Ardi Forrester Story

“Everyone has been so kind, nonjudgmental and compassionate.�

- Ardi Forrester

“The extra care, concern and love Dr. Taylor showed our mom surpassed every possible expectation.”

I’m really excited that I’ve been given the

all-clear,” Ardi said.

“I feel so lucky. I’m truly blessed.”

Dr. Kevin Taylor, general surgeon, Lakeview Clinic, Ltd., demonstrated the high-quality and compassionate care for which Ridgeview is known. “He’s one of the best. He is a skilled and talented surgeon,” said Katherine Forrester-Schneewind, Ardi’s daughter. “The extra care, concern and love he showed our mom surpassed every possible expectation.”

The most difficult part of Ardi’s journey began after surgery, during the five months of chemotherapy. Ardi and her family are thankful that Dr. Nicole Hartung, an oncologist with Minnesota Oncology, was with them every step of the way.

“Dr. Hartung was fantastic and such a blessing to our family,” Katherine said. “The whole team at Minnesota Oncology & Ridgeview Cancer & Infusion Center made the most difficult experience as seamless as possible with the great care they provided.”

When Ardi moved into the radiation phase of her treatment plan, there were many unknowns. Dr. Paul Sperduto and the staff at Minneapolis Radiation Oncology kept Ardi and her family well informed and explained the treatment in detail.

ARDI’S STORY:

Ardi Forrester loved her 50 years of working as a nurse. She was a caregiver by nature and spent much of her career providing comfort to hospice patients. That’s why it was so difficult when a cancer diagnosis reversed Ardi’s role and compelled her to accept care instead of give it.

Just as 71-year-old Ardi started to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of retirement, she found a lump in her breast. She was certain it was cancer, and her doctor confirmed it with a diagnosis of advanced Stage 3 breast cancer.

“I thought I could handle the care myself but, after speaking with my doctor, I quickly learned that I was going to need help,” Ardi recalled.

Ardi’s family began treatment planning immediately. After looking into care options in her home state of South Dakota, Ardi ultimately came to the Twin Cities—where she found ample treatment choices and plenty of family members to support her along the way.

As long-standing supporters of Ridgeview Foundation, Ardi’s family called on Ridgeview to discuss options. “When health care is needed by one of your family members, you go to the people you trust,” explained Randy Schneewind, Ardi’s son-in-law.

Ardi and her family visited Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia for an initial consultation. After they met the oncology specialists and toured the facility, they knew it was a good fit. “We liked what we heard at Ridgeview and trusted the health care professionals we met,” recalled Michael Forrester, Ardi’s son.

“Ridgeview has a small-town feel with the sophistication of big-city medicine.”

“Ridgeview has a small-town feel with the sophistication of big-city medicine.”

Families like Ardi’s appreciate Ridgeview’s consolidated and integrated oncology approach. Minnesota Oncology & Ridgeview Cancer & Infusion Center provides the most comprehensive, convenient oncology/hematology and specialty infusion care in the region. A variety of specialists work together to meet the individual needs of each patient and ensure the best-possible outcome.

Ardi received personalized options for her cancer treatment, with detailed information to help her with treatment decisions. After careful consideration, Ardi, with the support of her team of doctors and family members, decided to move forward with surgery to remove the cancer.

Ardi’s family is extremely grateful to the Ridgeview staff and specialists for shepherding them through this difficult diagnosis with expert care and endless kindness.

“When a loved one hears ‘you have cancer,’ you are faced with anxiety, lack of knowledge and concern, but you need to figure out how to pull it together for the best-possible outcome,” Katherine explained. “Each and every person who was part of this process at Ridgeview helped us through Mom’s cancer diagnosis and treatment in a way that made it effortless and comforting. We are so thankful.”

Ridgeview offered to transfer Ardi’s care back to South Dakota to her local hospital. But Ardi decided to come to Ridgeview for her remaining appointments. “I’ve never been let down for a minute during my recovery process,” Ardi said. “Everyone has been so kind, nonjudgmental and compassionate.”

Now that she has been given a clean bill of health, Ardi is looking forward to enjoying her retirement at home in South Dakota. She’ll be back to Zumba class, yoga and even training for her 12th half marathon next June. “I’m really excited that I’ve been given the allclear,” Ardi said. “I feel so lucky. I’m truly blessed.”

Ardi’s extended family has aided Ridgeview Foundation for many years, and they are excited to support Ridgeview in the future. “The level of health care—in combination with the compassionate staff—just can’t be replicated,” Randy said. “Ridgeview has some of the best technology and cutting-edge equipment because of our generous community.”

Your support of Ridgeview Foundation makes a profound difference for community members—like Ardi and her family—who have health care needs.

Watch more of Ardi’s story here: www.ridgeviewfoundation.org

40

CELEBRATING

WITH

YEARS

During the last 40 years, we have raised more than $54.2 million for programs and services at Ridgeview Medical Center. Here are a few highlights from our 40 years of giving:

For the past 40 years, Ridgeview Foundation has been making a significant impact in the lives of our families, our neighbors and our friends in the southwest metro.

We have you to thank. Because of your generosity, we have added the latest, life-saving technology, and renovated our hospitals and clinics to ensure you have access to health care close to home.

You matter here, and we are grateful for your support.

Together, we can continue investing in our community for another 40 years.

1990: Ground was broken for an $11 million expansion, which included a new emergency care facility and ambulance garages.

2001: The Foundation Board committed to contributing $500,000 to Ridgeview Medical Center annually.

2006: Ridgeview hosted a groundbreaking for the Minneapolis Heart Institute® at Ridgeview Heart Center, Center for Women & Children and Communications Center.

2011: Ridgeview purchased a da Vinci robot and performed its first robotic surgery.

@RidgeviewFoundation

@RidgeviewFoundation

490 S. Maple Street, Suite 110 • Waconia, MN 55387 • 952-442-6010 • www.ridgeviewfoundation.org • foundation@ridgeviewmedical.org