2024 Gratitude Report
Your gifts made a difference
You’re easing every health journey
It’s an honor to partner with you to advance the care experience for patients and families facing a scary diagnosis or a medical emergency.
Young patients, such as Ade, who has Down syndrome and was recovering from a heart procedure. Ade’s face lit up when she got visits during her hospital stay from Annika, our facility dog. She was comforted by the quiet presence of Annika, who was funded through your donations.
Patients like Rick Homer, who had a heart attack while mountain biking and needed immediate, lifesaving care. Because of you, our donors, Providence Heart Institute in Spokane can handle even the most complex cardiac cases with state-of-the-art technology.
I know how deeply personal Providence’s Mission is to each of you and that many of your gifts honor your own life experiences. One grateful patient made a gift to recognize our music thanatologist, who beautifully played the harp as her partner passed, providing peace and comfort. Another counsels cardiac patients after receiving a heart transplant that allowed him to walk his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day.
Thank you for making such an incredible impact on our patients and their loved ones. Through your generosity, you are truly easing every health journey.
Colleen M. Fox, CFRE, FAHP Chief Philanthropy Officer
Thank you for making an incredible difference
Through personal and professional experiences, I have come to know Providence as an employee, the loved one of patients and now as board president for Providence Inland Northwest Foundation. Over the years, I’ve seen the impact your philanthropy has made. Donors provided specialized equipment for neurosurgeons to place more precise stimulators on a patient with Parkinson’s disease, improving the patient’s chance at a normal life. Donors funded beds in the neonatal intensive care unit for babies who need specialized care to grow. Donors provided gas cards for parents who need to drive from rural Montana to their child’s cancer treatment at Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.
As part of this community I love, I am so grateful we have Providence here to serve all, including those most vulnerable. Providence caregivers and leadership have done their best to provide exceptional care to everyone in our region. The most meaningful care my wife and I have received was during the birth of our two boys in 2016 and 2017. We experienced two years of exceptional prenatal and postnatal care.
I’m grateful for you, our incredible donors, and the opportunity to initiate, grow and sustain more lifechanging programs through your generous philanthropy.
Stuart Prey Board chair
Cardiothoracic surgeon gives to heart campaign
Alexi Matousek, M.D., learned the importance of giving back in early childhood during a service trip to Haiti.
Observing hospitals in Haiti inspired Dr. Matousek to study medicine and earn a medical degree from the University of Rochester and a master’s degree from the Harvard School of Public Health.
He was drawn to Spokane’s heart institute to be closer to family, have support to continue his medical work in Haiti and join a team of surgeons leading the way in minimally invasive robotic surgery. “The heart institute provides world-class innovative care that is rare for a city the size of Spokane and rivals top academic programs,” said Dr. Matousek.
Standard of excellence
The heart institute is home to a 20-year robotic mitral valve program, one of the premier programs in the nation. There is also a robust robotic thoracic surgery program, which is the largest in the Providence system. As a cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Matousek is focused on surgeries in the chest, esophagus, lungs, diaphragm and airways.
Dr. Matousek was instrumental in acquiring the ION robot in Spokane, which detects lung cancer sooner than ever before. To support advanced technology and a modernization project, he made a major gift to support the Follow Your Heart Campaign.
“I want to enable the continued excellence and innovation of the heart institute for generations to come and ensure no patient will need to travel for top-tier care.”
--
Alexi Matousek, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon
His passion to reach vulnerable populations, including global research projects in Haiti, aligns with the Mission of Providence in serving all. “We must understand the patients. If we just treat diseases, we’re not treating people,” Dr. Matousek said. “I might do the same surgery on two different people, but the experience is wildly different, especially in recovery.”
Follow Your Heart Campaign: More lives are being saved, thanks to you
With a campaign goal of $10 million in philanthropic support, the modernization project includes new, advanced technology, easier navigation for patients and a pediatric catheterization lab.
The top-tier care at Providence Heart Institute in Spokane ranges from patients in utero through all stages of adulthood. It’s the only place in the region with skilled physicians who can handle cases at every stage of life – patients like baby Abigail, who received open-heart surgery at 18 days old; Mason, who transferred to adult care under watchful caregivers after being treated since birth; and Keith, who received a heart transplant, adding years to his life and the opportunity to walk his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day.
Final renderings are underway to begin the construction process at the heart institute, including a covered walkway to accommodate all four seasons. A new pediatric catheterization lab will ensure children receive treatment in a controlled environment with the least amount of radiation exposure and that all patients have faster access to care.
The heart institute is a nationally recognized center of excellence for heart and vascular care. Thanks to generous donors to the Follow Your Heart Campaign, the $1 million ION robotic bronchoscopy system saved lives in 2024, detecting lung cancer spots earlier than ever before in more than 60 patients. Cindy, a 63-year-old woman in Spokane, went through surgery to remove two spots, the size of a hazelnut and a pea. Without the ION robot, the smallest spots detected were the size of a walnut. “I’m very appreciative of those who donated to bring this ION robot to Spokane,” Cindy said.
Katy received lifesaving care at Providence Heart Institute after the birth of her second child and now serves as co-chair for the Follow Your Heart Campaign steering committee.
“We have the expertise to provide the best cardiac care, and now we will keep pace with the most advanced technology and the care environment our patients and their loved ones deserve.”
-- Michael Pirkle, MPH, FACHE, executive director of cardiovascular services, Providence Heart Institute
COMPASSION: MOUNT CARMEL VOLUNTEERS
Creating goodwill with time and talent
A small group of volunteers makes sure every visitor to Providence Mount Carmel Hospital in Colville is greeted with a smile.
Bea Durbin and Nancy Bensimon complete their volunteer shift at the Mount Carmel gift shop.
The Providence Mount Carmel Hospital Auxiliary was organized by the Dominican Sisters and 10 charter members. Beatrice, or “Bea” as most people call her, is president of the auxiliary. “Since I retired, I like to find ways to stay out in the community and be around people,” she shares.
After spending most of her career working for Stevens County emergency dispatch, Bea is comfortable in the health care setting where she often greets caregivers – the most loyal customers at the gift shop where Bea volunteers. Caregivers appreciate the thoughtful selection of affordable items that bring joy to others.
Making a difference in Stevens County
Several of the auxiliary’s volunteers spend more than 20 hours each week running the front desk and gift shop where all proceeds are directed toward causes in Stevens County –causes that include supporting the DominiCare program, which offers assistance to elderly residents who live independently; remodeling spaces and purchasing state-of-the-art equipment. Since 2007, the auxiliary has raised more than $150,000.
The volunteers also undertake personal acts of kindness to bring joy and warmth to caregivers and patients. A large quilt hangs in a frame at the hospital, paying tribute to how the auxiliary group started in 1964: with quilt making.
Thank you to current members of the Mount Carmel Auxiliary:
Nancy Bensimon
Laurie Duda
Bea Durbin
Marie Meshishnek
Margaret Murphy
Barbara Richartz
Sherryl Sinn
Charlotte Sweeney
Judy Vining
Kris Wade
Honorable Volunteer: Betty Clark, who passed away after more than 50 years of volunteering
DIGNITY: ST. LUKE’S DRIVING SIMULATOR
Helping patients get back on the road
An updated driving simulator enhances rehabilitation services for patients who are recovering from various medical conditions.
Driving is an essential part of reintegration into the community after a traumatic injury. The new driving simulator at Providence St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Medical Center reflects real-life driving scenarios to motivate patients.
The driving simulator, based on a Ford Focus sedan, is wheelchair accessible and offers more than 40 driving scenarios to assess physical, cognitive and visual skills required for driving. The technology can also change driving locations, weather conditions and time of day. These real-life scenarios help identify potential barriers before the patient returns to driving.
Upgrade eases the way for patients, meets high demand
The previous driving simulator was outdated and would malfunction, causing canceled appointments and longer patient wait times. This new technology can serve the real need for driving assessments. St. Luke’s has trained 29 dedicated therapists on the new simulator. It was used more than 100 times between September and December 2024.
”I don't know if ‘normal’ will ever be ‘normal’ again, but driving is a huge part of my life. I have a young daughter, and I want to continue being part of her taxi service.”
-- Stephanie Coffman, rehabilitation patient
Stroke patient Stephanie Coffman spent weeks in recovery. Part of her physical therapy included preparing to drive again with the new simulator. Now, she is ready to get back to work and doing things she used to.
Kiemle Hagood, a commercial real estate agency, helped fund this $75,000 specialized equipment.
Stephanie practices on the driving simulator. The simulator even mimics the joy of playing loud music, preparing her to drive her daughter with confidence.
Creating family-centered spaces in the pediatric intensive care unit
Thanks to the generous support of Ace Hardware store owners and their customers in our region, the newly remodeled pediatric intensive care unit at Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital is providing comforting, private spaces for families.
“It is certainly not a place that any parent imagines being with their child, but when medical intervention is needed, this is the very place you want your child to receive care,” said Cora Kelly, whose daughter has been in the PICU four different times.
Children’s Miracle Network donations and the generosity of Ace owners fully funded a $1.9 million renovation, including new family-centered spaces, upgraded patient rooms to reflect a welcoming, kid-friendly environment and more.
Family-centered spaces provide comfort for loved ones
The renovations make it easier for caregivers to respond quickly to patient needs and represent Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital’s ongoing commitment to providing care that focuses on the whole family.
Caregivers note ways the changes are already making a difference, including offering a calming space for a group of emotional teens who waited for a friend who had a cardiac arrest.
“The private spaces provide a much-needed sanctuary for visitors to gather, pray and support each other. Your gifts are helping to ease the hardships these families face on their worst days.”
-- Yvette Moulton, RN, BSN, CCRN, pediatric nurse manager
Left: The PICU remodel includes patient rooms, workstations for caregivers and comforting spaces. Above: Abigail, former PICU patient, cuts the ribbon at the blessing ceremony.
CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK
Meet Abigail, our 2024 Children’s Miracle Network Champion!
Abigail has spent much of her short life visiting Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. With heart complications that were discovered in utero, she was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit for close monitoring immediately after birth. She underwent her first heart catheterization procedure at just 4 days old, revealing the need for surgery. At 18 days old, Abigail had open-heart surgery. While any parent would be anxious in such a stressful situation, Joe and Cora were comforted by the experienced care team at the children’s hospital. Abigail was released from the hospital to go home at 27 days old.
Since then, she’s had one more open-heart surgery, and doctors closely monitor her heart. As her heart develops, she will likely need more procedures. But for now, her family is taking each day as it comes and enjoying how far 4-year-old Abigail has come.
“Every year on February 18, we celebrate Abigail’s heartiversary! Abigail continues to amaze us. She is smart, silly, sweet and strong. She is our WARRIOR.”
-- Joe and Cora, Abigail’s parents
Top: Abigail poses during her official photoshoot.
Left: Patient Easton enjoys gifts and activities donated to Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospital Partners
When you round-up at the cash register or make a donation to Children's Miracle Network partners, you’re providing life-changing programs for kids at Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. This year’s participating partners include:
7-Eleven
Ace Hardware
Aflac
Coca-Cola
Co-op Solutions
Costco
Credit Unions 4 Kids
Dairy Queen
GameStop
Golfballs.com
Great Clips
Knight-Swift Transportation
Kiwanis International
JOANN
Log-A-Load
Love’s Travel Stop
Marriott International
Panda Express
Red Bull
Rite Aid
Re/MAX
The Hershey Company
Valvoline
Walgreens
Walmart
REMEMBERING DR. JIM CARSON
Major gift honors late pediatric surgeon
The MJ & AW Carson Foundation generously provided more than $200,000 in 2024 to support a critical need at Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.
Top: Dr. Jim Carson.
Bottom: The James A. Carson, M.D., Pediatric Surgery Center honors Dr. Carson’s legacy at Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.
New surgical equipment called the PectusBlu system will give pediatric surgeons specialized instruments to help them repair the chest wall for some of our most vulnerable pediatric patients. The equipment will mean less invasive procedures and shorter operating times. With a growing need for these specialized tools, this gift will purchase numerous instruments to decrease wait times between patients. Over the past 20 years, the Carson Foundation provided more than $1 million to support pediatric patients.
Honoring a tireless and selfless legacy
The Carson Foundation gifts honor the legacy of Jim Carson, M.D., a pediatric surgeon at the children’s hospital from 1984 to 1998. Although Dr. Carson passed away in 1998 after a battle with cancer, he is well remembered today by patients and colleagues, both for his surgical expertise and selfless approach.
For several years, Dr. Carson was the only pediatric surgeon in Spokane and was on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making house calls for families who couldn’t get to his office. He was a founder of the children’s hospital, continually reminding the community, “The kids deserve it.” He brought comfort and confidence to kids going through difficult procedures. “Jim gave so much to children. His dream was to continue providing excellent medical care for children, even when he knew he could no longer do it himself. Supporting the hospital is a way of continuing his legacy,” said Sharon Carson, Jim’s wife.
Remembering the Patch Adams of Spokane
Caregivers, former patients and Jim’s family fondly compare him to Patch Adams, a doctor portrayed by Robin Williams in the eponymously named 1998 movie. Jim loved to create playful moments with kids. If a child left the room for a procedure, they would sometimes return to find him lying on their bed. He spent Sundays playing games, sharing pizza or watching a movie with his patients.
JUSTICE: SHADES OF MOTHERHOOD NETWORK
Improving outcomes for moms and babies
Working to address health care disparities, a thought-provoking storytelling exhibit educates by featuring real-life experiences of women of color.
Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. Thanks to your support, Providence is partnering with the Shades of Motherhood Network to address this disparity by providing advocacy, doula services and health education to improve outcomes for mothers and their families.
Your generosity also made possible a powerful hospitalbased art exhibit created by Shades of Motherhood. Through compelling visual storytelling, the exhibit illuminated the experiences of Black mothers and sparked meaningful conversations about equity in care. More than 100 caregivers attended, leaving inspired and better informed. Attendee reflections included:
”My eyes are more open; this was a moving experience.”
”Beautiful exhibit with beautiful faces and stories.”
”Impactful exhibit; great information and definitely raised my awareness.”
The impact of your support didn’t end with the exhibit. Inspired by what she learned, a nurse put her newfound awareness into action during a challenging birthing experience. Recognizing communication gaps between a mother and her care team, she initiated TeamBirth, an inclusive, donor-funded approach designed to enhance safety, equity and dignity in deliveries. By fostering collaboration and amplifying the patient’s voice, the care team provided compassionate, equitable care.
Because of your generosity, the art exhibit and TeamBirth are transforming maternal care at Providence hospitals, ensuring better outcomes and dignity for all mothers. Thank you for making this possible.
The art exhibit showcased photos and art to spread awareness about Black Maternal Health.
Chad, Alexi and their son, Walker
HONOR YOUR CAREGIVER
Family develops lasting friendships with NICU nurses
Alexi and Chad welcomed their first child, Walker, at 28 weeks gestation, after Alexi had been hospitalized two weeks earlier with preeclampsia and high blood pressure. Walker weighed just 2 pounds at birth and was immediately transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit at Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, while Alexi recovered one floor away. When she first met Walker in the NICU, he was under a light in an incubator, hooked up to tubes and wearing a hat that was pulled over his eyes.
“The nurses took care of Walker before we could even touch him,” she said “We trusted them completely. It’s how we slept at night. But they took care of us, too. I can’t tell you how many times I sat and cried with them.”
After 96 days in the NICU, Walker went home. It was a bittersweet day. “Walker was finally coming home, but we were also leaving behind the people who had become our rock and anchor through the scariest experience of our lives,” Alexi said.
The couple remain grateful for the expert team and specialized equipment that saved Walker’s life. Generous donations help fund the top-tier technology and training in our region’s only level IV NICU.
“They say it takes a village, and we had one. Our nursing team, doctors, even the valet drivers knew our names. From the moment I was admitted until the moment Walker came home, we were supported.”
-- Alexi, Walker’s mom
Alexi and Chad remain close with Walker’s nurses and respiratory therapist, sharing milestones, including his first time crawling and eating solid food. They celebrated Christmas together and Walker’s first birthday.
Scan to watch Baby Walker's story.
Providence leader leaves legacy gift to honor her life’s work
Susan Stacey, chief executive of Providence Inland Northwest Washington service area, made a planned gift to Providence Sacred Heart Children's Hospital, where she spent decades as a nurse. Susan’s career began at Sacred Heart in 1983 as a nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit. Advocating for the children, especially those who couldn’t speak yet, was especially important to her. “Early in my career, I had to call a doctor to advocate for a patient, and I do that in my role now, as I look at what’s right for the patients we’re currently serving and those we will serve in the next 50 to 100 years,” she said.
As she was promoted to hospital leadership, balancing family and the demands of a high-pressure job, the Providence Mission kept her grounded. She never expected to advance to her current role. “I’m sitting in the same office that Sister Peter Claver sat in when I started at Providence more than 40 years ago,” Susan said. Sister Peter Claver was a pioneering member of the Sisters of Providence. She was a community leader and retired from Sacred Heart in 1989 after 25 years of service and leadership.
Making a gift through her life insurance policy allows Susan to honor the roots of her career beyond her lifetime. “This career isn’t a job — it’s a calling. The most impactful part is the people you help, the people you commune with and spend time with,” she said.
“As I have grown in my career, I’ve realized that health care is incredibly complex. My hope for the future is that we continue to put the patient first. As long as we keep the patients as our focus, we will always fulfill the Mission of Providence,”
-- Susan Stacey, chief executive of Providence Inland Northwest Washington
Susan continues to honor her chapter of life serving as a nurse as she works in leadership. She has seen Providence in the region go from one dedicated hospital to a health care system serving six facilities. The dedicated caregivers and leaders throughout Providence give Susan hope and excitement for the future.
Thank you for your generosity in 2024
Your gifts advance exceptional care, right here, close to home.
Providence Inland Northwest strives to provide the best health care in our region, with a focus on reaching our most vulnerable communities, including recruiting opportunities for rural health care, outreach support for the community clinic and donorfunded clinical trials to increase the survival rate of pediatric patients diagnosed with cancer.
Providence’s commitment to excellence across generations is exemplified by mother and daughter, Mary and Christine Everson. Both were diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect. Doctors at Providence Heart Institute in Spokane first helped Mary safely go through two pregnancies and afterwards enjoy an active lifestyle.
Then, after Christine’s diagnosis, she was monitored closely her entire childhood and into adulthood to ensure she, too, could live the life she wanted. Christine now lives in western Washington and travels back to Spokane for expert care.
“I drive four hours for my care, but I would drive 40. More than hope, the team provides humanity in every conversation. Even the hard conversations. They want to help me have the life I want.”
-- Christine Everson, congenital heart patient
Philanthropy plays a crucial role in providing the latest, specialized technology. Often grateful patients are eager to give back to Providence after experiencing compassionate care.
Mary and Christine completed the Bloomsday road race together in 2012.
“We have had great care as patients. It makes sense to support the expert caregivers at Providence and give them the resources to make even more of a difference in our community.”
-- Mike and Shari Bolander, Providence patients and donors
Keith Kristin, heart transplant patient, smiles with his cardiologist, Deirdre Mooney, M.D.
Providence Inland Northwest Foundation
101 W. Eighth Ave. Spokane, WA 99204
509-474-4917
Tax ID: 32-0014330
OUR MISSION
As expressions of God’s healing love, witnessed through the ministry of Jesus, we are steadfast in serving all, especially those who are poor and vulnerable.
OUR VALUES
Compassion, Dignity, Justice, Excellence, Integrity