Commitment to their community, re-rooting in Tucson DIANA AND BILL BERGEN MOVED TO TUCSON IN 2001 AFTER MANY YEARS VISITING FROM THEIR HOME IN MINNESOTA. DIANA, ORIGINALLY FROM TORONTO, HAS ASTHMA AND NEEDED A WARMER CLIMATE, AND THE COUPLE HAD SPENT TIME OUT HERE THROUGHOUT THE 1990s.
Picking up and moving away didn’t mean giving up roots, though. The couple has fostered new community here, contributing of their time and treasure to give back and grow new roots. Diana recalled going for a test at the hospital, and the gratitude she felt after getting the good news of a negative diagnosis. “I was so thrilled that I was OK and appreciative of the way I was treated, I really wanted to do something in return, to give back,” she said, and soon became a member of the TMC Auxiliary, serving as president in 2005. Last summer, she was tapped by then director of TMC Volunteer Services Marian Rogerson to finish out the term of the prior president, who had recently resigned after getting married and moving out of town. Then Diana agreed to stay on for a full term, to serve in 2012, much to the delight of Hope Thomas, current Volunteer Services director. “She has incredible leadership skills, and she can work with everyone in the organization,” said Thomas, who assumed her role in July. The role for the Auxiliary is more important than ever, Thomas noted. “The Auxilians are integral to the patient experience. Part of my goal is to more fully integrate a customer-service focus throughout the hospital.” Many people’s first encounter with the hospital is with a volunteer, Thomas said. “The goal is to partner together between staff and volunteers to bring that positive experience to our patients and families.” Financially, the Auxiliary has been the hospital’s biggest philanthropic supporter over the years. In 2011, the volunteer-driven organization donated $150,000 to the hospital and TMC Foundation from money raised in the Gift Shop, various jewelry and clothing sales, and other fund-raising efforts. But Bergen is not about to take full credit. While the president may run the ship, she can’t do it alone. “The Auxiliary board is well thought out, with expertise where we need it,” she said. “I’m very pleased to be working with them; it’s a good group.”
IN ADDITION TO HER ROLE AT THE HELM OF THE AUXILIARY, SHE VOLUNTEERS 15-PLUS HOURS A WEEK, INCLUDING SHIFTS AT THE NORTHEAST DESK AND THE DESERT CRADLE BOUTIQUE. IT’S SURPRISING, SHE SAID, “YOU DON’T EXPECT TO GET SO INVOLVED ESPECIALLY SINCE YOU’RE RETIRED.” AS FOR WHAT DRIVES THE COUPLE’S COMMITMENT TO