LMH Health Foundation receives $10 million gift commitment
Lawrence resident Dana Anderson has made a $10 million gift commitment to the LMH Health Foundation. The commitment is the largest in both the foundation’s 52-year history and the hospital’s 101-year history.
Anderson pledged half of the amount as an outright gift in support of LMH Health’s strategic priorities, to be paid over the next several years. The remaining half will be included in a bequest as part of Anderson’s estate plans, and will create an endowed fund for the same purpose.
Anderson and his late wife Sue have been longtime supporters of LMH Health, a not-for-profit community hospital serving patients in Douglas County and the surrounding area.
Earl Reineman, major & planned gifts manager for the foundation, said the gift is a tremendous honor for the hospital and the community. “The leadership and generosity that Dana and Sue have provided over the years has been nothing short of inspirational,” Reineman said. “In so many different ways, the Andersons have supported the hospital’s commitment to exceptional care for all.”
“The gift will support vital hospital needs,” said Anderson. “And it’s the perfect way for the family to recognize the giving spirit that Sue worked to instill in all of us. We know how proud she would be to see this happen. She always recognized the importance of LMH to the quality of life in Douglas County.”
Russ Johnson, LMH Health president and CEO, said the gift commitment is nothing short of transformational.
“The magnitude of this commitment from the Andersons is significant, and it will have an enduring impact on our mission,” said Johnson. “It was a joy to know Sue, and the way Dana has chosen to honor her through this gift is so consistent with the strength of their relationship. We are humbled and grateful for the Andersons’ leadership and their ongoing support of our physicians, nurses and clinical teams.”
LMH Health has renamed the Lawrence Health Plaza the Anderson Health Plaza in honor of Sue and Dana’s longtime and generous support. The Health Plaza, which is part of LMH Health’s main campus at 326 Arkansas Street, is home to the LMH Health Cancer Center, as well as programs in surgery, urology, gastroenterology, pain management, cardiac rehab, and obstetrics and gynecology.
Fall/Winter 2022
NEWS FROM LMH HEALTH FOUNDATION
The Andersons
2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mark Gonzales president
Gail Vick vice president
Lindy Eakin treasurer
Jane Blocher secretary
Becki Dick past president
Daryl Craft
Barb Heeb
Ernesto Hodison
Joe Hurla
Dr. Walter Ingram
Russ Johnson ex officio , lmh health president and ceo
Teresa Kempf
Derek Kwan
Danny Lewis
Larry McElwain ex officio , lmh health board of trustees
Devon Mihesuah
Robert Fieger ex officio , lmh health volunteers
Livia Sexton
Dr. Mike Thompson
Cindy Yulich
A message of gratitude
Dear partners,
We often say that philanthropy is the difference between the maintenance of a strong institution and the evolution of an extraordinary one. Over the past decade, Sue and Dana Anderson’s support has ensured LMH Health is not just a great community hospital; it’s an exceptional hospital — period. And now, we are the grateful recipients of a truly transformational gift — one that will ensure continued advancements in healthcare for generations to come.
The Foundation is thrilled to announce Dana Anderson’s incredibly generous $10 million gift commitment. Dana and his late wife, Sue, have always been incredibly strategic with their gifts, and I have long admired Dana’s strong mind for business. With their charitable philosophy, the Andersons created new opportunities and helped local organizations, including LMH Health, stretch and grow to become truly better.
The LMH Health Foundation’s purpose is to inspire community and philanthropic support for LMH Health, and the Andersons have played a vital role in that effort, as well, both as donors and as leaders. We are incredibly grateful for the trust Dana has placed in the foundation and the hospital, and we look forward to celebrating all it makes possible.
As I mark five years at the LMH Health Foundation, I’ve been thinking quite a bit about everything our donors have made possible. It is truly remarkable what happens when community comes together to support the causes that we care about. All charitable gifts — no matter the size — are meaningful.
In gratitude, Rebecca Smith Executive Director, LMH Health Foundation VP
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Strategic Communications, LMH Health
316 Maine Street Lawrence, KS 66044
GIFT INFORMATION
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LMH Health Foundation team: Amy Addington, Courtney Bernard, Erica Hill, Nicole Olson, Earl Reineman, Rebecca Smith, Becky Swearingen
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PFW22 Rebecca SmithClinical trials enhance treatment options at LMH Health Cancer Center
Last November, Rhonda Russell noticed something abnormal under her right rib. After visiting her primary care physician’s office, which quickly led to a sonogram and an MRI, Russell received the difficult news: She had stage 4 renal cell carcinoma, also known as kidney cancer.
“They found spots in my lungs, there was an area on my spine that looked suspicious at the time, and there was a tumor on my right kidney that was the size of my fist,” said Russell.
Russell, her husband, Randy, her son, Nathan, and daughter, Melanie, met with Dr. Jodi Palmer, an oncologist at LMH Health. Dr. Palmer discussed the options for treatment, including an immunotherapy clinical trial.
The immunotherapy treatment felt like the right choice to Russell, who was familiar with oncology clinical trials: Her mother had undergone a successful clinical trial treatment 16 years ago at LMH Health that eradicated her breast cancer.
“Dr. Palmer mentioned other paths I could take, but the idea of a clinical trial — and my mom having done so well with her own — really appealed to me,” Russell said. “Additionally, I would be doing something that could possibly help someone else down the road.”
The LMH Health Cancer Center partners with the Masonic Cancer Alliance to provide patients with access to nearly 50 clinical trials and the latest advancements, while remaining close to home.
“Clinical trials are available at LMH Health for many different types of cancers, and all of our patients are evaluated to see if they are eligible,” said Dr. Palmer. “The MCA’s goal is to make clinical trials available to as many Kansans as they can.”
Russell chose LMH Health for its convenience. Research shows that patients who receive care close to home have better health outcomes, according to Dr. Palmer.
“I didn’t want to drive to Kansas City, and I didn’t want to impose on someone else to drive me there,” said Russell. “And if anything happened between visits, I wanted to be close to my care team who knows exactly what’s going on with me.”
Russell started the clinical trial in December with two immunotherapy infusions. She said her treatment is working — in May, Dr. Palmer reduced her dose to just one infusion.
“My status is really good,” Russell said. “At my last checkup, they said that the spots are diminishing and the tumor is still shrinking. I’m happy with everything.”
Russell said that she has felt well throughout her months-long treatment at the LMH Health Cancer Center.
“Rhonda has done remarkably well with her treatments, and her disease response has been impressive,” said Dr. Palmer. “That’s what’s amazing about immunotherapy — patients tolerate it well and their disease typically responds better than it would to traditional chemo therapeutics. It has really changed the outcomes for many of our patients, and I think it will continue to impress us moving forward.”
The LMH Health Cancer Center is home to physicians trained at NCI-designated cancer centers, as well as multidisciplinary care teams and strong regional partnerships. Cancer patients at LMH Health not only have access to clinical trials, but also to genetic testing, comprehensive support programs, lifelong survivorship resources, and a cancer prevention program.
—continued on next page
“Immunotherapy has really changed the outcomes for many of our patients, and I think it will continue to impress us moving forward.”
—Dr. Jodi Palmer, oncologist at LMH Health
“The idea of a clinical trial really appealed to me. Additionally, I would be doing something that could possibly help someone else down the road.”
—Rhonda Russell
LMH Health Cancer Center
The need for cancer care in the Douglas County community and beyond has continued to grow, according to Rebecca Smith, executive director of the LMH Health Foundation and VP of strategic communications for the hospital. From 2020 to 2021, LMH Health Cancer Center appointments increased by 16 percent. And in the past year, appointments have increased again by 7 percent.
In 2021, LMH Health Foundation announced its intent to seek philanthropic support to update the LMH Health Cancer Center’s space and greatly expand its square footage.
More than $6.1 million has already been given or pledged to date toward the Cancer Center initiative, Smith noted.
“Donor support is the real difference maker for this project, and it’s what will ensure our ability to provide
the highest level of cancer care for years to come,” said Smith. “LMH Health has the providers, technology and facilities to provide care that’s not only exceptional for a community hospital — it’s among the best anywhere.”
Russell said she recommends others to have their cancer treatment at LMH Health.
“The LMH Health oncology team is great and very knowledgeable,” said Russell. “I know other friends who’ve had really great cancer journeys of their own at LMH Health. They were very happy with their doctors and nurses here.”
If you’d like to support the LMH Health Cancer Center expansion and renovation project, please make a gift online at LMH.org/donate or mail a check to LMH Health Foundation at 316 Maine St, Lawrence, KS 66044. For information about making a major gift or multi-year pledge in support of this initiative, contact Earl Reineman at 785-505-3317 or earl.reineman@LMH.org.
“Supporting our community hospital does the most good for the most people.”
—Suzanne Sherr
WHY I GIVE
—continued
The need for cancer care in the Douglas County community and beyond has continued to grow. From 2020 to 2021, LMH Health Cancer Center appointments increased by 16 percent.
At LMH Health, we strive to work in joy and create a workplace that is both fun and meaningful to both patients and employees.
More than 1,800 employees and providers call LMH Health home, and some have been a part of our team for generations. Local families, couples, and siblings continue to work for LMH Health to help strengthen the Lawrence community.
What makes LMH Health so special?
“For me, it’s the people,” said Dianna Hetrick, a buyer in materials management for LMH Health. “I have made lifelong friends at LMH Health. There are so many people I can talk to in the hallways and I know their family history. I have seen their children grow up and I know their whole families, even some of their moms.”
Hetrick has been an employee at LMH Health since 1998. Hetrick has two daughters, Mandi Quigley and Mardi Bowlin, who are also employees of LMH Health. In addition to her two daughters, her sister-in-law has retired from LMH Health and her niece was once part of our team as well.
While at work, their family has made it a tradition to see each other almost every day during their lunch hour. “Before COVID-19 hit, my sister-in-law, daughters and I would have lunch every day together. We always took our lunches at 12:30 p.m. so we could eat together,” said Hetrick.
Bowlin, who serves as LMH Health’s performance improvement director, has stayed with the organization for the past 20 years not only because her family is here, but also because she loves the sense of pride she has working here.
“I love that I see my mom and sister in the hallways,” she said. “I love hearing colleagues mention their names and what great work they’re doing. I love that I applied for an entry-level job 22 years ago but have been allowed to learn and grow with the organization. Overall, I love the community atmosphere.”
Something special starts here…
LMH Health has immediate openings in our hospital and physician clinics. Visit LMH.org/Careers to learn more.
Dianna Hetrick, center, and her daughters, Mardi Bowlin and Mandi Quigley, all work at LMH Health
Family connections run deep at LMH Health
Back to the court: Coach Norm Roberts chooses orthopedic care at LMH Health
Norm Roberts is the picture of health. But the long-time assistant coach for the Kansas men’s basketball team has turned to OrthoKansas to undergo not one, but two, hip replacements over the past three years.
When Roberts knew he needed to seek care for pain in his right hip and leg, he turned to a trusted friend for advice. Bill Cowgill, the head trainer for the men’s basketball team at the University of Kansas, recommended that he make an appointment with Adam Goodyear, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at OrthoKansas specializing in knees and hips.
First look
Goodyear performed Roberts’ first hip replacement surgery at the LMH Health Main Campus in 2020 using an approach that has gained notoriety over the last 15 years — the direct anterior approach. Where a traditional surgical approach involves entering the hip from the side and back to place the new joint, Goodyear said that the direct anterior approach results in less pain and a quicker recovery.
Roberts began physical therapy soon afterward with a provider very familiar to the basketball team, former KU guard Tyrel Reed, now a physical therapist with LMH Health Therapy Services.
Round two — robotically
In August 2022, Roberts once again turned to OrthoKansas for replacement of his other hip, but this time, surgery was performed with the aid of the MAKO robotic arm.
“The MAKO system can be more precise than traditional surgical techniques. The system utilizes a preoperative CT scan to create a
3-D computer model of the patient’s joint. The 3-D model is utilized intraoperatively allowing the surgeon with the assistance of the robotic arm to place the implant with more precision,” Goodyear explained.
“While it doesn’t change the invasiveness of the approach, we typically cause less damage to soft tissues which can lead to less pain, less need for pain medication and a quicker recovery.”
LMH Health has two MAKO systems to serve patients — one at the Main Campus and another at the West Campus, allowing for outpatient joint replacement surgery at the Lawrence Surgery Center. Having cutting-edge technology would not be possible without the support of donors like Dana Anderson. He and his late wife, Sue, made a $1 million challenge gift in early 2020 to support the purchase of technology such as the MAKO robot.
“I can’t overstate how important it is to have people like Dana in the community who are willing to provide this level of support. It helps increase the quality of care patients receive right here in Lawrence,” Goodyear said. “People having a joint replacement here are getting care as good as or better than they would at any big city in the country. The quality is second to none.”
Roberts noticed a huge difference following this hip replacement.
“Having my hip replaced robotically, it was 100 percent better than the first one. I felt much less pain — all I really had was discomfort — and I was off of the pain medications in two days. My mobility was coming back even quicker than it did the first time,” he said.
When Roberts came in for a follow-up appointment two weeks after surgery, Goodyear was over the moon with his progress.
“You could tell he was several weeks ahead of where he was at the two-week mark with his other hip,” Goodyear remarked.
Final thoughts
Goodyear and Reed both agree that Roberts’ prognosis is excellent, and he is bouncing back well from his latest hip replacement.
Roberts is ready to be back on the court as the Jayhawks begin the defense of their national title. He recommends turning to the experts at OrthoKansas for world-class care close to home when you need treatment for orthopedic and musculoskeletal issues.
“There’s a comfortable feeling about being at LMH Health and OrthoKansas. They want your surgery to be successful and for you to be knowledgeable about everything going on. I couldn’t be happier to have chosen LMH for my care.”
Read the full story at LMH.org/NormRoberts.
Norm Roberts, assistant coach for the Kansas men’s basketball team, turned to OrthoKansas for hip replacement.Nate Penny Rooftop Garden Memorial
Many in our community remember Nate Penny as a beloved, athletic, and hardworking friend who loved the outdoors. In his memory, Nate’s parents, Bill and Marlene Penny, made a generous gift to the LMH Health Foundation to support the renovation of the hospital’s rooftop garden, an outdoor space that Nate occasionally visited during his treatment.
The rooftop garden is a large, open space where patients, employees and visitors can step outside to enjoy a break in the sunshine and fresh air. Help us raise an additional $100,000 to complete the rooftop garden project!
To make a contribution in Nate’s memory, or in appreciation for our nurses, providers and staff, visit LMH.org/NatePenny or scan here.
WHY I GIVE
Your gifts at work
Breast
pumps and crib for Mother/Baby
Donor funds provided new breast pumps and a crib for the Mother/Baby department. The breast pumps are vital for helping new moms and babies get a good start on breastfeeding.
Insulin for diabetes patients in need
Annual gifts from the River City Cosmopolitan Club have helped provide insulin and other medications for diabetes patients in need through the Help & Healing Fund.
Continuing education for nurse navigators
The Employee Education Fund helped two oncology nurse navigators attend an educational conference, which will help the LMH Health Cancer Center build their navigator program. Additionally, donor funds cover the salary for the oncology nurse navigator.
Childbirth education for Spanish speakers
LMH Health’s Community Outreach and Engagement team now offers online childbirth education in Spanish for our community members. The foundation provides funds for those who cannot afford the cost of the class.
“Why would you not want to have a great community hospital close to home? It’s important to have the support of friends and family to be your ‘cheerleading squad’ as you heal.”
—Beth Harrison
316 Maine Street Lawrence, KS 66044 Thank you, Hearts of Gold sponsors! We are grateful to the generous sponsors who helped make the Hearts of Gold Gala possible this year. This event supported the LMH Health Cancer Center expansion project. GOLD SPONSORS Dr. Mark and Mrs. Sandy Praeger SILVER SPONSORS Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home BRONZE SPONSORS ACI Boland | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas | Commerce Bank | Emprise Bank | 5BY5 Engineers Great American Bank | Lockton Companies | Meritrust Credit Union | Pulse Design Group Radiologic Professional Services, P.A. | Truity Credit Union | University of Kansas Health System
