Horizons fall 2016

Page 1

Fall 2016 M E R C Y F O U N D AT I O N

Horizons

Inspiring Philanthropy. Changing Lives.

Mercy Foundation presents the 2015-2016 honor roll of donors | 10

President’s message As you read through this edition of Horizons, I hope you are filled with a sense of comforting familiarity, as the stories you will read all have a wonderfully similar theme that never gets old. Unlike daily newspapers and most other periodicals that tend to highlight the negative aspects of our world, every Horizons issue is filled with uplifting stories featuring “heroes” committed to bettering the lives of others in our community. They lift our spirits and inspire us.

Katie Wells, with Sister Mary Michael Murphy, RSM, demonstrate how telehealth technology is used to assist retired Sisters living at the Lady of Lourdes Life Center in Auburn when medical attention or a doctor’s visit is required.

Telemedicine “Robot” Provides Reassurance and Comfort to Retired Sisters of Mercy Being ill or injured and needing to see a doctor for evaluation is challenging for most, and even more so as we age. For the retired Sisters of Mercy living at the Lady of Lourdes Life Center in Auburn, it is no different. Currently, fourteen retired Sisters live in the Life Center’s skilled nursing facility and an additional fourteen reside in the private residence upstairs. “Because of the age group of the Sisters, certain minor illnesses can become quite serious quite quickly if left untreated,” says Teresa Tuttle, RN, Nurse Manager for the Sisters’ skilled nursing residence. “It is hard for the Sisters here to have to go to the emergency room in the middle of the night or on the weekend,” says Tuttle, “and when they are not feeling well, that situation can be upsetting.” Thanks to the generosity of Mercy Foundation donors, in October of last year, the Foundation utilized funding designated for the Sisters of Mercy to gift a telehealth robot. Dignity Health Telemedicine Network built the unit specifically for the Sisters in Auburn, using an InTouch Viewpoint telehealth robotic system. InTouch donated the software for the system which enables physician, Julie Wei Shatzel, DO, to provide care remotely, any time of day. Through the robot, Dr. Wei Shatzel works with onsite caregivers at the Life Center to assess and diagnose the Sisters any time of day, preventing them from having to wait for an in-person visit or needing to visit their local Continued on page 3

Each story of inspiration could not be told were it not for the numerous “silent” heroes, otherwise known as our generous Mercy Foundation donors. For over 60 years, you have generously and most often quietly, supported Mercy Foundation and the Sisters of Mercy Ministries. Please know how much Mercy Foundation and the Sisters of Mercy appreciate your thoughtful generosity and on-going support. By giving through Mercy Foundation to the ministry of your choice, you are changing lives in our community by providing healthcare, education, housing and care for the poor and elderly. As we say good-bye to summer and head towards fall, I wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday season. Thank you for being a hero! Sincerely,

President and CEO


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Horizons fall 2016 by Mercy Foundation - Issuu