters of Mercy.

Though the world is different 70 years after the founding of Mercy Foundation, our mission is the same—to support the Sisters in their efforts to make our community a better place for everyone. Your support continues what Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy, began in Dublin, Ireland in 1827— building a community of people who join together to help others. It is a legacy of caring that will continue long into the future.

President’s Message

Our 70th anniversary gives all of us at Mercy Foundation a wonderful opportunity to look back—reflecting on the impact of our treasured partners like you as we look through historical photos of our legacy Board members, events and celebrations throughout our 70-year history.

Though plenty has changed since 1954, our mission has never wavered. Our ability to aid the most vulnerable is sustained through your individual acts of generosity and kindness, and every day, you breathe life into the mission of the Sisters of Mercy. Your support makes it possible for the sick to receive compassionate care, for the hungry to eat a warm meal, for those without shelter to be welcomed as guests, and for youth with limited resources to achieve their dreams through education.

As we look to the future and our next 70 years, Mercy Foundation has embarked on an exciting new campaign, Advancing the Mission, which will support our current ministries and grow an endowment that will help carry the mission forward in the Sacramento region forever.

Continued on page 4

The Sisters of Mercy

Celebrating 70 years of Mercy Foundation!

“Mercy is coming from the heart of God. We carry on what the Lord asked us to do. To reach out to those in need.”

—Sister Eileen Enright, RSM

“Since Catherine McAuley began the Sisters of Mercy, the needs of the people who are poor and sick and uneducated have not changed. In fact, it seems like the needs are greater every year and yet, miraculously, people like Mercy Foundation donors show up to do the works of Mercy.”

—Sister Michelle Gorman, RSM

Since 1954...until the end of need.

“From their earliest days in California, the Sisters were not solo operators—they were surrounded by the supportive circle of friends and benefactors who provided the resources they needed. Catherine McAuley always talked about connecting those with resources to those in need, and that’s the role of philanthropy. There have been so many people who’ve inspired and supported us over the years and the ministries would be impoverished without them.”

—Sister Katherine Doyle, RSM

“Mercy is having a heart of love, for everybody.”

—Sister Kathleen Horgan, RSM

Partners in Philanthropy

President’s Message (Continued)

Gifts to the campaign will be used in alignment with the Mercy mission— caring for the poor, tending to the sick, and educating the under-resourced— for years to come. To learn more about the Advancing the Mission campaign and how you can help the Mercy mission live in perpetuity, please contact me at (916) 851-2703 or kevin.duggan@dignityhealth.org.

Thank you for being part of this special community of people who lend their support to Mercy Foundation and the Sisters of Mercy, and for the tremendous positive impact of your kindness! Together, we will continue to serve our community “until the end of need.”

With my best wishes and deep gratitude,

Kevin B. Duggan President & CEO

Generations of Support: The Read Family

Three generations of the Read family have generously contributed their leadership, time, and support to Mercy Foundation. Fred W. Read served as Chair of the Mercy Foundation Board in 1963; Rod Read served as a Board Member from 1992-2006; and Mark joined the board in 2009, has served as Board Chair, and is currently serving as Co-Chair of the Advancing the Mission campaign.

Mercy Foundation is indebted to the Read Family for their strong commitment to the Sisters of Mercy and for their inspiring leadership which has helped guide the Foundation’s mission since our very beginning.

Dr. Cooper Scholarship Awards Announced

Thanks to your generosity, 12 local high school students will have assistance in the pursuit of their college education! These hardworking and determined young people from Cristo Rey High School and Grant High School recently received 2024 Dr. Gregory Cooper Legacy Scholarship Awards. The $3,000 and $4,000 scholarships were awarded to economically disadvantaged students who will be the first in their families to attend college. Universities these students will be attending include Brown, Stanford, Harvard, UC Davis, Sacramento State, UCLA, and more.

“I will continue my education with my love for learning and my passion for helping those in need. Thank you for making my education possible!”

The Scholarship program was launched in honor of Dr. Cooper’s retirement in 2018 from his role as Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Medical Group, where his leadership and vision were instrumental in its growth and success. Throughout his career, Dr. Cooper exemplified the mission and values of the Sisters of Mercy, and through his hard work, intelligence, and perseverance, made a lasting impact in Sacramento’s health care community.

If you would like to support Dr. Cooper scholarships, 100% of your gift to Mercy Foundation is tax-deductible and will empower young people to continue their academic career and realize their potential as future successful leaders in our community.

–Class of 2024

Cristo Rey High School student, Blanca R.

Donors Fund

Innovative Technology to Aid in the Early Detection of Lung Cancer

In support of the Dignity Health Cancer Institute of Greater Sacramento’s commitment to providing the highest quality care for our community, Mercy Foundation recently provided funding for new breakthrough technology, the Illumisite system.

The system’s advanced technology enables physicians to locate hardto-access nodules and reach even

the tiniest suspicious lung masses to thoroughly analyze a variety of samples.

Dr. Trevor Williams, Mercy Medical Group Chief of Thoracic Surgery, has already recorded 17 confirmed results in the first 20 procedures, for an exceptional 85% diagnostic accuracy —a significant improvement over the previous system.

Dr. Williams says, “This system helps me navigate the lungs, minimizing discomfort for our patients and greatly improving our accuracy. We are so proud to offer such advanced technology to our community. Providing safe and high-quality care to our patients is our top priority.”

The Illumisite system provides our Dignity Health surgeons with the best tools for early detection of lung cancer and significantly increases patients’ chances of survival—saving more lives, and keeping more loved ones together longer.

Thank you for your generosity!

Honor Mercy Foundation’s Roots and Grow Our Future

For 70 years, Mercy Foundation’s mission has blossomed—and today, you can plant a seed that will grow today, tomorrow and forever. By including a legacy gift in your will, you’ll honor our roots and support the future of Mercy Foundation for generations to come.

Our partner, FreeWill, makes it simple to create a free estate plan and continue supporting the mission of the Sisters of Mercy to help feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, educate the under-resourced and care for the sick in our Dignity Health hospitals and clinics. To create your Free Will, visit: freewill.com/mercyfoundation

If you have questions about using this simple tool, or would like to learn about making other types of estate gifts that will benefit you in your lifetime, please contact Kathy Lopez at (916) 851-2982 or kathy.lopez@dignityhealth.org.

*If you have already included Mercy Foundation in your estate plan, please let us know so we may thank you and recognize you as a member of our Legacy Society.

Partners in Philanthropy

Celebrating National Doctors’ Day

March 30th marked National Doctors’ Day and Mercy Foundation received many gifts honoring physicians for going above and beyond in caring for their patients. Below are a few of the heartfelt messages that accompanied the gifts:

“Thank you for caring for me. You have helped me to hike in the Sierras and to continue to be active.”

—In recognition of Dr. Mark Bowers

“You are such a kindhearted and caring doctor. We are forever grateful.”

—In recognition of Dr. Theam Leng Tay

“Your skilled, compassionate care is a blessing to all your patients.”

—In recognition of Dr. Dana Jacques

If you’d like to honor your doctor or another caregiver, 100% of your tribute gift will make a positive impact in our community by directly supporting ministries inspired by the mission of the Sisters of Mercy.

Dr. Lucian Maidan (center) with (from left) Michael Korpiel, President, Mercy San Juan Medical Center; Dr. Alan Shatzel, CEO, Mercy Medical Group; Dr. Tina Johnson, Sacramento Market President; and Kevin Duggan, President and CEO, Mercy Foundation.

Mercy Foundation’s 2024 Physician Philanthropy Champion

At our recent annual Physicians’ Reception, Dr. Lucian Maidan was honored as our Physician Philanthropy Champion. This award is presented to a doctor who exemplifies the values of the Sisters of Mercy through their personal generosity and their commitment to improving patient care through philanthropy.

A valued physician of the Dignity Health Neurological Institute of Northern California, Dr. Maidan and his wife, Paula, have given generously to Mercy Foundation. As an expert in his field, Dr. Maidan is admired by his colleagues, is dedicated to providing the best care

for his patients, and has partnered with Mercy Foundation to raise funds in support of the Sisters of Mercy mission.

Dr. Maidan’s skill and humankindness have saved many lives, earning many heartwarming messages of gratitude from his patients, such as:

“I thank God every day for my life and for leading me to you.”

“Without your care, I’m not sure I would still be alive today and living an active life.”

“Every year that goes by, I am so thankful to you for saving my life.”

Thank you, Dr. Maidan, for carrying out the health care mission of the Sisters of Mercy, and congratulations for this well deserved recognition!

Happy Retirement Wishes to One of Our Own

In the last 36 years, if you attended an event, made a gift, or called the Mercy Foundation office—chances are you had the pleasure of interacting with our dear colleague, Fund Development Coordinator, Sue Thompson. This spring Sue chose to begin her well-deserved retirement after serving with dedication, joy, and commitment to the Mercy mission since 1987. We will miss Sue and send her our heartfelt gratitude and congratulations!

A Place of Beauty and Reflection:

The Opening of the Labyrinth at Mercy San Juan Medical Center

A beautiful outside space to walk and meditate, a labyrinth offers a quiet respite from stress and can lead to greater peace and healing. Thanks to the generosity of Mercy Foundation donors, this relaxing spiritual walking path was recently opened for patients, families, and staff at Mercy San Juan Medical Center.

The contemplative space was modeled after the labyrinth at Mercy Center Auburn, where it is described as, “a journey into our own center and back again into the world.”

We are deeply grateful to our generous donors who contributed the funds to build this special space, and know that all who use it will appreciate its calm environment and opportunity for reflection.

Did You Know...

Thanks to an operating grant from Dignity Health, 100% of your charitable gifts benefit the ministry of your choice. Together, we help feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, educate the under-resourced, and care for the sick at local Dignity Health hospitals and clinics.

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Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 supportmercyfoundation.org

Mercy Foundation Board of Trustees

Officers

Trustees

Officers

Trustees

Gil A. Albiani

Thomas Johnson Chair

Alan Shatzel, DO Chair

Gil Albiani

Edmundo Castaneda

Khuram Arif, MD

Marian Bell-Holmes

Costanzo DiPerna, MD

Thomas Johnson Vice Chair

Sister Eileen Enright, RSM Vice Chair

Brenda Davis

Brenda Davis

Roxanne Elliott

Cecilia Divin, MD

Sr. Katherine Doyle, RSM

Sister Eileen Enright, RSM

Nathan Esch

Laurie Harting

Secretary

Secretary

Michael T. Genovese

Nina Iliff

Danny Gemma

Garry P. Maisel

Michael T. Genovese Treasurer

Paula Higashi

Janak Mehtani, MD

Treasurer

Nina Iliff

Mark Read

Michael Korpiel

Sister Bridget McCarthy, RSM Sisters of Mercy President Designee

Sister Gabrielle Marie Jones, RSM Sisters of Mercy West Midwest President Designee

Kevin B. Duggan

Chris Lemmon

John Stevenson, MD Terence Street

Garry P. Maisel

Mark Read

Make a difference today!

Kevin B. Duggan

Mercy Foundation President and CEO

Mercy Foundation President and CEO

Alan Shatzel, DO

Lokesh Sikaria Terence Street

Questions or comments about this newsletter? We welcome your feedback. Contact us at mercyfoundationsac@dignityhealth.org or (916) 851–2700 to share your comments or sign up for an electronic version of Horizons.

To learn more about the many ways you can support the programs highlighted in this newsletter, and/or other programs and projects, please call Mercy Foundation at (916) 851-2700 or visit supportmercyfoundation.org.