Philanthropy Impact Report (Spring 2024)

Philanthropy Matters

Dear Friends:

Adventist HealthCare is more than a health system, it’s a caring community of faith offering hope and healing supported in service by our family of generous donors.

Because you care, patients receive the high-quality care they need from doctors who have access to state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge treatment modalities in facilities designed for maximum efficiency and patient comfort.

Together we are delivering next-level care, right next door. Together we are ensuring that every person who enters one of our facilities or offices or receives care at home has a world-class experience.

Our deepest thanks for your support in years past, in this past year, and for the support you provide in the future.

With gratitude,

Andrew Dziuban Vice President, Philanthropy and Donor Relations

Because of you Adventist HealthCare provides compassionate, world-class care to patients and their families.

Over $5.5 million raised in 2023

Nearly 1,000 generous supporters gave gifts

363 new donors joined the Adventist HealthCare Philanthropy family

245 employee donors gave through the We CARE employee-giving program

Reached $13 million raised for the Shady Grove Medical Center patient tower towards goal of $16 million

Philanthropy Matters

Every day, your generosity makes it possible for Adventist HealthCare to deliver life-changing services. Because of you, patients and their families find healing and hope. We are grateful for your impact on patient care.

Ayesha Kahn

In July 2021, Ayesha Kahn, a reporter with Fox 5, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Over the next nine months, Ayesha bravely documented her battle with cancer in a recurring news segment titled Cancer: Fight Over Fear. Each week, Ayesha’s brother would drive her to The Aquilino Cancer Center to receive her chemotherapy treatments. During Ayesha’s time in treatment, she was introduced to the wellness programs at The Bill Richards Center for Healing.

“I wanted to play an active part in my recovery, which I was able to do with the classes offered at the Center for Healing.” These services include yoga, personalized workout programs, nutrition classes and even counseling. After 16 sessions of chemotherapy, Ayesha was done with treatments and on her way to continuing cancer maintenance medicine. “I hope my story gives hope and courage to those struggling. You’ll get on the other side of this. Without the struggle, I wouldn’t have reached my strength.”

I hope my story gives hope and courage to those struggling. [...] Without the struggle, I wouldn’t have reached my strength.

Every single person who took care of me and took care of our babies poured their heart and soul into giving us the support we needed anytime we needed it.

Erin Bruch

In October 2021, Erin and Russell eagerly awaited twins, Olivia and Charlotte. Born prematurely, Olivia became ill from an infection she couldn’t fight off. Doctors proactively put Charlotte on medication that saved her life. “Olivia saved Charlotte’s life,” says Erin. “That’s how we think of it.”

Erin can’t say enough good things about the NICU team.

“Every single person who took care of me and took care of our babies poured their heart and soul into giving us the support we needed anytime we needed it … we were surrounded by love every minute we were in the hospital and even after we left.”

Erin and Russ were so grateful for the compassionate care they received, they raised funds from family and friends to buy breast feeding pillows for the NICU.

Joel Shuler

As a 46-year-old member of the Army Reserve and avid marathon runner, Joel never thought he would need the lifesaving cardiac care offered at Adventist HealthCare. That changed on March 16, 2022, when he woke up with a sharp pain in his left arm that was later diagnosed as a heart attack.

“It was shocking for me because I consider myself fairly active.” After a series of procedures, Joel’s real recovery began. Three days a week, Joel met with his team to begin cardio and strength training as well as nutrition classes.

Incredibly, six months after his heart attack, Joel was able to fulfill a lifelong dream, running the Berlin Marathon. “I’ll never forget that marathon. No matter what marathons I run after this, Berlin will always mean the most because of what it took to get there.” Joel also credits his cardiac rehabilitation team with helping him achieve this goal.

“If I didn’t go through that, I wouldn’t have been prepared for the marathon.”

I’ll never forget that marathon. No matter what marathons I run after this, Berlin will always mean the most because of what it took to get there.

Adventist HealthCare is a community healthcare system with a vision to provide a world-class experience to every person, every time.

We are grateful for the generosity of those who support that vision with financial gifts. As you will see, philanthropists can be found almost anywhere. Whether a community member, employee or young adult, everyone can make an impact in the work at Adventist HealthCare.

Young Philanthropist

Addie Robbins

After Addie Robbins grandmother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the summer of 2021, Addie wanted to do something to help. Addie is an Ashkenazi Jew. Her bat mitzvah was approaching. As part of her bat mitzvah, Addie was expected to choose a project which would allow her to live the Jewish values of repairing the world and showing compassion for others. Addie decided her project would be her opportunity to honor her grandmother by supporting women fighting breast or ovarian cancer. She created Addie’s Pastry Paradise.

Employee Philanthropist

Lydia Cheruvathoor

“I admire Adventist HealthCare based on their commitment in being a non-profit faith-based organization. Their mission and core devotion holds a significant value in my professional career and personal life. I am quite passionate in giving because it reflects the character of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Bible writes in Acts 20:35 to “remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive’”. Giving demonstrates compassion in helping and supporting those around us. Nothing can be too big or small and everything must be given at a good cost.

One thing I’ve learned and lived by is to taste and see that the Lord is good because when we give, we are blessed beyond our expectations and in abundance. The Lord loves a cheerful giver.”

While I’m not sure I will be able to do all 613 mitzvot, I am on my way!

at The Aquilino Cancer Center and the other would benefit Sharsheret, an organization which supports Jewish women diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancers.

With help from friends, family and the community, Addie raised more than $2,000 and made 50 care packages to deliver to The Aquilino Cancer Center. Addie’s packages held items to bring comfort to patients while they’re receiving treatment, including fuzzy socks, sudoku books and card

In early March, Addie delivered her packages to The Aquilino Cancer Center. “While I’m not sure I will be able to do all 613 mitzvot, I am on my way!” Addie shared. Addie’s story shows how anyone can have an impact on their community and are grateful for her compassion. Even at her young age, Addie knows philanthropy matters.

Grateful Family

Jerry Leener

In 2016, Jerry Leener’s special-needs son, Mike, experienced a rare spinal cord stroke. He was unable to walk. It was Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Terrence Sheehan, who identified the source of his paralysis and encouraged the Leener’s to bring Mike to Adventist HealthCare. There, Mike worked with physical therapist, Tony Matthews, who promised Mike would walk again. And today he does. He walks, plays sports and volunteers at the gym at the rehab hospital.

In appreciation for helping to restore Mike’s mobility and purpose in life, Jerry and his wife, Dina, gave generously to help Adventist purchase a ZeroG robotic body weight support system. The machine will help Mike and many others create muscle strength and neurological connections that aren’t otherwise possible.

When asked about the gift, Jerry responded: “How much more indebted can you be than to people who take your kid who has been told he won’t walk again and help him walk.”

He adds: “I’ve also come to appreciate Adventist HealthCare’s total commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.”

I’ve also come to appreciate Adventist HealthCare’s total commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.

pictured above from left to right: Tony Matthews, Mike Leener, Dina Leener, and Jerry Leener

Updates from Around Adventist HealthCare

Beacons of Hope

In October 2023, Adventist HealthCare hosted their annual breast cancer Light Up the Lakefront at rio Lakefront in Rockville. With a small gift, those affected by breast cancer were able to support breast cancer services and wellness programs at Adventist HealthCare.

As a thank you, their loved one’s name was printed on a luminary and displayed along the rio Lakefront. It was an incredible way to remember those fighting the disease of breast cancer. Because of you, patients and their families have access to state-of-the-art technology, treatment techniques and wellness programs.

The Lourie Center

Graduation

In June, Adventist HealthCare The Lourie Center for Children’s Social & Emotional Wellness held a ceremony for students graduation out of the program and those promoted to the next grade.

WUSA TV 9’s evening anchor, Lesli Foster, delivered an inspirational commencement address complete with life lessons explained using Legos.

Peru

One of the most beloved members of the Adventist HealthCare family is a facility dog named Peru. Peru had an amazing 2023, including celebrating her third work anniversary. In January 2023, Peru received a governor’s citation from former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan.

She also helped facility dogs everywhere by participating in conferences, data collection for a research study and attending workshops to improve her skills. In total, Peru helped over 500 patients at Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation achieve their healthcare goals. Programs, like Peru’s, are only possible because of generous donors.

NICU Celebration

In November 2023, the annual NICU Reunion was held. Due to previous COVID restrictions, it was the first time in three years NICU families were able to get together. The rio Lakefront was filled with love and laughter, big smiles and bigger hugs as nurses and families reconnected.

There were games and activities for kids of all ages, but the best of the day was seeing the children who were once fragile babies run and jump and play together. Because of you, Adventist HealthCare is able to provide critical services to the smallest patients and their families.