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Foundation in Focus
Hope. Help. Access.
Cindy’s Story Faith and hope carried her through a cancer diagnosis to a cancer survivorship. PAGE 10
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Phelps County Regional Medical Center
G N A N N A IO I D IT R D UA E
PO Box 261, Rolla, Missouri 65402 573-458-7946 •giving.pcrmc.com
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All proceeds go to the Joy of Caring Cancer Fund at Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation
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Date: October 4, 2012 Look for your invitation soon Please contact Lori Moss at 573-458-7647 or email at lmoss@pcrmc.com for more details or to confirm your attendance.
contents
Features 4
Opening Thoughts
Even in the wake of a cancer diagnosis, sometimes laughter really is the best medicine.
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PCRMC Bond Clinic
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Fund Highlight: Hospice Fund
Meet the team of PCRMC Medical Oncologists who have dedicated their lives to fighting cancer and helping others.
Learn how the Hospice Fund provides resources to local hospice patients, and meet one of the recipients.
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Guardian Angels
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Event Spotlight: Golf Tournament
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Mark Your Calendars
You nominated and we listened: A showcase of gratitude dedicated to those individuals who are angels in disguise.
A day of fun and sun on the green raises over $83,000 for the Delbert Day Cancer Institute.
Take note so you don’t miss out on the upcoming events and support groups at PCRMC.
Special Feature
A Remarkable Journey
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How faith, love, humor and an outstanding cancer team helped Cindy Beger to survive an unthinkable diagnosis.
2011 Donors: Friends of Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation
We would like to honor the following for their gracious donation during 2011. We regret they were not included in the overall list.
– St. James High School Cheerleading Squad in honor of Jay Crump, DO.
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opening thoughts
Foundation in Focus
Mission Statement
Having a Winning Attitude
On the lighter side of a cancer diagnosis, some-
times you just have to laugh. Several years ago my friend Linda had come to Phelps County Regional Medical Center’s (PCRMC) Comprehensive Breast Center for her yearly mammogram. The only difference was this time she did not receive a letter in the mail saying everything looked okay. Instead, she received a phone call asking her to come in for a followup appointment and additional testing. I remember us doing a lot of praying, and asking God for healing and a “good” report. A short time later, Linda received another call to meet with her gynecologist to go over the test results and she asked if I would go with her for “moral support.” I told her I would be more than glad to go with her, because after all, the news was going to be good, right? Linda and I were sitting side-by-side on the exam table together; I am not sure who was holding whose hand. The doctor came in and said, “There is no easy way to say this; you have breast cancer.” All I remember is the room started to spin; I had flashes of Linda’s daughter, flashes of losing my friend, and my mind could not wrap around the diagnosis that was given. It couldn’t be true. The next thing I remember I was on the doctor’s office floor, Linda had wet paper towels on my face and she was telling me it was going to be okay. Linda ended up driving me home and telling me the whole way that she was going to fight this, do what she had to do, so she could get on with the rest of her life. That is exactly what she did. She had a mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, continued her treatment, raised a beautiful daughter, and is still a great friend of mine. I look back now at all Linda went through and how she had such a positive, do-whatshe-had-to attitude that she not only survived breast cancer, but more importantly, she didn’t stop living during the chapter of her life that included cancer. I think an important question for people to ask themselves, particularly in life changing events is, who are you going to be in this story and what do you want people to remember about you?
With warm regards,
Lorrie Hartley, CFRE Executive Director
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Foundation In Focus | Summer 2012
To serve as the philanthropic organization that facilitates charitable donations to support and assist the mission of PCRMC in providing for the health care needs of the communities it serves.
Vision Statement Be the best hospital foundation dedicated to sustaining and advancing PCRMC in providing world class healthcare for the continued benefit of our service community. Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation 2012 Board of Directors Ted Day, R.Ph., President Debbie Schuetz, Treasurer Mary Graham, MD, Secretary Patricia Leaders Mark Riefer Cindy Beger Dwight Look, MD Ollie Jackson John Denbo, Ph.D., Ex-Officio Kathy Nickason, Ex-Officio Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation Team Lorrie Hartley, CFRE Executive Director Donia Camarena Grateful Patient Coordinator Lori Moss Annual Giving Coordinator Ashley Brooks Administrative Assistant Production Contributors Somer Overshon (Marketing) Communications Specialist Sarah Wilson (Marketing) Coordinator Amy Wilson (Human Resources) Senior Training Specialist
Your Gift Matters Visit the Foundation online at
giving.pcrmc.com or call 573-458-7946
physician spotlight
PCRMC Bond Clinic: Medical Oncologists
Joe Bond, DO
Joe Bond, DO received his medical degree from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Internal Medicine residency at Des Peres Hospital in St. Louis, which was followed by a two-year fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at St. Louis University. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology and his practicing specialty includes Hematology and Medical Oncology. Dr. Bond began cancer services in the Rolla area in 1981. Since then, he has seen much advancement in cancer care, but one thing remains the same: the relationship between physicians and his patients. “You become attached to your patients,” he says. “With treatment, there is a mutual trust and friendship that develops between you. I have learned a lot about my patients and their lives over the years, and those relationships have been very rewarding to me.” Dr. Bond says helping people to live longer and better lives is what he finds the most rewarding part about his job. “In a rural area, people know you— people trust you. Although I could have practiced other places, I am so glad I chose Rolla. The people I have met and treated over the years have been wonderful.” For local cancer patients, staying home is the best option, according to Dr. Bond. “We have an exceptional cancer services team here,” he says. “People who travel to the city oftentimes do not know who is treating
them. We provide the same care here, and patients get to develop a relationship with us. We care about them, and it shows.”
country,” she says. “Plus, patients can stay close to friends and family and not have to travel long distances.”
Ruth Ann Nevils, MD
Christiane Zoghbi, MD is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology. She says she always thought Medical Oncology was a mysterious and interesting field. When she began her residency at East Tennessee State University, she became intrigued by the patient and physician interaction in Medical Oncology. “To me, the patients seemed very motivated and the physicians were very involved in their care,” she says. “Also, Medical Oncology is a field that is evolving quickly; today we are able to save patients through the advancements and study of new medicines and therapies on the market. I want to help my patients— maybe not always cure them, but offer them help and support in their fight against a disease.” Dr. Zoghbi lives in the Rolla area with her husband, Marino Parra, M.D., a Sports Medicine physician with the PCRMC Medical Group, and their son, Anthony. “In a small town, people are so friendly, and PCRMC has great communication between the physicians and their patients,” she says. Dr. Zoghbi would recommend the Delbert Day Cancer Institute because of the great personal care available for patients and their families. “We try to support our patients—they are not just a number—they are people we truly care about.”
Ruth Ann Nevils, MD is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology. She became interested in Medical Oncology when she witnessed her brother in severe pain from melanoma. She knew there were options available to help him, and she made sure he was transferred to a medical oncologist who finally got him pain free. Then, as an intern at the University of Tennessee, she became impressed with the patient and physician interaction in oncology services. “I have found that cancer patients are very motivated to participate in their care, and a willingness to participate is needed when you are working to make them better,” says Dr. Nevils. “Every day I hope I have helped someone and made a positive difference in his or her life.” Dr. Nevils enjoys living in the Rolla area. Her parents live in West Plains and she was excited to move back closer to them. “It is much easier to drive two hours than fly in from North Carolina to see them,” she says. “And, PCRMC is one of the friendliest hospitals I have ever worked at.” Dr. Nevils says she would recommend cancer patients receive treatment at Phelps County Regional Medical Center’s (PCRMC) Delbert Day Cancer Institute because “the same state-of-the-art care is offered here that patients could get anywhere in the
Christiane Zoghbi, MD
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fund highlight
By Somer Overshon
Your Hospice Donations at Work Your donations help to meet the basic needs for patients while receiving the best end-of-life care possible.
What is hospice?
Hospice is not a place, it is a philosophy designed to make sure that patients are able to live each day to the fullest and enjoy their lives. Hospice is about high quality, end-of-life care. Hospice works with local physicians to provide individualized care. Other people involved in hospice care include nurses, personal care assistants, chaplains, social workers, therapists (massage, physical, occupational and speech), dieticians and volunteers. Hospice also provides medications, equipment and supplies needed to maintain personal comfort.
Kim Watts
Sharon Seddon
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At some point everyone encounters loss: whether it is the life of a coworker, a friend, or a loved one, we are all eventually touched by the fragility of our own humanity. However, no matter what transpires throughout life’s journey, we deserve the same quality of life that we currently are blessed to have. Your generous donations to the Hospice Fund at Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation makes it possible for patients to receive the same level of independence, dignity and care everyone wants to maintain throughout life. In fact, when you donate to the Hospice Fund, you ensure local patients have their basic needs met while receiving the best end-of-life care possible. The Hospice Fund supports hospice patients and their families through many different aspects, some of which includes financial assistance, educational support, counseling and bereavement support. “Donations to the Hospice Fund are given on behalf of the hospital, local communities, or memorials to a loved one or friend,” says Kim Watts, Director of Phelps Regional Homecare Agency. “All of the donations greatly help many different areas of hospice care. For instance, donations to the fund have helped train our hospice staff; provided educational literature to families; paid for patient’s specific needs, such as food, air conditioners or utility bills; supplied books and activities to patients; allowed patients to create scrapbooks and video-diaries; and provided the means to hold our annual hospice memorial service where we invite families to attend and share their memories and photos of their loved ones.” Your donations to the Hospice Fund make a difference in the lives of all the people associated with hospice care. “With hospice, patient care is our top priority,” says Sharon Seddon, Phelps Regional Homecare Agency Office Manager. “If we did not receive the financial gifts through the Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation’s Hospice Fund, we would not be able to give our staff the high level of education to care for our patients, we would not be able to provide the educational support to our patients’ families and many of our patients would not have their basic financial needs met.” Watts says the goal for hospice includes the simple values of “maintaining quality of life, remaining pain-free and ensuring death with dignity—all within the comforts of home.” Without the help from the Hospice Fund’s generous donors, like you, these elemental objectives would not be possible for so many people in our local communities. To find out more about Phelps Regional Homecare Agency, contact Watts at 573-458-3806 or Seddon at 573-458-3804. To make a donation to the Hospice Fund, please contact Lori Moss at 573-458-7647.
Giving Back: Meet Randy Potts
Randy Potts with daughter Rebecca
Randy Potts is a 59 year-old Army veteran who lives in Edgar Springs, Mo. He is the father of three beautiful girls and the grandfather of four wonderful grandchildren: two boys and two girls. He enjoys the companionship of his two Dobermans, Halo and Adrianna. For the past four months, Potts has received hospice care through Phelps Regional Homecare Agency as well as financial support from Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation’s Hospice Fund. Around four months ago, Potts was diagnosed with inoperable liver cancer and advanced liver cirrhosis. He was referred to hospice and has been appreciative of the help and care ever since. “Everyone I have met has been very helpful and caring to me,” Potts says. “I was scared at first, and I still have my good and bad days, but the people at hospice are with me every step of the way.” Potts says the hospice professionals always make sure he is taken care of and has everything he needs. “They always ask me how I am feeling, how my mood is and if I need anything. Once, a nurse came out around 7 p.m. just to make sure I had the medications I needed. I was so impressed that she took the time to drive out that late in the evening to check on me. They all do a great job.” The hospice professionals’ caring spirits were what prompted Potts to let them know he needed propane for his home in April 2012. “I was running
low on propane and I did not have the $500-$600 to pay for it. I let my case worker know and she said they would take care of it for me. Now, my tank is filled up again,” he says. “I am so appreciative of the help.” Potts may have received help from the Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation’s Hospice Fund, but he is no stranger to giving as well. When he was diagnosed with liver cancer, the only treatment option was a chemotherapy pill that he was told could lengthen his life expectancy for a couple of months. Potts says he took the pill for two months, but when he figured how much his prescription was costing the veterans’ hospital per month he decided to stop taking the drug. “I went to see the oncologist and told him that I did not want to take the pill anymore because the veterans’ hospital could use that money to help a soldier coming home from Iraq—maybe help someone get a new arm or leg,” he says. “I told him that the pill might extend my life for two months, but the money that it was taking for me to have the pills could help a soldier have his or her whole life back.” Potts says when he thought about how the money could help someone else, he knew it was the right decision. “The oncologist told me I was the first person to ever offer to stop taking a prescription to help someone else,” he says. “I am proud of that, and I know my decision will help another veteran.” Hospice and the Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation have helped Potts and his family immensely. He is grateful for everything they have done for him, and has been pleased with his care. “I couldn’t ask for better concern or care,” he says. “All of the professionals that come to my house have been willing to help me; you can tell they are dedicated to their jobs, and genuinely want to help.” To learn more about the Hospice Fund, or to help a local hospice patient, contact Lori Moss at 573-458-7647 or email her at lmoss@pcrmc.com. You can also visit us on the web at giving.pcrmc. com. Foundation In Focus | Summer 2012
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Fight for a Renewed
Sarah (Beger) Frampton, her husband Tristan Frampton, Cindy Beger, John Beger and Heather Beger at the 2012 Cancer Gala.
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By Amy Wilson
Lease on Life
M
emories have a tendency to get fuzzy around the edges as time goes by. Names may slip away and details get lost. Yet when Cindy Beger talks about her fight with cancer 13 years ago, it is clear that the emotions tied to those memories are very much alive.
“I am so thankful Phelps County Regional Medical Center has survived and thrived,” Beger says. “This hospital keeps reaching out for that next big step to have the next level of excellence here…I was so very weak and so very sick. If I’d had to travel for chemo and radiation, I wouldn’t have made it.” Anyone who spends time with Beger these days would probably never guess that she once had to resort to crawling when she was unable to walk. Today, she juggles her successful real estate career and family (Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney John Beger and daughters Sarah, 21, and Heather, 18) while planning two graduations and a daughter’s wedding and playing Aunt Em and Glinda the Good Witch in the Ozark Actors Theatre 25th anniversary season production of “The Wizard of Oz.” But there was a point in the not-so-distant past that an exhausted Beger, in pain, had a rather direct conversation with God. “I was lying there, and I talked to God. I said that I had tried really hard, and had tried to be a good person and do the right things, but I just didn’t have anything left and that I was ready,” Beger recalls. “Then my 5-year-old daughter
came into my room at that moment, put her arms around my neck for no reason – at which time the conversation continued in my head and I told God, ‘Fine, I’m hanging in here, but that was really low.’” ••• ••• ••• ••• The story begins in late 1998 when the then 39-yearold Beger noticed that she had what looked like an inguinal hernia in the left area of her groin. This type of hernia occurs when soft tissue, usually part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak point or tear in the lower abdominal wall. She showed it to a doctor in her exercise class, and the general practitioner advised her to have it examined. What followed was an eight-month round of tests, complete with a battery of blood tests in the normal range (with the exception of a slight bit of anemia), three or four Pap smears and a colonoscopy. “I made four visits to a surgeon who encouraged me that the fix for a hernia is often worse than the hernia and suggested that I give it a bit of time to see what happens,” Beger says. As time went by, what was thought to be the hernia protruding from her groin area had grown to be about an
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inch and a half across. She felt no pain at first, but then she began experiencing real fatigue and recurring pain that could make it difficult to walk, causing her to limp on the left side. “I finally went to my family doctor, David Myers DO, who had known me for a long time, delivered both of my girls and understood my pain tolerance,” Beger says. “He knew that I wasn’t a whiner.” It was late July, early August of 1999 when Beger visited Myers. She explained that she knew he wasn’t a surgeon, but she needed some answers. “I knew innately that something inside of me was wrong, very wrong,” she says. Myers pushed deep into her abdomen, then patted her on the leg and said he was ordering an ultrasound and that if they couldn’t tell anything from that, they would order an MRI. This marked the first ultrasound that had been ordered during the entire time – and the first time that Beger was able to get some real answers. Ironically, Myers had been on vacation during the time when Beger first began experiencing the problem. “Normally I would have gone to him first, but I spent eight months searching,” she says. “This is a lesson for all doctors. I love all of my docs, but it is important to listen and see the big picture. I was tired, anemic, had lost a little weight and in pain. I had no idea these were signs of cancer. I went to specialists who didn’t see the forest through the trees. They didn’t see past their own specialty and had never ordered any scans.” Myers sent Beger to PCRMC for an ultrasound. Once the ultrasound had been reviewed, Myers recommended that she see a good gynecologist. “Dr. David had always done my yearly Paps, so I started asking women who they would recommend,” Beger says. “I am sure he thought it was ovarian cancer, but he didn’t say.” She finally decided on a physician at St. Luke’s who had helped a friend. The fact that he was located in Rolla, St. Louis, or elsewhere didn’t factor into her decision. She made an appointment with the gynecologist, took a copy of her ultrasound results and drove to St. Louis. She had an afternoon appointment, but the doctor was delayed. By the time he was able to see her, it was actually after hours. “Since I had come from Rolla, they didn’t try to reschedule my appointment,” she says. “He did a physical exam and then said, ‘I hate to tell you this, but it looks very
bad.’ He told the nurse to get me a CT scan for the next day. He was very serious, and told the nurse that she would be told they were full, but he didn’t care. “This needs to happen tomorrow.” The doctor then asked Beger if she could stay overnight in the area, and she said she could stay with her mother who lives south of St. Louis. With two young daughters at home and a lawyer husband with a new partnership, Beger hadn’t even thought to have anyone accompany her to the visit. Even at that moment, the idea of cancer never entered her mind. “I am a really healthy eater, and people who know me will say that I am one of the healthiest people they know,” she says. “There’s no history of cancer in my family except smoking related. I knew to the very depth of my soul that my family didn’t get cancer; there were no markers for it.” After the next day’s CT scan, an appointment was made with the head of surgery to go over the test results. With her husband John at her side, Beger was finally given some answers. “It wasn’t in an organ, but it looked like someone took
Cindy, John, Heather, Sarah and Gus
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John Beger will tell you he has a special place in his heart for Phelps County Regional Medical Center. If it isn’t evident by looking at his service record of 10 years as a member of the hosJohn Beger pital board of trustees (2002-2012), then a simple conversation with him about his wife Cindy’s treatment will cement the hospital’s importance. “I’m not sure she would have survived the treatments if we had driven to St. Louis,” Beger says. “It was bad enough to travel only three miles.” During the time Cindy was undergoing cancer treatment, Beger was in a private law practice. “I had an outstanding partner who not only did his work, but a great deal of mine for eight to nine months,” he recalls. One of the advantages to receiving care locally was that he could spend time with Cindy rather than having to juggle traveling to treatments with a work schedule. “I know there are people who travel to St. Louis for cancer treatment, and I don’t understand it,” he says. “The treatment itself takes a physical toll on a person.” When talking about PCRMC, Beger says the hospital sets itself apart because of the compassionate care that is provided. “I don’t want to denigrate any other hospital or doctor, but the care received at PCRMC was above and beyond what was expected,” he says. “That really made an impact on me.”
a giant tube of toothpaste and stomped on it,” Beger says. “They didn’t know what kind of cancer it was, but there was all kinds of stuff growing in there that shouldn’t be.” She was scheduled for surgery, at which time she was opened up and a small biopsy was taken. The medical oncologist stood at the foot of her bed after surgery and told her husband and twin sister that they could give her the usual cocktail of chemo, but it wouldn’t do any good. Not ready to accept that diagnosis, John went back to the head surgeon and asked what the surgeon would do if Beger were his wife. “He was told that if it was head and neck, it would be Sloan-Kettering in New York, and if abdominal, it would be MD Anderson in Texas,” she says. He arranged for a Monday appointment at MD Anderson, and Beger was assigned a gynecological oncologist. St. Luke’s had been unable to identify the type of cancer, so the biopsy was sent to MD Anderson for further testing. A true blessing arrived in the midst of this turmoil. Beth Tummons, a second-year college student who had known and cared for the Begers’ daughters since birth, left college for the year to become a nanny to the little girls who adored her. Travel and treatments would have been impossible without her. By the time they left for Texas, Beger was in a wheelchair. She had lost the ability to walk because the growth had gotten so big that it applied pressure to the nerve in her leg. “If I could get it off the nerve while on my hands and knees, I could crawl,” she says. ••• ••• ••• ••• Although it was not a gynecological issue, the growth could be felt through a vaginal exam. Beger recalls that since MD Anderson is also a teaching hospital, she was asked if seven students could observe. “The students were awed and amazed at how the growth felt, and after suffering through the indignities of eight exams, we were told that the tumor board met on Thursday mornings and we should come back at noon on Thursday,” Beger says. Filled with frustration, but trying to keep a good sense of humor and optimism, the Begers discussed what to do for four days in the August heat in Texas with Cindy in a wheelchair. “They were very long days,” she says. “John and I won-
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dered why we couldn’t have had the exams on a Wednesday before the regular Thursday tumor board meeting.” They went back on Thursday, only to be told that the doctors were unable to identify the cancer. Beger remembers that it was later described as a “poorly differentiated aggressive growing small cell carcinoma.” ••• ••• ••• ••• Mary Graham, MD had been at PCRMC for about eight months. The Begers had taken information to MD Anderson from the Bond Clinic and Graham’s CV (an overview of her experience and other qualifications). “I remember the gynecological specialist flipping through Dr. Graham’s CV saying, ‘Oh, my, she’ll do!’ We
Focusing on quality of life -- a life without pain -- is a key element of treatment for patients with a cancer diagnoisis at Phelps County Regional Medical Center. “It is suffering that people don’t want,” says Mary Graham, MD. Mary Graham, MD “People fear physical pain, so we do our best to alleviate pain.” With a cancer diagnosis, Dr. Graham explains how important it is to provide information to the patient. “I have always felt that the nature of the business is that we are often giving bad news,” she says. “Whether it is talking about the potential side effects or a diagnosis that is life threatening, I don’t feel that you can put that on a person without holding them up.” That is one reason why Dr. Graham prefers to meet with her patients in person to talk about test results or treatment options. “You don’t just call people up and drop things like that on them,” she says. “A lot of times it involves a discussion. It’s important to have hope whether it is for a cure, long survival rate, quality of life or freedom from pain or suffering. Freedom from suffering is a huge hope.
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knew it was cancer and that it was everywhere in there, but no one knew what type it was,” Beger says. “We also knew that wasn’t good because cancer is treated by type and is based on what has worked before.” After four long days, the Begers headed for the airport to fly back to St. Louis. In looking back, they can handle many of the memories with great humor. There was a problem locating the special narrow wheelchair that would transport Beger onto the plane, and all the other passengers had been loaded. “All the while they loaded, John and I talked about creative ways to get me on the plane without the chair,” Beger says. “We were joking about the old ‘Airplane’ movies.
You have to find whatever uplifts the person and support them.” One of the important things for patients to consider when selecting a location for treatment is the quality of care offered. Compassion is also a key element. Just because you are making a diagnosis doesn’t mean you can’t feel that person’s pain. “There have been many times I have had situations with patients when it hits me,” Dr. Graham says. “I cry and I feel for them.” In Cindy Beger’s case, Dr. Graham emphasizes the importance of all cancers being evaluated through a multiple disciplinary approach. “It’s not just one doctor or specialty; it should be a group discussion with a consensus,” she says. PCRMC has a tumor board that meets weekly to discuss cancer cases and treatment options. “We provide quality services at PCRMC, and if it is not a service that we provide, I am more than willing to facilitate the process and expedite the treatment at another reputable institution,” Dr. Graham says. “If services can be provided locally, I would encourage patients to do it so they can be with their families, and potentially continue working. Local services can allow them to maintain their quality of life.”
The plane was completely loaded and I really wanted to go home.” She then proceeded to wheel herself around the ticket counter and into the gate ramp. Unfortunately, she hadn’t taken the slope or 90-degree turn into account, and with John following behind with her purse and carry-on bag, Beger ended up hitting the lip of the plane and landed on her hands and knees in front of an open-mouthed flight attendant and co-pilot. “I should say that the entire time we were waiting, I told the ticket counter attendant that we should just go on to the plane and I would crawl to my seat, but she insisted that we wait,” Beger says. “I ended up crawling to our seats just behind the wing and everyone on the plane was looking daggers at poor John. There was simply no way you could carry anyone on with a loaded flight.” As they were circling St. Louis, the flight attendant approached the Begers and earnestly assured them that a wheelchair would be waiting to help transport Cindy off the plane. However, this experience became a mantra for Cindy – “When you can’t walk, crawl.” ••• ••• ••• ••• Upon reaching St. Louis, the Begers returned to St. Luke’s Hospital where a port was inserted into Beger’s upper chest in preparation for the chemotherapy and radiation treatments to follow. “You can take chemo through the veins in your arms, but it is really damaging and the veins don’t hold up well,” she says. “The port creates a line directly to the bloodstream, which is how the chemo is delivered.” MD Anderson had been in contact with Joe Bond, DO from the Bond Clinic and Dr. Graham from PCRMC. “Dr. Bond and Dr. Graham worked together to devise a treatment plan,” Beger says. “It was really a shot in the dark because the type was unknown. They decided to give me chemo and radiation at the same time, which was highly unusual.” Beger had met Dr. Graham in passing as a fellow parent at school. She hadn’t met Dr. Bond prior to her treatment. “They can kill cancer in a Petri dish every time,” she says. “The dance is keeping the patient alive. Joe and Mary danced so well. I would get right to the brink, so weak, and they would bring me over to the hospital and give me plasma or packed red cells.” Back in 1999, there was still some uncertainty that transfused blood was 100 percent pure. Members of the community stepped forward to donate to Beger, right here
in Rolla where she was receiving her treatment. “So many people stepped up to the plate for whatever they could do,” she says. While convalescing, she found a needlepoint pillow that said, “When I count my blessings, I count you twice.” She ordered one each for Dr. Bond and Dr. Graham. “Mary understands the science, but she completely understands the mental and spiritual side,” Beger says. “Mary had to tell me bad news all the time. She never lied to me, but never made me feel like it was insurmountable. It is such an incredible gift that she and Joe have.” Beger looks back at her treatments with a spirit of gratitude rather than Joe Bond, DO focusing on the negative aspects. “I would roll in the door of Radiation Oncology throwing up, and I couldn’t have been anything that anyone was excited to see,” Beger says. “But Kent Craighead in Radiation Oncology would lift me out of the wheelchair and lay me on that radiation table like I was a baby. He was so gentle and careful. Everybody there was so helpful. I have always said if these people ever have a bad day, they leave it at the door when they come in. They are absolutely amazing.” In the middle of her treatment, there was a bit of a hiccup. It was OcKent Craighead, tober 1999, and she had a blockage Radiation Oncology and required emergency surgery. She ended up at PCRMC in the hands of newly hired surgeon Dana Voight MD. “He looked like Doogie Howser,” Beger jokingly recalls. “We even called Dr. David (Myers) after meeting Dr. Voight and he said that if Dr. Voight is OK with Joe Bond and Ed Bruns, then he is OK.” The dilemma was that radiated skin is not supposed to be cut through, but there was no choice in Beger’s situation. “Dr. Voight cut me open and apparently scar tissue had formed from the first surgery and had created a blockage in my intestinal tract,” she says. “The positive thing was they could see the treatments were working. Dr. Voight went ahead and took out some of my intestines impacted by the cancer. “One of the earliest things the Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation did was to fund a hospice room,” she notes. “I was in that room during my emergency surgery Foundation In Focus | Summer 2012
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recovery and it was such a blessing, plus the staff on the Oncology floor were truly my patient advocates even if it meant going toe-to-toe with a doc from out of town who was covering a weekend shift as my nurse Millie did.” Late in 1999, Beger completed the combo round of chemo and radiaDana Voight, MD tion. She remembers that in Christmas pictures from that year, she sat up with a hospital tub in her lap. On January 10, 2000, Beger was sent to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis to see a surgical oncologist for a final cleanup surgery because PCRMC didn’t have one on staff. Her recovery from that surgery was much slower; at one point Beger told the surgeon that she just wasn’t coming back like before. “He told me the surgery was far more drastic this time because they had to take everything out in order to get to the lymph nodes by my spine,” she says. “Once again, humor brought me out of the depths. I asked if it was like when you pull an engine out of a car and let it hang by a chain. He said that a nurse holds everything on a tray. I then said, ‘Doesn’t that get heavy?’ And he said, ‘Well yes,
and then we switch nurses.’” Following the surgery, Dr. Bond and Dr. Graham asked Beger to come in for a consultation. “John and I went to the Bond Clinic to meet with them, and they wanted to break the news to me that they wanted to do a whole new set of chemo and radiation treatments, but would separate them this time,” Beger says. “The concern was that the cancer type had never been identified and if any of the cancer cells remained, it could come back. Because we had used the meanest chemo, the cancer could come back resistant.” At that point, Beger looked at Dr. Bond and asked if another round of treatment was the “normal” course of action in a case like this. “Then I realized there was nothing normal about my situation,” she says. “So, I asked if this is what had been planned all along. Joe paused, looked back at her and then answered honestly, ‘Well, no one really counted on you making it this far!’ That put things into perspective so we all laughed and went at it again with another round of chemo and then radiation.” On May 20, 2000, Beger had her final radiation treatment. “PCRMC and the Bond Clinic have the best staff in
“The biggest message for me is that you know your body better than anyone...” 14 12
Foundation In Focus | Summer 2012 Foundation In Focus │ Summer 2012
the whole world,” she says. “I don’t know how to put it into words. There was such an outpouring of prayer and support. “Prayer is not usually a palpable thing, but it was so strong and uplifting. I have felt eternally blessed and grateful that I was in Rolla at that moment and time,” she says. In 2005, John had Kent Bagnell of Kent’s Jewelry find a ring with five stones and put her birthstone in it to signify being cancer free for five years. She wears it every day. “It just doesn’t seem real,” Beger remarks. “In my mind, I’m just not someone who has had cancer. Dr. Graham thinks it started in my left ureter, but no idea why.” Her message for others revolves around the benefits of receiving care close to home. “The biggest message for me is that you know your body better than anyone – even your doctor. When you know that you aren’t getting the answers you need, move on,” she says. “Don’t ever think that the specialists in the ivory tower in a big city are your best choice. I have experienced a few hospitals now, and the staff here from the doctors to nurses, techs and aides are so professional, discreet, warm and caring. “In the big city hospitals, you may become just a number and another piece of meat,” Beger says.
“I have to say that the entire community was so kind, from John’s new law partner and staff who kept that business alive, to the use of a wheelchair and Annie Bass arriving to give me daily shots to the true hero, my husband John, my own gift that keeps on giving…There are no words to illustrate how grateful I am. My husband hardly left my side for the 10 months of my treatments because I required round-the-clock care. You know, I had prayed for some time that he and I could be more of a team and closer spiritually. Now I say, ‘You have to be careful what you pray for!’ I would not trade the experience. There is no Annie Bass other experience I can think of that might have shown me so clearly how truly good human kind can be. “I have met people who spend each day worrying about the cancer coming back,” she says. “I feel like if I did that, it would have won.”
Take a look at our new website! • Donors will be able to view up-to-date giving details, including pledge balances • Register for upcoming events • Board and staff information • Estate planning tools • Special giving opportunities
giving.pcrmc.com
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Foundation In Focus │ Summer Foundation In Focus | Summer 2012 2012
Jimmy Bell, FNP Recognized by
Joan Hansen
Yaqoob Ali, MD
Joe Bond, DO
“There were so very many who made my stay more passable.” -- Wayne Thompson
Recognized by
Bob and Gwen Loyd Ben and Doris McWilliams Gerald and Cherl Miller Karl Petersen Harold and Carol Strotheide
Theresa L. Benney Recognized by
Lena M. Breuer
“Thank you so much for your service. You all are to be commended. You’re all great!” -- Lucy Reed
Melissa Anderson Recognized by
Bernadette Kleissler
Joannie Blakely Recognized by
Daniel and Jane Haskell
Patricia Butler Recognized by
Maxine J. Overby
James Bass, MD Recognized by
Jesse and Mildred Gahr Barbara Harris
Cathy E. Bond, DO Recognized by
Daniel and Jane Haskell
Grace Beaumont, MD Recognized by
Beatrice Gallagher
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Foundation In Focus | Summer 2012
Jennifer Carnelison Recognized by
Albert and Barbara Hobart
The Guardian Angel Program is an opportunity for you to make a donation in honor of the caregiver(s) who made a difference in your care at Phelps County Regional Medical Center.
Laura Coenen Pierre “A guardian angel to countless people - thank you for all you do. Your gifts and special talents are boundless and your unwavering passion for your work is inspiring.” -- Kristin Renee Pierre
Amber Davis Recognized by
Sharon Brown
Chris Doss Recognized by
Pecos Coble, DO
Albert and Barbara Hobart Don and Paula Sanders
Tracy Fair-Parsons, PA Recognized by
Sarah Brady
V.E. Falkenhain,OD Recognized by
Anonymous Donor
Recognized by
Donald and Jama Graham Thelma Hopper Harold and Carol Strotheide
Dwayne Goodridge Recognized by
Phil Cox Recognized by
Dagmar Pogue
Scott Crollard, MD Recognized by
Albert and Barbara Hobart
Anonymous Donor
Korshie Dumor, MD Recognized by
Thomas Moran
Who’s touched your life today?
Gary Duvall Recognized by
Albert and Barbara Hobart
Foundation In Focus | Summer 2012
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James Hayes, MD
Christy Jamison
Recognized by
Recognized by
Albert and Barbara Hobart
David R. Clark Melina Davis
Mary Graham, MD Recognized by
Shirley Andrews Diane Crider Donald and Jama Graham Bob and Gwen Loyd Charles and Louise Redburn Helen Stearns Harold and Carol Strotheide “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every little thing each of you did and played a role in my healing.” -- Sheryl Lynch
M. Ali Javed, MD Recognized by
Syed Huq, MD
Ray and Sharon Downs
Recognized by
Ella B. Boothe Mary McKinnon
Fred Keeton Recognized by
Barbara Lane
Peggy Gregory Recognized by
James and Jeanette Garver
Don James, DO Recognized by
Rabel Bledsoe Richard and Ursula Davis Louise Dewing Donald and Ardilla Johnson Edwin McDonald Richard and Edith Quick “For he who walks on water in my health care life.” -- Shirley Kuntz
Kay King Recognized by
Sharon Brown
Lance Hawk Recognized by
Loretta Hawk
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Foundation In Focus | Summer 2012
Who’s touched your life today?
Bernadette Kleissler Recognized by
Albert and Barbara Hobart
Mary Lewis
Jennifer MacDonald
Recognized by
Recognized by
Ruby Byfield
Janice Scott
Kevin Kline, DO Recognized by
Clyde Booth
Shonnie Libhart Recognized by
Albert and Barbara Hobart
Larry Marti, MD Recognized by
Jane Pawlak
Amy Martin JudyAnn Krenning, MD “She is special because of the great care she gives to the pediatric patients in our area. Thanks for all you do.� -- Hope Jones and Angie Passig
Recognized by
Betty Louise Merrell
Helen Litz Recognized by
Helen Hamlin
Kenneth Lyman, FNP Recognized by
Glen Hindbaugh
Jung Kwon Recognized by
Tony and Charlotte McCarty
Tim Martin, MD Recognized by
James Gruver Janet Shira
Foundation In Focus | Summer 2012
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Muhammad Marwali, MD Recognized by
Wayne Thompson
Peter McCarthy, MD
Bart Nelson
Recognized by
Recognized by
Albert and Barbara Hobart Larry Marti, MD
Stanley and Marilyn Kirkendall
Greg Maynard, DO Recognized by
Roger Gott
Sally McGuire Recognized by
Albert and Barbara Hobart Don and Paula Sanders
Kevin A. O’Connell, MD “I am very grateful to all who helped me.” -- Sophronia DuPree
Larry Mazzeo Recognized by
Anonymous Donor “He (Larry Mazzeo) returned to work after a family obligation in St. Louis in order to provide quality care to a regional physician who had sudden onset of illness. Act was beyond obligation and an example of compassionate care and a willingness to be inconvenienced in order to offer that care. Result of service was also outstanding.” -- Anonymous
Deb McLucas “You are my special nurse.” -- Danny Bower
Recognized by
Bernice Branstetter
Esther Moore Recognized by
Connie Light
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Foundation In Focus | Summer 2012
Diana L. Pantaleo
Robert Pearson, DPM Recognized by
Albert and Barbara Hobart Karl Petersen
Sherry Phippen, MD Recognized by
Ella Boothe
Shari Riley Recognized by
Albert and Barbara Hobart
Tami Smith Recognized by
Don and Paula Sanders
Robin Pickup “Robin, you have changed my life for the better.� -- Thomas and Vicky Bayer
Hugh Schuetz, DO Recognized by
John and Susan Wiemann
Betty Southard Recognized by
Sandra Harden
E.D. Scott, MD Recognized by
Monique L. Pinkston
Frances Coffey Anne Graves Albert and Barbara Hobart
Toni Strait Recognized by
Mildred Turner
Recognized by
Mary and Scott Doyel
Sherry Simpson Recognized by
Sandra Harden
Bonnie Ranney, MD
Beth Stodulski
Recognized by
Recognized by
Lynda Richards
Sharon Brown
Foundation In Focus | Summer 2012
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Retta Sutterfield Recognized by
Albert and Barbara Hobart
Kristy Upshaw Recognized by
Albert and Barbara Hobart
Linda Yoakum Recognized by
Thomas Baird
Peggie Taylor Recognized by
Janice Scott
Additional team photos will appear in a future edition. Dana Voight, MD Recognized by
David Givens Avella McGuirk Gerald and Cherl Miller Harold and Carol Strotheide
Cardiac Rehab Recognized by
James and Mary Lewis “I really appreciate your friendly and professional care.” -- Gene Doty
Colonoscopy Teams
“Thanks to all of you for the great care my husband and I received preceding and during our procedures. We were impressed with the friendliness, concern and professionalism.” -- Thomas and Vicky Bayer
Emergency Department
Helen R. Thomure
Recognized by
Blanche Gray Donald and Ardilla Johnson Cornelius and Carolyn Root
Recognized by
Sharon Brown Mary Lewis
Peggy B. Welsch Recognized by
Donna Wilson
Environmental Services Recognized by
John Ortlip “These employees deserve a large thank you for what they add to your hospital. Each department did something to make my stay nice.” -- Brenda Scheetz
Medical Oncology Staff Recognized by
Joan Kephart
Plant Operations Staff Jose Torres Recognized by
Melina Davis
Recognized by
John Ortlip
Becky L. Witham “Thank you for being you!” -- Buford and Wilma Urban
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Foundation In Focus | Summer 2012
Radiation Oncology Recognized by
Anita Lynch
Rehab Care Group Recognized by
Shirley McGuire Patti Wiench
PCRMC Staff Recognized by
William and Arlene James Joe and Betty Phelps “We think you all do great work.” -- Richard and Hilda Cockriel
Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation Recognized by
Luciano Chavez “It is because of you that I am a survivor.” -- Marie Davis
Transitional Care Recognized by
Shirley McGuire
Physical Therapy Recognized by
Paul and Dorothy Lane Peggy M. Warren “I am walking well again due to your knowledge and encouragement.” -- Dale Wilson
Bond Clinic Recognized by
Richard and Emma Mann
Infusion Center Recognized by
Serenia and David Roden
Patient Financial Services Recognized by
Bernard and Jeanette Minix
Food Service Recognized by
Brenda Scheetz
Foundation In Focus | Summer 2012
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golf
event spotlight
The G2N 14th Annual
Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation Benefit
tournament
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Foundation In Focus | Summer 2012
Ted Day, Mo-Sci and Glenn Kraft, G2N
T
he Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation held its 14th annual golf tournament June 4 at the Oak Meadow Country Club in Rolla. Forty-four teams participated in the tournament and enjoyed a day of friendly competition and beautiful weather to help raise over $83,000 for the Delbert Day Cancer Institute at Phelps County Regional Medical Center (PCRMC). The Delbert Day Cancer Institure provides comprehensive, coordinated, compassionate and cutting-edge cancer care. Highlights of the day included a sit-down lunch and dinner for participating golfers, specialty-hole prizes and prizes for first-place in each of six flights. The first-place winners for the morning flights included: MLS, Inc., Walsh Insulation and Meyer Electric. The afternoon winners were Acoustical Ceilings, Rehab Care and G2N. Cindy Beger, Foundation board member and local realtor, was the key-
note speaker and shared her personal story about surviving cancer. “Local patients can receive high-caliber cancer care at the Delbert Day Cancer Institute,” Beger says. “We have outstanding cancer services available right here in our home town.” PCRMC CEO John Denbo was impressed with the event and all of the people who helped make the day a success. “It was an all-around terrific day,” he says. “The generosity and support of our sponsors is truly amazing.” The Foundation would like to specifically recognize and thank the event’s sponsors, as well as Oak Meadow Country Club, Scott’s Printing, the golf committee and all of the volunteers. For more information about the Foundation’s annual golf tournament, contact Lori Moss, Annual Giving Coordinator, at (573) 458-7647.
Without sponsors and volunteers like you, the G2N 14th Annual Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation Benefit Golf Tournament would not be so successful.
Platinum Sponsorship ($15,000): G2N Gold Level Sponsorships ($5,000): Esterly-Schneider and Associates • Murphy Company • Mo-Sci Corporation • Rehab Care • BTS Group, Inc. Silver Level Sponsorship ($3,000): BSA Life Structures Bronze Level Sponsorships ($1,500): Fidelity Communications • Schneider Electric • Commerce Bank • Edward Jones • Mainline Fire Protection • Lewis, Rice, Fingersh • SSM Health Care Clinical Engineering Service • Wells Fargo • Alberici • McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. • Bank of America/Merrill Lynch • FormFast Team Sponsorships ($800): BKD • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield • STL Communications, Inc. • Meyer Electric, Inc. • Results Radio • PART (Professional Abatement and Remediation Technologies, LLC.) • Acoustical Ceilings, Inc. • Walsh Insulation Services, Inc. • MLS, Inc. • Feeler Scheer Architects • Schindler Elevator • Phelps County Bank • Pepsi Bottling Co. • Level Paths Investment Advisers • Town & Country Bank • Philips & Company • Mid America Bank & Trust Company • Dr. Timothy Isakson • Boston Scientific Holein-One Sponsorships ($500): Lathrop and Gage • CliftonLarsonAllen LLP • SSM Health Care Clinical Engineering Service • DrFirst • TKH, Inc. Co-Sponsored Hole ($250): Cintas • Professional Abatement and Remediation Technologies, LLC. • MMC • CliftonLarsonAllen LLP • Forest City Family Practice, LLC • Phelps County Bank • Peterson Group Individual Player Sponsorships ($200): Dan Lenauer (John Henry Foster Company) • Chris Pilgram (Community Blood Center of the Ozarks) • Phil Peterson (Peterson Group) Miscellaneous Donations: Managed Care Partners • Shad Becker, Town and County Bank CliftonLarsonAllen LLP • Mead Christopher Stull,Robyn Wolfe, Ellis Hawkins and John Byrd O’Brien Incorporated Volunteers: Kellie Bales, Donia Camarena, Angela Christensen, Sharon Clayton, Jana Cook, Leah Cox, Karen Davis, Kim Day, Lindsey Dunstedter, Ivana Harris, Lorrie Hartley, Tania Lambert, Frank Lazzaro, Pat Leaders, Mary Lewis, Anna Martin, Kreig Moore, Somer Overshon, Joe Phelps, Amanda Pogue, Jessica Roy, Jason Sharp, Tina Thomas, Kelly Williams, Sarah Wilson Golf Committee List: Ed Clayton, Kent Davis, Dave Dawdy, Ted Day, Ellis Hawkins, Shawn Hodges, Bill Leaders, Kreig Moore, Lori Moss, Ron Smith, Amy Stark
Kim Day and Kellie Bales, Volunteers
Craig Schneider, Bill Leaders, Dr. Don James, John Denbo
Foundation In Focus | Summer 2012
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Support Groups Alzheimer’s Support Group
Support group provides vital links to other caregivers and an opportunity to learn more about Alzheimer’s Disease and ways to cope.
Mark Your Calendars
Location: Pulaski Room Time: 1:30-2:30 pm Date: First Thursday of month Contact: 573-364-6414 Cancer Support Group
Separate groups providing support for cancer patients and the families and caregiver.
Location: Radiation Oncology
reception room Time: 5:00-7:00 pm Date: Every Wednesday Contact: 573-458-7500
Parkinson’s Support Group
Assists those with Parkinson’s disease, their family, caregivers, and care partners in adapting more positively to the physical, emotional, and social changes associated with the disease.
Location: Rolla Apartments
Mental Health Support Group
Please call 573-364-2007 for more information about the various meeting times.
Smoking Cessation/Support
Please call 573-458-7691 for more information about this group.
• Cupcakes for Cancer
Brenna Heavin will be baking away again this summer to help support the Joy of Caring Cancer Fund. Turn to Page 2 for more details.
October
• Comedy Uncorked - Oct. 4
Annual Donor Recognition Event
• Employee Giving Campaign • Breast Cancer Awareness Events
Panera - Pink Ribbon Bagels The Centre - Cardio for a Cure - Date TBD Key Sport Shop - In the Pink - Specialty T-shirts
December
1101 McCutcheon Drive
Time: 1:30-2:30 pm Date: Fourth Thursday of month Contact: 573-458-3034
July
• Heart-2-Heart Luncheon - Dec. 7 Supporting cardiac services
In Our Next Issue • Details about the Hospice Poker Run • Update on Abbie Darnell • Focus on Breast Cancer Awareness
For a complete list of Support Groups, please visit www.pcrmc.com
Foundation In Focus | Summer 2012
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Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation a subsidiary of Phelps County Regional Medical Center
1000 West Tenth Street • Rolla, Missouri 65401
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 85
Change Someone’s Life Phelps Regional Health Care
Foundation Hope. Help. Access.
Every day patients at PCRMC receive the benefits of special programs and equipment that simply would not be available without the help of the Phelps Regional Health Care Foundation. Thanks to the generosity of people just like you, lives are being saved, futures look brighter and hope is restored. For information on making a donation, log on to giving.pcrmc.com or call 573-458-7946.
Change someone’s life - it just might change your own 573-458-7946 • g i v i n g . p c r m c . c o m