LMH Health Foundation receives $5 million gift commitment for LMH Health Heart Center
Lawrence residents Harry and Cindy Herington have made a $5 million gift commitment to LMH Health Foundation. The commitment is the second largest in both the foundation’s 55-year history and the hospital’s 104-year history.
The Heringtons’ gift will support the expansion and renovation of the LMH Health Heart Center, which will include the addition of a second heart cath lab, a larger and more modern physician clinic, and increased access to new services such as electrophysiology and vascular services.
“LMH Health is a tremendous asset to our community. Their recent expansion of oncology services within the LMH Health Cancer Center is providing necessary lifesaving treatment to our families and neighbors,” said Harry Herington. “Advancements in their cardiac services are a vital next step in their overall health care mission. Cindy and I feel fortunate that we can help support the expansion of the LMH Health Heart Center.”
Earl Reineman, major and planned gifts manager for LMH Health Foundation, expressed his gratitude for the Heringtons’ gift to the Heart Center, a regional destination for comprehensive cardiovascular care.
“What a difference this gift will make — not just for our cardiology team and the people they care for every day, but for the health of every patient we serve,” said Reineman. “Harry and Cindy’s gift is truly one of compassion, caring and community.”
—continued inside
—Harry Herington “
LMH Health is a tremendous asset to our community. Advancements in their cardiac services are a vital next step in their overall health care mission.”
Cindy and Harry Herington
2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gail Vick president
Cindy Yulich vice president
Joan Golden secretary
Teresa Kempf treasurer
Mark Gonzales past president
Daryl Craft
Becki Dick
Marilyn Dobski
Lindy Eakin
Rosy Elmore
Cindy Fritzel
Laura Hedges
Barb Heeb
Jason Hoover
Matt Hoy
Joe Hurla
Dr. Walter Ingram
Russ Johnson ex officio ,
lmh health president & ceo
Pat Miller ex officio , lmh health board of trustees
Sandy Praeger
Karin Rexroad ex officio , lmh health volunteers
Dr. Mike Thompson
Jeff Weinberg
316 Maine Street • Lawrence KS 66044 (785) 505-5005
At our annual meeting in February, we announced that LMH Health Foundation provided a record amount of philanthropic support to LMH Health patients, programs and initiatives in 2024. The foundation’s largest transfer ever — more than $9 million — is testament to your remarkable generosity. The value you place on high-quality healthcare for all — regardless of ability to pay — ensures every patient in our community has access to exceptional care, close to home.
The foundation is proud to support our growing healthcare system, and there’s a lot of great work underway at LMH Health this summer:
• Our brand new LMH Health Cancer Center will open its doors to patients very soon. Donors provided more than $7.2 million for this initiative, ensuring that our facility reflects the exceptional quality of care delivered inside.
• Strategic planning for the LMH Health Heart Center is bringing to light new ways to strengthen care and increase access to services.
• The LMH Health Board of Trustees is embarking on a search for its next CEO, as we honor and celebrate Russ Johnson’s nine years of transformational leadership.
You can read more about these efforts in the following pages. You can also hear from Dr. Marc Scarbrough as he shares his motivation to support our Help & Healing Fund, and from Earl Reineman, our major gifts and planned giving manager, as he discusses the benefits of planned giving. Thank you for investing in healthcare close to home. Our hospital and the communities we serve are better and stronger because of you.
In gratitude,
Rebecca Smith
Executive Director, LMH Health Foundation Vice President, Strategy & Communications, LMH Health
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316 Maine Street Lawrence, KS 66044 Name:
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Rebecca Smith
Hands and wrists, feet and ankles, and a singular focus: expert, outstanding care
Helping hands stay strong
Our hands do so much for us: grasping, touching, feeling, holding and more. They are a vitally important part of who we are and how we see ourselves. Their delicate and complex structure requires a specialist with not only the right touch, but right experience to care for them best.
Dr. Ryan Xiao (pronounced “Shaw”) is one of the orthopedic surgeons at OrthoKansas specializing in treating injuries to your wrist and hand. Seeds planted while playing tennis during his youth led him to work in medicine and care for people.
“I had a lot of injuries, though nothing severe, when I played tennis. Going through physical therapy and treating my injuries gave me time to learn more about the musculoskeletal system and how it works,” he explained. “It turns out I liked that, so orthopedics is the path I went down.”
Dr. Xiao completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and a fellowship in hand and upper extremity surgery at Harvard Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He believes that having a hand specialist like Dr. Neal Lintecum on staff at OrthoKansas has provided a source of support and mentorship.
“Things may not be as simple as they’ve been described or the outcome might not be what you read about. It’s amazing to have Dr. Lintecum available as a base of reference when I’ve got some of those more complex, difficult or unusual cases,” Dr. Xiao shared.
Keeping you on your feet
The health of our feet and ankles are equally as important to our quality of life. As our primary mode of transportation and the bearer of the full weight of our entire body, injuries or untreated foot ailments greatly impact overall wellness.
“You don’t really appreciate how important your feet and ankles are until something goes wrong with them,” said Dr. Cole McGregor, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle care. “I love being able to help people recover from an injury that’s limited them and get them back up walking or playing sports.”
Dr. McGregor completed his residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago and a clinical fellowship in Foot & Ankle Reconstruction at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center–Campbell Clinic in Memphis.
Dr. McGregor loves being able to see a problem, discuss treatment options with the patient and fix the issue.
“It’s rewarding to care for a patient, see their improvement and tell them to come see me as they need me,” he said. “If that patient doesn’t come back because I’ve fixed their problem, that’s incredibly gratifying and something that not a lot of jobs can provide.”
Same start, same clinic
Drs. Xiao and McGregor both joined the OrthoKansas team in the fall of 2024. Both doctors shared that having the ability to bounce ideas off each other as they start their new roles has been wonderful. They equally feel lucky to be a part of the OrthoKansas team.
“Our whole team is amazing from top to bottom, and I’m honored when people come see me,” Dr. Xiao said. “Our hand therapists, physician assistants, medical assistants — everyone is willing to listen and we’re here to help you get better.”
Dr. McGregor agreed that patients will get outstanding care at OrthoKansas.
“We have musculoskeletal experts, whether that’s foot and ankle, hand and wrist, shoulder, trauma or sports medicine. And for a community of this size, that’s fairly unique,” Dr. McGregor said. “We have a singular focus on taking care of people and that leads to good outcomes.”
Visit us at www.lmh.org/orthokansas.com to learn more about all of our orthopedic specialists or call 785-843-9125 to schedule an appointment with a physician.
Dr. Ryan Xiao
Dr. Cole McGregor
A view of the new LMH Health Cancer Center
Anticipation is building around the opening of the expanded and renovated LMH Health Cancer Center this summer. Thoughtfully designed with input from patients, families and staff, the space allows for efficiency as well as room for new technology and services. The $11.5 million project and ambitious capital campaign have been met with enthusiasm by people who believe in the expert cancer care LMH Health offers close to home. Generous supporters involved with the project to date were treated to an early peek at a donor reception and ribbon cutting ceremony on June 19. LOOK AT WHAT YOU’VE DONE!
Dana Anderson, right, talks with dear friend Jeannine Fast, second from left, and Jeff and Mary Weinberg.
Earl Reineman, left, guides the Sunderland Foundation’s Stephanie James and Randy and Jona Vance through the new space.
At top: Rebecca Smith, Earl Reineman, Russ Johnson, Gail Vick, Dr. Jodie Barr, Dr. Luke Huerter, Dr. Sharon Soule and Dr. Andrew Meyer cut the ribbon, welcoming attendees into the newly expanded and remodeled LMH Health Cancer Center. (Dr. Jodi Palmer was unable to attend.)
Light, bright and airy, the space is designed with patients’ overall sense of well-being and hopefulness in mind.
Clockwise from left:
As guests mingle, Martha Dorssom top right, volunteer for the LMH Health Cancer Center, shares details about the family lounge space. This special alcove is a quiet space for family members and caregivers to relax and grab a snack or beverage while a patient is undergoing treatment nearby.
Rebecca Smith expresses gratitude to all donors involved with the project including those in attendance.
Erica Hill, Larry McElwain, and Bob and Patsy Moody discuss the project’s benefit for people in our communities.
Gary Padgett and Harry Gibson, friends for 50 years, catch up in conversation.
Donors tour the new treatment areas.
Sisters Beth Llewellyn and Amy Wilson view the donor plaque.
Russ Johnson addresses the large crowd gathered for the event.
LMH Health Heart Center gift
continued from front page
Russ Johnson, LMH Health president and CEO, said the Heringtons’ gift is an exceptional representation of all that philanthropy makes possible for our not-for-profit, community hospital.
“Unfortunately, heart disease is the leading cause of death around the world, and that’s certainly the case here in Douglas County,” said Johnson. “Harry and Cindy’s investment in the Heart Center will have an enduring impact on our mission and make a tremendous difference in the lives of our families, friends and neighbors. We are extremely grateful to the Heringtons for their support of our exceptional cardiologists and outstanding cardiac care team at the LMH Health Heart Center.”
“Harry and Cindy’s investment in the Heart Center will have an enduring impact on our mission and make a tremendous difference in the lives of our families, friends and neighbors.”
—Russ
Johnson, LMH Health president and CEO
Congratulations to Chayse Burghart, center, recipient of the Leslie Riner Nursing Scholarship through LMH Health Foundation. She is pictured with family members of Ms. Riner.
Dr. Christina Salazar
The Heringtons’ gift, which will be coordinated through their charitable giving fund at Douglas County Community Foundation, is part of a $10 million Heart Center campaign — the most ambitious effort in LMH Health Foundation’s history. The initiative supports future patient needs and the facilities required to provide expanded access to exceptional cardiac care, right here in our community. The total cost of the initiative is likely to exceed $25 million.
“A new and expanded Heart Center will mean improved access to life-changing — and life-saving — care, said Dr. Christina Salazar, LMH Health cardiologist.
“The gift from Harry and Cindy is transformational, and will help us turn our vision of a truly comprehensive Heart Center into a reality.”
Cheers (and support) for those pursuing and furthering healthcare careers
In mid-May, LMH Health Foundation and its donors provided 53 scholarships totaling more than $40,000 to employees, their children/dependents, volunteers and pharmacy interns to support educational pursuits in healthcare and related fields.
Donors, colleagues, families and friends gathered in the hospital atrium to celebrate these scholars and recognize their accomplishments.
You can support our scholarship program by visiting lmh.org/donate and selecting education as your gift designation. Contact us at 785-505-5005 to learn more.
What is a planned gift?
A planned gift is a contribution to a charitable organization like LMH Health Foundation. Planned gifts are arranged in the present but realized at a future date, often upon the donor’s death. These gifts are typically part of a donor’s overall financial and/or estate plan.
In essence, a planned gift is a way for donors to leave a lasting legacy of giving to the organizations they care about, often providing long-term support well beyond their lifetime. Planned gifts are often integrated into a donor’s will or trust, ensuring the gift is made according to their wishes. Also, a common practice is for donors to work closely with the charitable organization
during the planning process. By doing this, the donor can be sure the charitable organization understands and will carry out their intended wishes for the gift.
Planned gifts can take many forms, including bequests, charitable remainder trusts, charitable gift annuities, and gifts of assets like real estate or life insurance. Donors can designate their gifts to be expendable (to be spent when needed) or permanently endowed (spending only a portion of the investment earnings from the gift, thereby creating a permanent, yearly revenue stream for the charitable organization).
Often, a well-constructed planned gift can lead to substantial tax benefits to the donor or their family. Due to the potential complexity of these gifts, they often require consultation with legal and financial advisors to ensure they align with the donor’s goals and potential tax benefits.
A planned gift is a way for donors to express their values and define their legacy while benefiting the community they care deeply about. They are a way to make a lasting impact. Over the years, planned gifts have had a significant positive impact for LMH Health and for the people we serve. They have touched many lives by helping to strengthen the quality of care that the hospital provides on a daily basis.
For more information about the planned giving program through LMH Health Foundation, contact Earl Reineman at earl.reineman@lmh.org or 785-505-3317.
Why do I support LMH Health Foundation?
I feel good about donating to the LMH Health Foundation’s Help & Healing fund because I know it goes directly to immediate patient needs.
It’s far too common that people can’t afford their medication when they’re discharged from the hospital, and it’s vital that they receive those medications.
—Dr. Marc Scarbrough
The Help & Healing fund provides emergency financial support to patients in need after a hospital stay. From prescribed medications to medical equipment to transportation to follow-up appointments, this fund helps patients regain strength and improve their overall health.
To learn more about how you can assist patients in need, visit lmh.org/donate or scan this QR code to safely and securely share your gift. If you prefer to contact us by phone, please call 785-505-5005.
Did you know? LMH Health provided charitable care and financial assistance to more than 20,000 patients last year.
Earl Reineman
316 Maine Street Lawrence, KS 66044
Register today!
Join us at the Penny Jones Open Golf Tournament on Friday, September 5, at Lawrence Country Club and support your community-owned, not-for-profit hospital.
LMH Health serves the healthcare needs of our family, friends and neighbors — regardless of an individual’s ability to pay — providing services and treatments that are not only exceptional for a community hospital, but among the best anywhere.
To learn more or secure a sponsorship for your foursome, scan the QR code or visit www.lmh.org/pennyjones This event sells out every year, so guarantee your spot on the greens today!
