Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We have faced many challenges throughout 2020. Through them all I’ve noticed the collaboration, commitment, and courage that can only be found when we work together for the greater good. Over and over again, stories of peace and goodwill have flooded our inboxes, reinforcing the message that together, we can accomplish anything. Here are just a few of the ways that patients, colleagues, caregivers, and friends have come together to help, to heal, and to lead over the last quarter:
Together Until The End
After three quarters of a century together, David and Norma Dickerson faced another historical event together - COVID-19. Diagnosed just days apart, Norma was admitted to SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital – Lake Saint Louis. Meanwhile, David’s symptoms progressed, and he was soon in the Emergency Department at SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital – St. Charles.
David’s condition proved to be far worse than Norma’s. Knowing that they did not have much time, employees from both hospitals banded together to unite the couple, and David was transferred to the same hospital as Norma so they could be together one last time. Just twenty-four hours after his transfer, David passed away with Norma by his side.
We are happy to report Norma is now recovering with the assistance of a private nurse.
At SSM Health, we believe in the healing power of presence. The doctors and nurses knew David and Norma needed to be together one last time and they did everything in their power to make it happen – a true representation of the Mission of SSM Health.
The Dickerson family is very thankful to the SSM Health employees who provided such amazing care for their parents saying, “It is our family’s hope that each of you working miracles every day understand and remember how very, very thankful we are for all of you. Your dedication, selflessness, compassion and determination will always be admired. Bless you all.”
Virtual Schwartz Rounds
In such a demanding and stressful time, SSM Health patients are not the only ones that need to be uplifted. There are times when members of the SSM Health family simply need a shoulder to lean on, an encouraging conversation, or a cup of coffee with a friend who understands the gravity of day-to-day life during a pandemic. Because of this, SSM Health Foundation has funded a wide array of self-care offerings and resources designed to help colleagues learn, connect with others, and access the support that they need. Virtual Schwartz Rounds continually offer health care professionals the opportunity to openly and honestly discuss social and emotional issues they may face in caring for patients and families, drawing from actual experiences – ensuring that our team has the support they need – for themselves and for their patients.
Dr. Garza Takes the Lead
SSM Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alexander Garza was brought on to lead a national committee on the use of technology to combat future public health emergencies. Dr. Garza has also been heading the St. Louis Metro Pandemic Task Force, a group of leaders who are working together to monitor, understand, and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our region and across the country. He joins executives from some of the largest US companies and organizations, including Microsoft, CVS Health, Facebook, and The Brookings Institution. The committee will review the use of technology during health crises and consider topics such as thermal maps, artificial intelligence, wearables and robotics, and use the information that is gained to better understand the spread of viruses like COVID-19, how to deal with the spread moving forward, and what we can do in the future to ensure that our communities are safe.
As you can see, greatness abounds in our communities - and so many inspiring people are finding new ways to achieve it. Together, we will overcome obstacles, raise one another up, and emerge victorious as each new day dawns.
With hope and gratitude,
Paul R. Ross
President, SSM Health Foundation – St. Louis
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 Fundraising in Focus
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The SSM Health Foundation Gala, Hope Blooms, will be held in a virtual format on October 10th, 2020, with all funds raised directly supporting SSM Cancer Care throughout our region.
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Attendees of the Gala will receive exclusive access to the transformational SSM Health Foundation “Hope Blooms” event, plus a special “thank you” gift box (including dinner, a bottle of wine, and some special surprises delivered to your home!). In addition, the ‘Hope Blooms’ Virtual Gala will include a silent auction to benefit SSM Health Cancer Care in our region. For those unable to attend the full gala, the auction will be open on October 5 and you can preview the items here, and is your chance to join us in spreading hope and supporting our region’s SSM Health Cancer Care and our patients! Tickets to the event are not required to participate in the auction.
This virtual event will be a shining example of the faith and persistence of the SSM Health patients and hospitals that we serve. The theme of the gala, Hope Blooms, is a reminder and a celebration of the way that our communities come together to support one another with a shared sense of courage, compassion, and hope. At a time when we have seen the immunocompromised face greater risk from the pandemic, there is substantial need to directly support SSM Cancer Care efforts throughout our region by helping to fund innovative and life-saving resources and programs centered around treating the patient, not just the disease.
We hope that you will consider joining us! Click here to learn more.
Those who are unable to attend the gala can still support SSM Health Cancer Care efforts by making a bid in our Hope Blooms silent auction.
Can’t join us for either? Click here to make a gift. |
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 By the Numbers
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80%
SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital is Open!
We’re thrilled to share that the Grand New SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital officially opened on September 1, 2020! This state-of-the-art facility houses sophisticated technology and design, supporting and elevating our academic-medical partnership with the Saint Louis University School of Medicine. Thanks to the generosity of campaign benefactors that include corporations, foundations and individual philanthropists, and donors, we reached nearly 80% of our SSM SLU Hospital fundraising goal before the grand opening! Help us fund additional programs and resources for the new hospital through September 2021. Make a gift here.
$70,000
Urgent Response Fund Success
We have seen an outstanding response to our Urgent Response Fund. With over 940 new donors, we have seen nearly 1500 gifts to our direct mail, representing over $70,000! As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, there is still a need. Click here to learn more about the SSM Health Urgent Response Fund.
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Special Thanks!
2020 SSM Health Foundation Golf Open Features Ozzie Smith
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Master Sponsors – Sandberg Phoenix, Trane, and new sponsor WellFirst Health - for your generous support of this year’s SSM Health Foundation Open at Norwood Hills Country Club on Wednesday, September 2. The weather was beautiful and the course pristine. Golfers played to benefit SSM Health greatest need and were surprised by a special appearance from Ozzie Smith thanks to WellFirst Health! Ozzie offered signed baseballs to those who could beat his drive! We are thankful to all of our corporate sponsors who continue to support this tournament and the Mission of SSM Health! Check out the video below for a recap of the day.
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 Facilitating Access
Whether you are an SSM Health care provider with a need for training, equipment, or programmatic funding or you are an individual who feels compelled to invest in the future of health care at SSM, we’d love to talk!
Need Funds? From training to technology, from facilities to patient experience, we want to hear about your top funding priorities. To discuss your funding needs, email FoundationSTL@ssmhealth.com.
Want to Help? Introduce us to friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, business partners, clients, or vendors who show interest in our work! Contact Sean McCaffrey, Director of Annual Giving, at FoundationSTL@ssmhealth.com. |
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 Grateful
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We are grateful for the time that we were blessed to spend with Kathy Smith - a longtime concierge and front-desk receptionist for SSM Health St. Joseph Hospitals in St. Charles and Lake Saint Louis - and are deeply saddened by her passing. A Bravo Award winner, Kathy played a significant role in the “Make a Blanket” outreach program, in which she and other SSM employees crafted and donated blankets to SSM Health palliative care patients.
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Without fail, Kathy greeted patients, guests, and co-workers with a warm demeanor and smile, always thriving in service to others. Kathy's good-natured spirit will be remembered by many for years to come. We continue to send our thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.
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 Upcoming Events & Initiatives
We want to ensure safe guest experiences during our events. We continue to monitor the pandemic closely and will adjust events and opportunities as needed to adhere to safety and social distancing protocols.
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SSM Health Foundation – St. Louis Hope Blooms Virtual Gala
Saturday, October 10, 2020
Join us for this virtual event to support SSM Health Cancer Care efforts throughout our region. Attendees will enjoy a 3-course dinner and a bottle of wine delivered to their door, exclusive entertainment, and inspiring stories from SSM Health Cancer Care patients and caregivers. The event includes a silent auction and all funds raised will go to SSM Health Cancer Care efforts in the St. Louis, St. Charles, and Metro East regions.
Pre-Event 6:30 pm/Main Event 7:00 pm/ Event Concludes 7:45 pm
1 registration: $165
2 registrations: $250
For more information regarding the Gala, please visit our website or call 314-523-8044. Tickets to the event are not required to participate in the silent auction.
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Pop the Stigma Fitness Week - Benefiting SSM Health Behavioral Health
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October 4-10, 2020
Pop the Stigma Wellness Week focuses on providing wellness themed opportunities, through a virtual platform, while raising funds for SSM Health Behavioral Health. Mental/behavioral health awareness is more important than ever as anxieties resulting from the pandemic have had a profound effect on the behavioral health of all individuals, not just those with diagnosed conditions.
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The goal of this campaign is to decrease the stigma around behavioral health issues and gain increasing support for the SSM Health Behavioral Health platform. Due to Covid-19 restrictions and in order to ensure safety, Pop the Stigma will be a VIRTUAL week of wellness based events that target physical wellness, mental wellness, as well as a social aspect because as humans we are social creatures.
Sign Up for Pop the Stigma Wellness Week Events Here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/Info/MO/SaintLouis/popthestigma
The Young Leaders of SSM Health are honored to provide a platform for fundraising on behalf of this important topic through this event. Learn more or make a gift here. Please select “Behavioral Health” designation when making your donation.
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Mission
“Through our exceptional health care services, we reveal the healing presence of God”
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