Honoring Philanthropy
WINTER 2023
Partners in Health and Wellness
Message from our Vice President of Philanthropy As we celebrate the holiday season, it’s a wonderful opportunity to count our blessings and express our gratitude to all who enrich our lives. Reflecting on those who help our community, I give my deepest thanks to you for your commitment and generosity–because of your support to Woodland Healthcare Foundation, our hospital and clinics remain invaluable resources for our families, friends, and neighbors.
Healthcare leadership in conversation with Woodland Healthcare Foundation donors.
Woodland Healthcare Foundation’s Board of Trustees recently hosted a special community event for our generous donors, Join the Conversation: Optimizing Your Health and Wellness. Guests heard directly from Woodland Healthcare leaders: Gena Bravo, President/ CEO, Woodland Memorial Hospital; Dr. Ashley Sens, Chief Medical Officer, Woodland Memorial Hospital; and Lisa Saucedo, Executive Director of Operations, Woodland Clinic. During the event, presenters shared recommendations and tips for staying healthy throughout the winter season, steps to utilize wellness resources available through Woodland Healthcare, and insight into how philanthropic support to the Foundation advances patient care in our community. Thank you to all who were in attendance. We are grateful for each member of our donor family for your generosity, which helps fund capital equipment and the development of programs to strengthen healthcare for our community.
I am also continually grateful for the caring and skilled medical team at Woodland Healthcare. Each caregiver is dedicated to providing high-quality, innovative care to improve the health of all of their patients. As part of Woodland Healthcare Foundation’s commitment to maintaining this margin of excellence, we recently assessed the growing healthcare needs of our community. Two areas emerged as clear priorities: improving access and expanding services for both our Orthopedics and Oncology patients. We are excited to announce these two new initiatives are underway and, as you will read in this issue of Honoring Philanthropy, they will provide advanced diagnostic and surgical equipment to offer more services for patients like you, while Continued on page 7
Partners in Philanthropy
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Expanding Care for our Community An Initiative to Support Woodland Healthcare Oncology Patients
For a patient facing a possible cancer diagnosis, the uncertainty and stress experienced during this time can be overwhelming. Patients experiencing this journey deserve access to timely, excellent, and conveniently close-to-home care from skilled and compassionate providers they know and trust. Providing this high level of local care—the humankindness for which we are known—is the foundation and vision of Woodland Healthcare’s Oncology Department. Because our wonderful local communities are growing at a remarkable rate, so is the demand for diagnostic oncology appointments. To meet the needs of our current and future patients, we must acquire new, state-of-the art diagnostic oncology equipment. Adding this important equipment will expand diagnostic services for our community; decrease the wait times for appointments and testing at our hospital and clinics; and build the foundation for a stronger, more robust oncology program. 2
New Equipment to Support Lung Health Testing
Roger and Judy Kohlmeier recently made the generous lead gift to the Oncology Initiative with their funding of Woodland Healthcare's second plethysmograph. This equipment is used to test a patient’s lung health and capacity and guides physicians when creating an oncology care plan. Because this essential diagnostic tool is used by up to seven patients a day, adding another plethysmograph has reduced the appointment wait time and enabled more patients to be tested sooner and move quickly toward their care plan for treatment. Roger and Judy are Fairchild Society members and for decades have been supporting Woodland Healthcare Foundation initiatives such as the Family Birth Center, Strengthening Our Roots, Advanced Imaging and Surgical Services, Cancer and Neurosciences, and many more. They are also Legacy Society Members, having generously included Woodland Healthcare Foundation in their estate plan. We are grateful for the Kohlmeiers’ humankindness that will help ensure Woodland Healthcare has the most state-of-the-art equipment to achieve the best outcomes for our patients.
Providing the most advanced diagnostic equipment and technology here on our healthcare campus will help more of our families, friends and neighbors; save more lives; and keep more loved ones together longer.
THIS INITIATIVE WILL FUND:
Ultrasound Machines with Advanced Software Providing three new ultrasounds with advanced software will give providers better quality, higher definition
images, and more types of images—such as 3D and 4D. The advanced software uses GPS-like technology, mapping out a patient’s anatomy and providing live guidance during biopsies and needle placements. These ultrasounds, with their superior and advanced technology, will improve access for patients, expediting diagnosis and treatment.
CT Scanner CT scanners play a critical role in diagnosing cancer and with only one in the hospital, scheduling patients for tests can be a challenge. An additional CT scanner will immediately reduce wait times, and its advanced technology
features will include faster speeds, resulting in faster exams and an increased number of patients served. Getting patients tested as early as possible will help them get treatment at an earlier stage when it can make the biggest impact.
Endoscopic Ultrasound and Suite of Tools For patients experiencing abdominal pain, an endoscopic ultrasound is a safe, effective, minimally invasive procedure that can help detect gastrointestinal tumors. Securing this important advanced diagnostic equipment and its powerful technology will keep our excellent care closer to home
for Woodland Healthcare patients, greatly reducing the strain associated with scheduling appointments and traveling to Sacramento.
“I cannot thank you enough for your diligence and kindness these past years. You have my heartfelt thanks.” –A Grateful Patient, in recognition of Dr. Alborz Alali, Hematology/ Oncology Specialist
Two Generous Estate Gifts Help Support Oncology Research A new position to support oncology research was recently made possible by generous estate gifts from Dr. Hiroshi Yamauchi and an anonymous donor. Both donors were steadfast supporters of Woodland Healthcare Foundation and the advancement of patient care through research. The Oncology Research Engagement Coordinator, Yeimi Zamudio, was hired in May 2023 and has been coordinating clinical trials, which help us learn how patients best react to treatments and medication. Explains Yeimi, “In this role, I am able to create awareness about clinical research in the Woodland area and neighboring communities. In addition to assisting with screening and identifying eligible patients, I help provide resources and comfort to those receiving treatment. I am so grateful to make a difference in people’s lives and be part of our oncology patients’ journeys.”
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Partners in Philanthropy
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Supporting Healthcare in Our Community
In addition to helping patients, acquiring new equipment will also help Woodland Healthcare attract and retain the best-and-brightest medical talent—an investment that will benefit our community for years to come. By attracting the next generation of forward-thinking providers and supplying them with the latest cutting-edge diagnostic and surgical equipment, you are ensuring the high-quality, world-class care you know and treasure will stay in our community.
“Woodland Orthopedics literally saved my life. Dr. Meredith took extra care in everything that he did with me, especially for me to feel as good as I do now. My pain was getting worse and I could hardly move, and now I can walk without a cane, without a walker–I just can’t thank your team enough.” –A Grateful Patient, in recognition of Dr. Dennis Meredith, Orthopedics and Spine Surgeon
Helping Our Community Enjoy Health and Mobility An Initiative to Support Woodland Healthcare Orthopedic Patients At some point in our lives, most of us will face the need for orthopedic care. Whether we experience a sports injury, a fall at home, or the simple wear and tear of aging on our joints and bones, we want excellent, supportive care from worldclass surgeons who heal us with humankindness. Luckily for us, exceptional orthopedic care like this can be found right here at Woodland Healthcare. Our renowned team of orthopedic surgeons, who are sought by patients from all over
the western United States, are fortunately just a short drive away for our families, friends, and neighbors. To keep our care at its highest level of excellence for patients of all ages, Woodland Healthcare Foundation has embarked on an exciting initiative to acquire state-of-the-art surgical tools and technology to ensure our valued providers can continue to use advanced surgical techniques and help us move freely from pain to good health and movement.
To learn more about how you can support the Orthopedics or Oncology Initiatives, please contact Kevin Sanchez, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Woodland Healthcare Foundation, at kevin.sanchez2@dignityhealth.org or (530) 669-5682. 4
Your Free Will-Planning Tool No matter how young or old you are, creating your will is crucial to supporting your loved ones and at the same time ensuring that your values live on through organizations you care about. As a service to valued donors like you, Woodland Healthcare Foundation has partnered with FreeWill.com: a free, online tool
that allows you to create a legally valid will or living trust at no cost in under 20 minutes, or to easily gather information you’ll need should you choose to work with an attorney. The online process is simple, secure, and revocable:
You will also have the opportunity to include a legacy gift to Woodland Healthcare Foundation when creating your will—a powerful and enduring way to continue enhancing care in our community.
freewill.com/ woodlandhealthcarefoundation
If you have included Woodland Healthcare Foundation in your estate plan, please let us know so we may thank you and recognize you as a member of our Legacy Society.
Just as you have been there to support the future of Woodland Healthcare, we want to support you in caring for the future of your loved ones.
Fifteen-year Woodland Healthcare employee, Cindy Sucevich, recently used FreeWill to create her estate plan. Cindy says, “I had been trying to do a will for myself, and—like a lot of people—I just kept putting it off. When the FreeWill opportunity came up, I thought, I’ll just do it right now. It was easy, fast, and saved me from paying a lawyer to create my will.” In her estate plan, Cindy generously included a legacy gift to support oncology services through Woodland Healthcare Foundation. “I grew up in Woodland, and all of my family members receive their care at our hospital and clinics. As an Oncology Nurse Navigator Supervisor, I see how we are outgrowing our current facilities and my hope is that we will be able to build a comprehensive cancer center, which would include radiation oncology, so that our patients can stay local for their cancer treatment. That is why I direct my giving to our excellent, compassionate and local oncology care.” We deeply appreciate your partnership, Cindy—your gift shows your love and commitment to your family, friends, and neighbors in Woodland!
If you have questions about using this simple tool to create your will or would like to learn about making an estate gift that will benefit you in your lifetime, please contact Kevin Sanchez at kevin.sanchez2@dignityhealth.org or (530) 669-5682.
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Partners in Philanthropy
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A Powerful Tool in the Early Detection of Breast Cancer Through generous community support from partners like you, in combination with a grant from the William G. Irwin Charity Foundation, Woodland Healthcare Foundation recently funded a new 3D Mammography Scanner, the most modern and advanced tool used for early detection of breast cancer.
Woodland Healthcare previously had two 3D scanners as part of its commitment to providing the most advanced equipment and care for their patients. The new scanner is housed at the Woodland Clinic located across the street from the Hospital. Its central location offers greater access and convenience, enabling our providers to better meet the needs of their patients. Thank you for your humankindness! Your generosity helps ensure the dedicated oncology team at Woodland Healthcare has the best possible equipment to support early detection of breast cancer, giving patients in our community the best chance for recovery and a healthy future.
Woodland Healthcare Foundation Celebrates World Gratitude Day September 21 marked World Gratitude Day and Woodland Healthcare Foundation received many gifts from grateful patients that honored providers and staff members for going above and beyond in their care for them. Below are a few of the heartfelt messages that accompanied their gifts:
“Doctor Wang is a superstar. She has compassion and shows kindness towards her patients.” —in recognition of Dr. Lei Wang
“Thanks to you both for so generously counseling me on my upcoming procedure–you resolved all my concerns and assured my future good health.” —in recognition of Drs. Jason Umphress and Karen Win-Vroom
“Thank you for your kind attention to our healthcare. We appreciate you!” —in recognition of Dr. Eduardo Zapata
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The Impact of Employee Giving: Tandy Burton Talks about Why She Gives to Woodland Healthcare Foundation Woodland native Tandy Burton has served our patients and their families with care and compassion for more than 15 years. Currently the Director of Behavioral Health, she’s also a loyal employee donor to Woodland Healthcare Foundation and gives generously to ongoing philanthropic campaigns and initiatives. Tandy shares, “I was born here in this hospital. I live in the community, and I am proud to work here and proud of the work we do. I got into nursing because it's a calling to care for people–and giving to the Foundation is just another way to show compassion and love for our patients.” Tandy has supported the Family Birth Center, the Behavioral Health Department, and, most recently, purchase of the new 3D Mammography Scanner. “We know that early detection of breast cancer is key to saving lives so I wanted to help purchase the equipment that will allow women in our community to get high quality mammograms, and have more appointments available for scheduling.” Reflecting on the importance of giving to Woodland Healthcare Foundation, Tandy says, “Every donation—even a small amount— to our small community hospital can make a big difference and improve care for our patients.” Tandy and her husband, Joel, are Fairchild Society members and we are deeply grateful for their continued partnership.
Thank you for making a difference!
Message from our Vice President of Philanthropy (continued) keeping your trusted, comprehensive care close to home.
In this season of gratitude, I thank you for your generosity, which makes a meaningful difference in our community today and every day. May you and your loved ones enjoy many special moments in this joyous and happy holiday season! With gratitude,
Kevin B. Duggan Vice President of Philanthropy
W I T H G R AT I T U D E Thanks to the generosity of the Irma Ceunis and Simone C. Wynant Foundation, a new fetal monitor is helping our amazing Family Birth Center team offer a wonderful experience for laboring mothers. With enhanced visuals and outstanding reliability, the new equipment enables our patients to move freely and walk around while being monitored. This technologically advanced tool is already making a meaningful difference for the families who choose to have their babies at Woodland Memorial Hospital. 7
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1321 Cottonwood Street, Suite 207 Woodland, CA 95695 supportwoodlandhealthcare.org 530.669.5680
Woodland Healthcare Foundation
Your Year-End Giving Makes a Difference!
Officers Michael Pirruccello, MD, Chair Kevin Haarberg, Vice Chair
Eric Sharp, Secretary Marcus Ullrich, Treasurer
Board of Trustees Natasha Bir, MD Gena Bravo, MSN, RN, HACP Kevin Duggan Karen Harrison Ernest Hodges Julie Johnson Roger Kohlmeier
Marianne MacDonald Dennis Miller Jim Odusola Yvette Roy Aaron Schmoekel Thomas Schwarzgruber Christina Stokke, RN
Philanthropy Team Kevin Sanchez, Chief Philanthropy Officer
Kendra Martin, Manager of Philanthropy
Jenine Ramirez, Administrative Coordinator
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Kevin Duggan, Vice President of Philanthropy
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Thank you for your generosity!
Questions or comments about this newsletter? We welcome your feedback. Contact us at woodlandhealthcarefoundation@ dignityhealth.org or (530) 669-5680 to share your comments or sign up for an electronic version of Honoring Philanthropy.