Celebrating Life Ensuring unprecedented

care for children

SanfordPalliative Care celebrates 10 years

Marvin Ward of Perham, Minn., makes gift to name The Ward Family Pediatric Wing in honor of his wife.

Sanford Health Foundation FargoFebruary 2014

Growing up during the Depression, on a farm near Wadena, Minn., Marvin Ward learned the value of hard work and helping others. These values led him to commit $500,000 to the Building Tomorrow Today campaign last November.

Ward’s gift will celebrate the life of his wife, Donna, who died in 2012, and will name The Ward Family Pediatric Wing at the new Sanford Fargo Medical Center. The endowment will also celebrate the healthy futures of children treated at Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo.

“Donna and I were so blessed and wanted to show our support for these children,” said Ward. “She always had an interest in the Children’s Hospital and the services it provided.”

Ward’s endowment demonstrates his and Donna’s commitment to and compassion for children, while ensuring they have access to the very best health care close to their homes and families.

Gifts to Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo provide cutting-edge technology for precision in diagnosis and treatment, as well as specialized programs to help children cope with their diagnoses. Philanthropy also ensures additional training and certification for physicians and nurses, allowing them to deliver unprecedented care to children and their families.

“Donna and I have always thought the children’s hospital was an excellent

resource for our community andsurrounding areas – not every facility can handle these types of cases,” said Ward. “It’s important for families to be able to stay close to home when their children need special care.”

Marvin, an active community member, enjoys participating in and supporting local organizations. He has traveled to El Salvador, Mexico, Costa Rica and Iceland on mission trips organized through his church. While building schools and churches on these trips, he gained a deeper understanding of the importance of helping others in his own community.

“It’s very rewarding to give to a worthwhile cause. We want to help others in need and we want everyone to see the benefit giving back has on our communities and children,” said Ward, who hopes his gift will encourage others in the community to make a difference.

“It’s important for families to be able to stay close to home when their children need special care.”“Marvin’s compassion for children and their families is evident through his impactful gift to the Building Tomorrow Today campaign,” said Sanford Health Foundation Vice President Lonnie Pederson. “Children from throughout the region will now be able to celebrate their healthy futures because of his gift. Marvin’s generosity and leadership will provide health and healing for countless children at Sanford Health.”

To make a significant impact on the lives of others, contact the Sanford Health Foundation at (701) 234-6246.

Marvin Ward of Perham, Minn., celebrates the life of his wife, Donna, with an endowment to the Building Tomorrow Today campaign.

Celebrating life

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The journey to transform health care

TODAYTOMORROWBUILDING

Alaina’s family of healing

As we begin a new year at Sanford Health we have much to be thankful for, including our loyal donors to the Sanford Health Foundation and the Building Tomorrow Today campaign. Their support of the campaign brings meaning and life to the final renderings of the Sanford Fargo Medical Center.

The new year also signals exciting new leadership to the Sanford Medical Center Fargo. Paul Richard, formerly Sanford’s executive vice president and general counsel, will bring expertise from his long-standing history with the health

system to his new role as the President of the Sanford Fargo Medical Center.“I am honored to be on this journey with Sanford and the Fargo-Moorhead community,” said Richard. “As we look to the future, it is so exciting to think of the wonderful opportunities the Building Tomorrow Today campaign will bring to Sanford Health, including making our magnificent facility and health system a destination for cutting-edge care.”

To date, 126 endowments have been established, totaling more than $13.7 million. These endowments, along with gifts from loyal

supporters, Sanford Health team members and community groups, bring the cumulative Building Tomorrow Today campaign total to nearly $20 million.Thank you to our donors for playing such a significant role in bringing the future of health care to the Fargo-Moorhead region.

For more information on how you can make an impact on the future of health care, please call the Sanford Health Foundation at (701) 234-6246.

On March 13, 2013, Richard and Estee Nenows’ lives came to an abrupt halt when their 6-month-old daughter, Alaina, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. Alaina’s diagnosis was confirmed after detection of a large abdominal tumor that had metastasized throughout her body.

Within hours, the Nenows arrived at Sanford Health in Fargo where doctors and nurses were waiting to explain Alaina’s diagnosis and treatment plan. Immediately, they became part of the Sanford Health family, whose ultimate goal was to heal their daughter.

“We feel so blessed to have a facility so close to home that was able to provide the same treatment options as any facility in the country,” said Estee. “The specially-trained doctors, nurses and staff at Sanford Children’s Hospital and the Roger Maris Cancer Center were accommodating to our family’s needs, provided much needed distraction for Alaina during long stays and treatments and kept their focus on healing our daughter.

They will always be our unsung heroes and extended family.”Alaina surprised everyone with her resilience – she fought cancer with a smile on her face. On Aug. 21, 2013, Alaina’s scans showed no signs of cancer, just in time to celebrate her first birthday in September!

Gifts to the Sanford Health Foundation provide the necessary programs, services and resources so children like Alaina can celebrate for years to come!

Please use the enclosed envelope to support Sanford Roger Maris Cancer Center and Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo.

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North Dakota taxpayers can claim a 40 percent state income tax credit, along with their usual federal income tax deduction, when they establish an endowment supporting the Building Tomorrow Today campaign at Sanford Health. For many taxpayers, this reduces the cost of a $10,000 donation to $3,200 or less!

For more information, please contact:  •  Julia Beaton (701) 234-5010  •  Michael Hannaher (701) 234-6422  •  Lonnie Pederson (701) 234-6247

Or visit sanfordhealthfoundation.org and select ‘Fargo’ and then ‘ND Income Tax Credit’ in the left margin.

Save income taxes by supporting health care

Patients and staff at Sanford Health now have the resources to see life differently and live in the moment with help from the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program. This program, made possible with an internal grant available through gifts to the Sanford Fund, will help enhance resilience and equip participants with the resources to better cope with the impact of stress.

“The funding we received through the Sanford Health Foundation’s Sanford Fund allows us to provide our employees and patients with the tools to effectively manage stress,” said Dr. Jon Ulven, psychologist and department chair of Behavioral Health. “We enhanced the skills of our mindfulness instructors, worked with various employee groups including Sanford leaders

and continued mindfulness training with our patients.”

Funding from the grant also allowed Alice Christianson, professional clinical counselor, and Mary Ann Donaldson, licensed independent clinical social worker, to attend specialized-training in the practice of mindfulness and receive the resources they need to lead mindfulness-based stress reduction sessions with patients and staff.

“Participants noted they were more present in their work and home life, could listen better and let go of negative self-talk,” Christianson said, proving that just a little mindfulness can go a long way. Donaldson also notes they are hoping to expand program availability to other parts of the health system through grant funding.

Please use the enclosed giving envelope to support the Sanford Fund and provide funding for departments throughout Sanford Health.

Becoming mindful

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Save income taxes by supporting health care

Providing hope, strength and courage…Sanford Palliative Care celebrates 10 yearsWhen Rogna Hewitt, 95, was admitted to Sanford Health she decided against surgery, instead she expressed her preference for hospital treatment with an emphasis on comfort and pain control. After two days in the hospital, she was transferred to the Palliative Care Unit of Sanford’s South University campus. 

“Within only a few hours of admission, it became obvious that this was a very special unit,” said Roxanne Haggerty, Hewitt’s daughter. “The doctors and nurses understood the importance of listening and took time to explain the options.”

The Palliative Care team explained Hewitt’s options, choices and helped her family create two evolving care plans to guide her treatment. Plan A involved reassuring Hewitt that her pain would be controlled and provide comfort if she were approaching the end of life, while plan B included goals to help in recovery and steps to work toward independent living.

The Palliative Care Service helps the patient and their loved ones cope with life-limiting conditions by providing intensive symptom management and focusing on quality of life. The care received depends upon the patient’s goals – reducing pain or treating side effects, providing understanding of the illness and allowing open communication with family, doctors and nurses, said Roberta Young, vice president of Cancer, Palliative and Medical Services at Sanford Health.

“They are a fabulous crew, they showed compassion and concern and relieved my pain and worrying,” said Hewitt. After spending one and a half weeks in Palliative Care, Hewitt was transferred to a transitional care unit, where she is now working toward independent living in her apartment.

This past October marked the 10-year anniversary of the eight-bed Palliative Care Unit and Service, which cared for 410 patients in 2013. The Palliative Care Service also provides patients with the care of seven board-certified palliative care physicians, three board-certified palliative care consult nurses and specially-trained chaplains, social workers, psychologists and others.

After a massive stroke, Karen Robinson’s mother was brought to palliative care. “Mom was in the best place during her final days – she was kept comfortable and was cared for with dignity and respect,” said Robinson. “The palliative care team also made me feel at peace, I have no regrets.”

“The relaxing atmosphere and tremendous service in the Palliative Care Unit is a direct result of philanthropy,” said Thomas O’Keefe, director of Inpatient Oncology and Palliative Care Service. “Massage therapists, equipment and all the extra things we do to make our patients and their families comfortable are available because of donations to the Sanford Health Foundation.”

The unit was originally opened and remodeled with funding from 61for61, an annual fundraising event hosted by the Sanford Health Foundation and 107.9 The FOX. Throughout the years, 61for61 has shared the inspiring stories of patients and their families who have relied on the therapeutic atmosphere and special services of

the Palliative Care Unit during their most challenging times. Philanthropy plays a vital role in the development of this unit, as it continues to offer more services, expands to fit patients’ needs and works toward certifications.

Please use the enclosed envelope to provide patients and their families with a therapeutic atmosphere and specially-trained team members in the Sanford Health Palliative Care Unit.

Martha Burns, clinical care supervisor of the Palliative Care Unit, cares for and comforts patients.

Josephine Zaeske of Fargo, N.D., plays the piano in the Sanford Palliative Care Unit which was purchased with Foundation funds.

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Jon and Jeana Youness arrived at Sanford Health on July 29, 2012 excited to welcome their second son, Jack. However, when complications arose during delivery, Jack needed the specialized care and equipment available in the Sanford Medical Center Partners Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. 

“We were terrified when Jack’s heart quit beating after delivery,” said Jeana. “When the NICU team was able to get his pulse back, he was immediately brought to the NICU and the cool-cap was placed on his head.”

The NICU team was concerned that Jack’s brain had not received enough oxygen after delivery and he was diagnosed with hypoxic-

ischemic encephalopathy, a condition that occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen. Jack wore the cool-cap for 72 hours – keeping his brain a few degrees lower than normal to prevent further damage and possibly reverse any damage that occurred after delivery. “Jack was in the NICU for 15 long days,” said Jeana. “It was difficult to see him with the cap on and being unable to hold him, but the nurses made sure he was comfortable and treated him like a member of their own family.”

The Sanford Medical Center Partners NICU has two Olympic Cool-Cap systems, made possible by gifts to Children’s Miracle Network. Cool-cap technology, when used

within the first six hours of life, can significantly reduce the chance of brain injury in infants. In 2013, infants from all parts of North Dakota, northwest Minnesota and northeast South Dakota have utilized cool-cap technology in the Sanford Medical Center Partners NICU. 

“The cool-caps provide a huge benefit to infants throughout the region,” said Dr. William Bellas, medical director and department chair of the Sanford Medical Center Partners NICU. “Having them available at Sanford means we can administer treatment as quicklyafter birth as possible, giving our infants the best chance of recovery.”

Jack is now a happy, active 16-month-old and has met all of his milestones. “The cool-cap made a life-altering difference for Jack,” said Jeana. “We are so thankful this technology was available for our little boy.”

Please use the enclosed envelope to support the Children’s Miracle Network at Sanford Children’s Hospital.

Infants benefit from the healing effects of cool-cap technology in the Sanford Medical Center Partners NICU.

Say thank you to a physician, nurse, volunteer or other Sanford employees who made a difference in your care by recognizing them as your Guardian Angel.

To make a donation in their honor, call the Sanford Health Foundation at (701) 234-6246 or visit sanfordhealthfoundation.org.

Who is your guardian angel? Guardian Angel

Generous donors provide life-saving technology

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Sanford gift to revolutionize health careIn January, Denny Sanford, Sanford Health’s benefactor and the preeminent health care philanthropist in the United States, made a gift of $125 million to establish Sanford Imagenetics. This first-of-its-kind program in the United States will integrate genomic medicine into primary care for adults.

“Mr. Sanford’s generosity to this organization is humbling,” said Kelby Krabbenhoft, president and CEO of Sanford Health. “Including this $125 million gift, Denny has given Sanford Health nearly a billion dollars. It’s an incredible honor as well as a tremendous responsibility.”

Sanford Health has a long-standing history of providing comprehensive genetic health care to the region. With Sanford Imagenetics, it will transform internal medicine by providing practicing geneticists, and those in training, with an opportunity to advance the field of genetics through robust research programs and clinical application of research findings. Sanford’s gift will also provide access to state-of-the-art facilities, the latest technologies, bench laboratory space and a certified laboratory.

“It will be an appropriate screening for each patient,” said Dr. Julie Blehm, department chair of Internal

Medicine and Ambulatory at Sanford Health. “We are not talking about blanket screening of everyone’s genes.”

Sanford Imagenetics will be the first step toward offering more effective treatments, predicting future health concerns and preventing some diseases with a personalized health care plan.

“This is the frontier of medicine,” said Krabbenhoft. “This is what’s going to change everything for everybody.”

February 27–28, 6 a.m.–6 p.m.Sanford Clinic East Grand Forks, 929 Central Ave NWEast Grand Forks, Minn.

RADIOTHONMiracle Maker

WHEREBluestem Center for the Arts

Join us for Fargo’s newest tradition and support a smart new approach to ending breast cancer.

WHENMay 31, 2014

REGISTRATION OPENS SOON!edithsanford.org/savorandstroll

BENEFITTING

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February 27-28Miracle Maker RadiothonJoin the Grand Forks stations XL93 (92.9 FM) and The Fox 96.1 (96.1 FM) from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the third annual radio broadcast benefiting Children’s Miracle Network at Sanford Children’s Hospital. For more information, call (701) 234-6246.

March 4National Pancake Day at IHOPCelebrate National Pancake Day at IHOP locations in Fargo, 1701 45th St. South, and Grand Forks, 3951 32nd Ave. South. Guests will receive one complimentary short stack of pancakes with a donation to Children’s Miracle Network at Sanford Children’s Hospital.

April 10Sweet Miracles hosted by the Courtyard by MarriottJoin the Courtyard by Marriott in Moorhead for wine tasting, silent auction, live entertainment and more. Proceeds will benefit Children’s Miracle Network at Sanford Children’s Hospital. Call (218) 284-1000 for ticket information.

May 31Savor & Stroll event benefiting the Edith Sanford Breast Cancer Foundation100% of every dollar raised through this fun-filled, culinary-inspired event will stay in Fargo to support breast cancer research. To learn more, register or donate, visit edithsanford.org/savorandstroll.

Calendar of Events

Sanford Health Foundation Fargo RegionPO BOX 2010Fargo, ND 58122-2399

Find us on FacebookSanford Health Foundation – Fargo Region at Facebook.com/SanfordFoundationFargoChildren’s Miracle Network Fargo at Facebook.com/CMNFargo

Thank you for your commitment to health care through the Building Tomorrow Today campaign and the difference you’ve made for so many people in our region!