A WELCOME FROM Paulette Davidson

President and Chief Executive Officer, Monument Health

Is there something that you’ve always wanted to do? Perhaps there is a goal you’re working to achieve or a dream you’ve had for years.

Or maybe there’s simply something that you already do on a regular basis because you believe it delivers value to yourself or the people around you.

When you accomplish that goal, complete your dream or provide that value to others it leads to a sense of fulfillment, and that’s what this issue of Monument Health Magazine is all about — fulfillment.

When you read our cover story, you’ll get to know Jacob Weasel, M.D., a Monument Health Trauma Surgeon who successfully climbed Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world.

As an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Dr. Weasel is committed to inspiring Native American youth and giving back to the community — learn how summiting Everest provided a way to do both.

Another story that you’ll want to read is about Norma Henderson. Born in 1931, Norma had an adventurous life, but one particular dream remained unfulfilled until the caregivers at Monument Health Home+ Hospice helped her take flight. It’s a heartwarming story that you don’t want to miss.

If you’d like a lovely reminder of just how important kindness can be, you’ll love reading about the caregivers from Lead-Deadwood Hospital who helped Wade and Ruth Strong check an item off their bucket list by arranging for them to complete their dream trip — a visit to Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

You’ll also have the opportunity to meet Barb Irwin, who cares for patients at Custer Hospital and Clinic. In addition to her clinical duties, she also cares for her fellow caregivers and physicians, cooking homemade meals for them every shift she is able.

We’re confident that these stories, and more, in this issue of Monument Health Magazine will leave you feeling fulfilled as well. If you enjoy our magazine, we encourage you to share your feedback, suggest stories and send your thoughts to us at magazine@monument.health.

Health

Managing Editor

Melissa Haught

Editor

Stephany Chalberg

Senior Writer

Wade Ellett

Contributors

Karlee Baumann

Dan Daly

Jennessa Dempsey

Stephen Simpson

Anna Whetham

Art Director

Stacy Brozik

Layout

Terri Upward Photographer Bob Slocum

©Monument Health Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication without the expressed consent of the publisher is prohibited. The information included in this publication is believed to be accurate at the time of publishing. Additional articles are available online at magazine. monument.health Monument Health Magazine is a free, quarterly publication distributed throughout the Black Hills. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.