True North Summer 2021 by True North

True North

Summer 2021 • Volume 11 • Issue 2

Pediatric Sleep Services Now Offered in Northern Colorado Community. . . . . . 6

Banner Hospice of Northern Colorado: Grief, Connection, and Transformation. . . . . . . . . . . . 16

39th Annual NCMC Foundation Golf Tournament Raises Over $36,000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Heart Safe City Program Helps to Update, Maintain Life-Saving Community Equipment . . . . . . . 28

EATON COUNTRY CLUB

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

GC Golf Classic benefiting the WESTERN STATES BURN CENTER

FOR MORE INFORMATION

diana.wood@weldtrust.org call 970.673.1154 or visit ncmcfoundation.org

NORTH COLORADO MEDICAL CENTER F O U N D A T I O N

In This Issue Letter from Foundation Leadership

Recap of events and thank you to donors . . . . . 4

NCMC Foundation Donors Help Bring Pediatric Sleep Services to Northern Colorado

Learn about these new services and who they help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

39th Annual NCMC Foundation Golf Tournament Raises Over $36,000

Pictures from the June 14 event at the Greeley Country Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Heart Safe City Program Helps to Update, Maintain Life-Saving Community Equipment

How the program keeps Weld County residents safe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

4th Annual Double Barrel Blast Sporting Clays Tournament

Event raises more than $10,000 to benefit Heart Safe City program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

NCMC Foundation Scholarships 2021

Get to know this year’s scholarship recipients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Banner Hospice of Northern Colorado: Grief, Connection, and Transformation

A reflection on how the pandemic affected Hospice patients and staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

North Colorado Medical Center Foundation 815 8th Avenue | Greeley, CO 80631 Ph: 970-356-9020 info@ncmcfoundation.org Visit our website: www.ncmcfoundation.org

NCMC Foundation Awards Nearly $246,000 in Grants and Scholarships

Grants through the second quarter of 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Pictured on the front cover: David Mash, Banner Health Registered Polysomnographic Technologist, and Dr. Viral Kothari, Founder of Pediatric Sleep Specialists, stand in front of new pediatric sleep equipment that was paid for by a grant from the NCMC Foundation.

The North Colorado Medical Center Foundation mission is to promote excellence in health and education in Weld County.

2021 NCMC Foundation Board of Directors

Tim Brynteson

Jeff Carlson, CEO

John Dollarhide

Travis Gillmore

Tom Grant, Board Chair

Brandon Houtchens

Mark Lawley

Bob Murphy

Michael Simone

Rose Stoller

Vicki Wilson

Jason Yeater

Letter from Foundation Leadership Dear Friends, Summer is once again upon us with long days, plenty of sunshine, and warm temperatures. This is also a time for joining in and enjoying the outdoor fundraising events we host. The NCMC Foundation is proud to have held the Double Barrel Blast in Wiggins in May. This sporting clays tournament allowed for some friendly competition while benefiting the Heart Safe City program. The NCMC Foundation Golf Tournament was held on June 14 at the Greeley Country Club. Between flights in the morning and afternoon, we had 38 teams. The proceeds from this tournament also supported the Heart Safe City program. The costs to maintain life-saving AED devices throughout the county are significant yet vitally important. To learn more about the Heart Safe City program, please refer to the article on page 28 of this issue. In September, we will host the 31st Annual Western States Burn Center Golf Classic. This tournament is held annually on the third Thursday of September at the Eaton Country Club. The proceeds from the event will benefit the Western States Burn Center at North Colorado Medical Center. Also, in September at Greeley’s Oktobrewfest, the NCMC Foundation will host our first ever Bocce Ball tournament. For anyone unfamiliar with bocce ball, it has been growing in popularity in the U.S. for the past 30 years. There are bocce tournaments held throughout the country. It should be great fun, and we hope to see you there! Through lifetime and memorial gifts, the NCMC Foundation awards a number of scholarships for students pursuing degrees and certifications in the medical field, as well as a team at North Colorado Medical Center for exemplary service. In this issue, we have shared some background on each of the scholarship recipients. Congratulations to all of these outstanding individuals! Your support through donations and participation in our fundraising events enables the NCMC Foundation to provide vital grants for projects and programs focused on healthcare in our community. We greatly appreciate your continued support!

Kind Regards,

Jeff Carlson, NCMC Foundation Chief Executive Officer

Staff Directory

Jeff Carlson

Mike Bond

Michelle Booren

Chief Executive Officer jeff.carlson@weldtrust.org

Chief Operating Officer mike.bond@weldtrust.org

Program Associate michelle.booren@weldtrust.org

Amy Gomez

Kyle Holman

Grants Manager Director of Health Grants and Fundraising amy.gomez@weldtrust.org kyle.holman@weldtrust.org

Randie Lieser

Allison Miller

Rhonda Morehead

Ramon Serrano

Diana Wood

Business Analyst randie.lieser@weldtrust.org

Development Program Director allison.miller@weldtrust.org

Communications Director rhonda.morehead@weldtrust.org

Chief Financial Officer ramon.serrano@weldtrust.org

Development Program Director diana.wood@weldtrust.org

NCMC Foundation Donors Help Bring Pediatric Sleep Services to Northern Colorado Community Children in Northern Colorado now have access to comprehensive pediatric sleep services, including a state-of-the-art sleep lab, thanks to the generosity of North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC) Foundation supporters.

“This is the first true pediatric sleep program in the Northern Colorado market,” Dr. Kukafka said. “We are happy to partner with Pediatric Sleep Specialists and are thankful for the donors who allowed us to obtain this equipment and get the program up and running. We are Dr. David Kukafka, Director of Sleep Medicine for Banner Health, now actively visiting Northern Colorado stands in front of the sign for the Banner Sleep Center at NCMC. with patients and serves as the new bringing the world of home to critical sleep medicine equipment that pediatric sleep medicine to our community.” allows pediatric patients to receive care from specialists close to home. The NCMC Foundation About the Services provided a grant that allowed the hospital to Dr. Viral Kothari is the Founder of Pediatric purchase this key equipment to make these Sleep Specialists, an independent organization services a reality. Prior to April of this year, that partners with large health systems, such only adult and adolescent sleep services were as Banner Health, to address pediatric sleep available. Families of infants and children needed disorders in the region. He and his team offer to drive to Denver and other large cities to access comprehensive care to local patients both in these unique type of pediatric services — often at the sleep disorders clinic and the specialized price points that far exceed the consumer-friendly overnight sleep lab where sleep studies are ones offered at NCMC. performed. According to Dr. David Kukafka, Director of Sleep Medicine for Banner Health, there has been a need in the community for comprehensive sleep services, especially for children, as pediatric sleep issues are more common than one might think. In fact, up to 50 percent of children under the age of 5 have problems sleeping, such as difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, and 80 percent of teens don’t get enough sleep. Sleep impairment is often associated with poor performance in academics and/or sports, mood disorders, ADHD, elevated blood pressure, and many other symptoms that can be treated when children receive comprehensive sleep services.

Sleep studies are conducted to help physicians diagnose sleep disorders. The sleep disorders clinic allows clinicians to detect disorders that aren’t apparent during a sleep study, such as childhood insomnia, parasomnias like sleep terrors, conditions that cause excessive sleepiness, and the management of respiratory therapies. “Sleep disorders are a common problem in children, and if left untreated, can lead to a wide range of problems,” Dr. Kothari said. “Our team is passionate about taking care of infants, kids, and teenagers and finding a treatment plan that works best for them and their families.”

NCMC Foundation Donors Help Bring Pediatric Sleep Services to Northern Colorado Community continued Associates The NCMC Foundation grant helped pay for the specialized equipment in the sleep lab, including a sophisticated device that monitors patients’ carbon dioxide gas levels. In addition to the equipment purchased, the grant was used to train local technicians on how to care for pediatric patients, as well as sleeping arrangements for babies and parents of patients, special sleep software, and other items needed to ensure the best quality of care.

overall safety and awareness in youth.

The Pediatric Sleep rooms at NCMC allow children to sleep in a crib alongside their parents staying in the same room.

By securing this equipment, Dr. Kothari and his team can adequately assist children ages 6 months and up — even the smallest babies. “NCMC provided us with significant features that allow us to be a true pediatric sleep lab,” Dr. Kothari said. “Without the NCMC Foundation grant and support of its donors, this service line could not have been brought to Northern Colorado.”

Why it Matters The Pediatric Sleep Lab is accepting new patients and Northern Coloradans can receive pediatric sleep services in their own backyard. “It’s unusual for a small community like Greeley to have such specialized services, and the NCMC Foundation grant contributed to bringing this exceptional care to a community that needs it,” Dr. Kothari said. “Greeley is likely one of the smallest communities in the country that has sleep specialists and offers pediatric sleep lab services.” There are many benefits of seeing a sleep specialist. Studies have shown that when teenagers sleep better, there are fewer motor vehicle collisions. When young children sleep better, they are less likely to develop mood and mental disorders. Sports and academic performances improve and so does

There are also vulnerable patients in the community that benefit from close-to-home sleep treatment, including children with autism, Down syndrome, and other developmental conditions. Their families often juggle several medical appointments and a drive to Denver is time-consuming and difficult. Having a pediatric sleep lab in town can alleviate those additional stressors.

“When the NCMC Foundation was approached with the need for pediatric sleep services in Greeley, we gave the project a quick ‘yes’ and went to work,” said Kyle Holman, Director of Health Grands and Fundraising. “Thanks to some generous communityminded donors with a heart for helping children, we were ecstatic to contribute to the program.” To schedule an evaluation at the Pediatric Sleep Lab at North Colorado Medical Center, call 970-527-1122.

The NCMC Foundation thanks the following donors who contributed to the completion of the Pediatric Sleep Lab at North Colorado Medical Center: • Jeff & Anne Wenaas • Nick & Jan Francis • Bob Murphy • Travis & Jennifer Gillmore • Craig Rasmuson & Tara Norris • M. Lucile Harrison Fund To contribute to one of the many NCMC Foundation fundraising efforts, go to ncmcfoundation.org/donate. 7

4th Annual Double Barrel Blast Sporting Clays Tournament Nearly 100 participants joined the North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC) Foundation to raise money for the Heart Safe City program at the 4th Annual Double Barrel Blast Sporting Clays Tournament, presented by Fortress Development Solutions on May 14. The event raised over $10,000, which will fund replacement pads and batteries to over 500 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) currently maintained throughout Weld County by the NCMC Foundation’s Heart Safe City Program. The event, annually held at Longmeadow Sporting Clays Club in Wiggins, offers a challenging sporting clays experience along with great raffle prizes, awards, food, and fun! “We couldn’t have asked for better weather,” said Kyle Holman, Director of Health Grants and Fundraising for the NCMC Foundation. “We had a great showing of support and a really great time, as we do every year, thanks to generous donors and participants.” The awards program included a BBQ lunch provided by First FarmBank and a slew of raffle prizes, including “Your Height in Beer,” donated by High Country Beverage, and a grand prize $500 Scheels gift card, courtesy of Reck Flyers.

1st Place Team – Naill Services, Inc. (83 Average) 2nd Place Team – Covenant Testing (66 Average) 3rd Place Team – Team Randy McKay (60 Average) Top Shot – Jimmy Philips (90)

Thanks to the generous sponsors of the Double Barrel Blast:

SUPPORT FONTS R A L E WAY L I G H T

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1st Place Team – Naill Services, Inc.

2nd Place Team – Covenant Testing

If you would like to donate to support the Heart Safe City program, please visit www.ncmcfoundation.org, or contact Kyle Holman at 970-373-3426 or kyle.holman@ncmcfoundation.org. 9

Team Lieser

Diana Wood, Amy Gomez, Heath Stencil

Jimmy Philips – Top Gun

Team Reck Flyers

Ray Esola and Jeff Carlson

3rd Place Team – Randy McKay

Amy Gomez and Bill Cahill

Kaan Inceoglu, Station Sponsor

NCMC Foundation Scholarships 2021 As part of our ongoing commitment to health education, the NCMC Foundation annually awards scholarships to individuals in the community and employees at North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC). To date, the NCMC Foundation has provided scholarships to over 200 students. Some of these students have remained in Greeley and work as part of the staff at NCMC, while others have chosen different paths. The Mildred S. Hansen Nursing Program Scholarship was established through a trust by the former owner and publisher of the Greeley Tribune. Ms. Hansen’s generous gift created an endowed scholarship which has benefited students through the years in the nursing field. This scholarship is awarded each year to a nontraditional student (age 25 or older) who is pursuing either a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Practitioner Degree, or other advanced nursing degree or certificate at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). This scholarship covers two years of in-state tuition, books, fees, and a stipend for living expenses. The 2021 recipients are Keana Kidneigh and Tiffany Scott.

Keana Kidneigh is enrolled at both UNC and Front Range Community College. She is planning to earn Bachelor of Science in Nursing by December 2022. Her goal is to become an acute care nurse practitioner. Keana Kidneigh Keana began her medical career as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with Banner Health Paramedics. She enjoyed the pace and acuity of emergency medical care and earned a certification as a paramedic. Keana still works as a paramedic at NCMC, and even 12

teaches as a paramedic program instructor at Aims Community College. Her five years of experience in emergency medical services has helped prepare her for a career in the nursing field.

Tiffany Scott has already earned her Bachelor of Science at UNC and is now working on her Master of Science in Nursing with an expected completion in May 2023. Tiffany is employed at NCMC in the Banner MD Tiffany Scott Anderson Cancer Center. Tiffany’s decision to enter the medical field was from interactions she had with a few nurses during two very impactful times in her life. It was their kindness, compassion, and leadership that helped her realize she also wanted to make an impact on people’s lives in the same way as a nurse. Tiffany has worked as a registered nurse for the past four years and intends to earn her master’s with the aid of this scholarship. North Colorado Medical Center Foundation awarded the Nurse Education Tuition Assistance Scholarship this year to two recipients, Kayla Hoskins and Jenna Lengfelder. This scholarship is awarded annually to a student pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at an accredited nursing program in Colorado. This scholarship provides $1,500 per semester for up to five semesters. Recipients of this scholarship are encouraged to work for North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC) upon completion of their degree.

Kayla Hoskins is currently

Kayla Hoskins

in a dual enrollment at Front Range Community College and the University of Northern Colorado (UNC). She expects to earn her Bachelor of Science in

NCMC Foundation Scholarships 2021 continued Nursing in December 2022. Kayla has already earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a Minor in Mexican American Studies from UNC. She is employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) with NCMC. She also has work experience with various assisted living facilities since 2017. Kayla believes that the key to success in working in the healthcare field is having tenacity to face difficult situations and compassion in patient care.

Jenna Lengfelder graduated high school in Sterling and is attending UNC. She anticipates graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in May 2023. Jenna is currently employed Jenna Lengfelder at NCMC in the medicalsurgical nursing department as a CNA. Jenna comes from a long line of teachers and medical professionals who have helped ignite her passion for a career in healthcare. “I bring a servant heart willing to put in the work to change and heal all lives of different backgrounds in all different times of the world,” she said. The Gerald Rennels Nursing Tuition Assistance Scholarship was established by Gerald Rennels after he received excellent nursing care at NCMC during his cancer treatment. Gerald is now a cancer survivor who wanted to provide tuition assistance for a student who is pursuing either a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Nursing Degree, Nurse Practitioner Degree, or other related advanced nursing degrees. Recipients of this scholarship must be an employee of North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC), with special consideration made for applicants working within or planning to work within the oncology specialty. Recipients are encouraged to work for NCMC upon completion of their degree. This year’s recipient of

$2,500 is Kristina Richardson of Johnstown. Kristina is the first ever recipient of the Gerald Rennels Nursing Tuition Assistance Scholarship. The Lily E. Widney Memorial Nursing Scholarship was established in her memory by the family of this long-time Greeley resident and former nurse. This scholarship is available to assist a NCMC employee in obtaining an Associate Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This award serves to recognize an individual making an important contribution to NCMC while simultaneously pursuing a nursing degree. This year’s recipient of $500 is Kristina Richardson.

Kristina Richardson is attending the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. She anticipates completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2022. Kristina experienced great nursing care when Kristina Richardson her children were born. She later observed excellent care from nurses for other family members. These experiences motivated Kristina to change careers and move into nursing. Kristina has now been working in the medical field for the past 12 years. She currently works as a CNA with NCMC in their medical oncology telemetry department. The Belle Marquand Loustalet Memorial Nursing Scholarship was established in 2008 by Belle’s son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Marilynn Loustalet. Mike worked for Weld County for more than 40 years and served 28 years as the county’s treasurer. He passed in 2017, but the scholarship fund in memory of his mother lives on in perpetuity. Belle graduated from nurse’s training school in 1915. She retired as a supervisor in the mid-1950s from NCMC, which was known as Weld County Hospital at the time of her retirement. The 13

NCMC Foundation Scholarships 2021 continued scholarship is awarded annually to an individual who has been accepted into an accredited Colorado nursing program with plans to complete an Associate Degree or Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This year’s recipient of the Belle Marquand Lousalet Memorial Nursing scholarship for $2,500 is Amanda Mirabal of Greeley. Amanda is attending Front Range Community College. She Amanda Mirabal plans to complete her Associate in Nursing in May 2022. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry and her Master of Science in Biological Science. Amanda already has approximately six years of direct patient experience through volunteering and as a patient care technician at a rehabilitation hospital. She currently works as a CNA at NCMC. Her philosophy with great patient care is providing respect, empathy, compassion, and encouragement in every interaction.

David E. Bates, MD Memorial Award was

established through memorial contributions from numerous donors in his memory. This award is given annually to an individual completing his or her residency at North Colorado Family Medicine who reflects a deep commitment to family medicine. This year’s recipient of $1,000 is Zachary Gastelum, MD who will be completing a one-year Via Christi International Family Medicine Fellowship after graduation and will spend half the year in Wichita, Zachary Gastelum, MD Kansas, and the other halfyear internationally at a location to be determined. His goal is to pursue a long-time commitment working in an international underserved setting or federally qualified health center serving primarily immigrants and refugees.

Dr. Sam Widney Memorial Award was established through gifts from the Widney Family. This award is given annually to one or more individuals completing his or her residency at North Colorado Family Medicine. This year’s recipient of $500 is Michael Renecle, DO who will complete a LGBTQ+ Health and HIV Medicine Fellowship with Denver Health Family Medicine Department, where he will continue caring for a wide range of patients in both the inpatient and outpatient settings, including Michael Renecle, DO obstetrics after graduation. The Florence Winograd Educational Scholarship was established by Florence in honor of the care her late husband received at NCMC. The award serves to recognize and reward a group of professionals at NCMC who exemplify teamwork. The 2021 recipient is the Forensic Nurse

Examiners Team. The nomination for this team was received by team member, Julie Rojas. The members of the Forensic Nurse Team not only work on the nursing units of NCMC, but also work as a group of nurses providing medical evaluation and treatment to victims of abuse that present to emergency departments at NCMC, McKee Medical Center, and Banner Fort Collins Medical Center. This includes victims of sexual assault, intimate and domestic violence, elder and child abuse, and human trafficking. The training for the treatment of victims of abuse requires ongoing and extensive education. These professionals show dedication and passion in their care for a unique group of patients. Many hours of certifications and competencies are required to be considered as an expert to treat patients and testify in a courtroom.

NCMC Foundation Scholarships 2021 continued

The Forensic Nurse Examiners Team, Florence Winograd Educational Scholarship recipients

The team members include: • Sarah Adams, RN, BSN, NCMC Peri-Operative Services • Shannan Bird, RN, BSN, NCMC-WIS • Courtney Boyle, RN, NCMC-PCU • Sarah Donoho, RN, BSN, NCMC-ICU • Emily James, RN, BSN, NCMC Clinical Care Operations

Team members intend to use the $2,500 scholarship to receive certification in the 15-hour Intimate Partner Violence Nurse Examiner Certificate Program. This certification will qualify them to administer and score the Danger Assessment, a tool to help victims of abuse and the professionals who work with them to better understand the threats to their safety and wellbeing.

• Alli Lackey, RN, NCMC-ICU • Samantha Lester, RN, BSN, NCMC Operative Services • Amber Nichols, RN, CCRN, NCMC-ICU • Autumn Phillips, RN, BSN, NCMC-PCU • Julie Rojas, RN, MSN, SANE-A, NOCO Forensic Nurse Program Manager • Joleen Veik, RN, BSN, NCMC-ICU • Julianne Wheelock, RN, BSN, NCMCEmergency Department

Please feel free to contact Diana Wood, Development Program Director, if you would like more information about the NCMC Foundation scholarship program. She can be reached at 970-673-1154 or diana.wood@weldtrust.org.

• Sarah Zeller, RN, MSN NCMC-Burn ICU 15

Banner Hospice of Northern Colorado: Grief, Connection, and Transformation Families who lost a loved one during “Grief is emotional alchemy,” the early months of the pandemic often wrote Nora McInerny, an suffered additional emotional stressors. American author who began The loss of rhythm and the constant shift writing about grief and loss of day-to-day routines were disrupted. after losing a child, her Work life, family life, and even the end husband, and her father in of life lost its normal progression and 2014. Alchemy refers to a type cadence. Families were not able to tend of transformation that has often to their ill or dying loved ones. Work been associated with the ability Julie Miller, Bereavement went home and home came to work. The Coordinator for Banner to create gold. It has certainly sandwich generation, those who support Hospice of Northern Colorado been a year of emotional both children and elderly parents, found transformation for all of us as we found themselves even more compressed between having ourselves connected to a story in the most to cope with ever-changing hybrid school and work schedules. unusual way, that of the pandemic. Banner Hospice of Northern Colorado was at work 24/7 during the constant shift of visitation and personal protective equipment requirements, a legacy continued from the founding organization begun over 40 years ago. Banner Health staff and administrators worked diligently with personnel to adapt to the many obstacles of continuing service to hospice patients and their families, at home and in facilities. Grief services were also greatly affected by not being able to offer in-person or group support.

We found ways to adapt because we had to, but there can be residual emotional fallout as we struggle to integrate all that has happened into meaning. And yet, here we are. “How can we not be changed by the experience of the pandemic?” Miller said. “I am not sure its emotional impact will be recognized until we have had time to deal with the resulting stress fatigue. In the interim, we need to be patient with one another as it takes

Ask Julie Miller, Bereavement Coordinator for Banner Hospice of Northern Colorado, how the pandemic has affected her job and she will tell you: “There is no rulebook for loss, but for many people, the stress fatigue of the pandemic has increased anxiety levels, depression, and intensified how we respond to life’s stressors.” As a counselor, she works with hospice patients and families, community members, and people of all ages individually, in groups and with organizations. “What makes each death unique is that the loss happened to us, and for many families, this happened during an extraordinary time,” Miller said.

Community events year round We Honor Veterans Program at the LaSalle Beebee Draw Cemetery, part of 2020 Wreaths Across America. Call 970-939-6481 for more information.

Banner Hospice of Northern Colorado: Grief, Connection, and Transformation continued

2021 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of The Hospice Memorial Garden at Banner Summit View Medical Commons at 71st Avenue and 20th Street in Greeley.

time to recalibrate, and for some, that may be a very long time.” Most of us have been enculturated to make our emotions okay, not only for those around us, but for ourselves. However, grieving isn’t an option as we may lead ourselves to believe. Grief is an ordinary part of living in connection with others, the world, and to ourselves.

As it is with life, Banner Hospice also has continued adapting and playing its part in the lives of patients, families, and communities. Even though participation in the pandemic story may have been unwelcomed for most of us, some will continue to be transformed through this time of self-discovery and the importance of connection — the real gold in living.

When we have a loss, it is important to remember each loss is unique, even though we might want to compare them. There are no winners or losers here, nor is there a magic number of 365 when things “get easier.” Calendar time and emotional time traverse independently of each other. As the days pass, we can find ways to live in relationship with a loss, although our yearning for a loved one’s presence can last a lifetime. Often when people hear the word hospice, they think about death and dying. This work, however, is truly about transformation — something to which we can all relate as our pandemic story unfolds. Together, we have journeyed a foreign landscape in which there were no maps or GPS. We have spent a year apart and yet together, often with grief as an unwanted guest.

A new home for Hospice at 5628 W. 19th St., Suite 2. Care at home, independent or assisted living, skilled nursing, or hospital. Banner Hospice’s continued mission of service to all is supported by your generous donations that benefit our patients, their families, and the many communities throughout Northern Colorado.

Thank You 39th Annual NCMC Foundation Golf Tournament Raises Over $36,000 The 39th annual North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC) Foundation Golf Tournament held on Monday, June 14, 2021, at the Greeley Country Club raised over $36,000 in net proceeds to benefit the Heart Safe City program. Golfers, sponsors, and volunteers participated in the popular double shotgun scramble. The Heart Safe City designation is a communitywide effort to educate citizens on the dangers of sudden cardiac arrest. Identifying symptoms, learning how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and using automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are major components of the Heart Safe City designation. The Heart Safe City initiative called for the placement of AEDs in public gathering spots throughout our community. These easy-to-use AEDs are equipped with simple step-by-step user instructions. In 2013, Greeley became the second city in Colorado to officially earn the Heart Safe City distinction. Since 2013, over 1,000 community members have been trained in CPR through this program, and over 500 AEDs are now in service throughout Weld County. The goal of the Heart Safe City initiative is to continue to raise funds to provide community wide CPR training and to service the existing AEDs. Taking home top honors from the tournament was the Connecting Point team, consisting of Ted Warner, Scott Warner, Andy Warner, and Brandon White. “It was a beautiful day for a golf tournament – hot for June, but beautiful and plenty of sunshine,” said Allison Miller, NCMC Foundation Development Program Director and Tournament 18

Director for the NCMC Foundation Golf Tournament. “Thank you to all of the sponsors and volunteers that made this day great and successful in raising funds for Heart Safe City.” The NCMC Foundation, founded in 1975, has served as North Colorado Medical Center’s philanthropic partner in supporting healthcare at NCMC and in the community. During that time, the Foundation has been entrusted as stewards of over $55 million in charitable gifts. If you are interested in making a donation to the NCMC Foundation, visit www.ncmcfoundation.org. A big thank you to all of our sponsors and volunteers who made the event so successful!

Tournament Winners Longest Drive in the Fairway: Hole #15 Women Winner: Shanae Gonzales Men Winner: Brandon White

Closet to the Pin: Hole #2 AM Winner: PM Winner:

Bryan Guest Barry Levine

Hole #7 AM Winner: PM Winner:

Ted Warner Vince Schauer

Hole #16 AM Winner: PM Winner:

Kyle Hicks Kevin Wilson

Chip for the Chair Winner: Brady Sharp

Golfers getting ready

Flight Division Winners PFC USA Championship Flight Winners:

Signature Flight Winners:

1st Place: Connecting Point: Ted Warner, Scott Warner, Andy Warner, Brandon White 2nd Place: LSI Insurance: Brad Hertzke, Lew Hagenlock, Grant Rose, Eric Bernhardt 3rd Place: BizWest: Jeff Nuttall, Vincent Schauer, Marty van Raadshooven, Jeremy Ehardt

1st Place: Cementer’s Well Service, Inc.: Nate Kvamme, Evan Stewart, Brady Sharp, Matt Bath 2nd Place: Baessler Homes: Jamie Baessler, Dave Paton, Fred Bauer, Steve Bricker 3rd Place: Apartments At Maddie: Adrian Armenta, Andrew Torres, Jordan Kutil, Christine Ostrowski

The Weld Trust Masters Flight Winners: 1st Place: Home Depot Pro: Tim Warde, Greg Tews, Dennis Gierhart, John Carr 2nd Place: Reck Flyers: Jeff Reck, Jay Goza, Kyle Holman, Mike Seyler 3rd Place: Eagle Rock Distributing Company of Colorado: Jeff Vecchio, Adam Visocky, Brandon Barrera, Danny Barrera

Medalist Flight Winners: 1st Place: Mundt Energy: Bill Mundt, Brett Sedustine, Jared Adamson, Carlos Koons 2nd Place: Shirazi Benefits: Michael Shirazi, Scott Kenyon, Linc Turner, Sam Turner 3rd Place: First FarmBank: James Pisaturo, Robert Behling, Julia Flockhart, Cricket Kobza

19 17

“Chip” for the Chair Contest sponsored by Officescapes.

1st Place Winners of the Medalist Flight! Team Mundt Energy: Brett Sedustine, Jared Adamson, Bill Mundt, Carlos Koons

Putting on the Ritz!

Nice swing!

Great drive, Brandon Bondie!

1st Place Winners of the Masters Flight! Team Home Depot Pro: John Carr, Tim Warde, Dennis Gierhart, Greg Tews

Top honors: 1st Place Winners of the Championship Flight! Team Connecting Point: Brandon White, Andy Warner, Scott Warner, Ted Warner

Team The Weld Trust Tim Brynteson, Jake Dollarhide, John Dollarhide, Frank Stepp

Team Baessler Homes Steve Bricker, Fred Bauer, Dave Paton, Jamie Baessler

Team Boulder Associates Architects Brad McCaslin, Dale Clingner, Dennis Rudko, Derek Pedersen

Team Coral Bay Wine & Spirits Chad Frazier, Brandon Belfiore, Sean Belfiore, Tony Belfiore

Team First FarmBank Julie Flockhart, Cricket Kobza, Robert Behling, James Pisaturo

Team Ghent Chevrolet Scott Russell, Andy Peck, Angel Villa, Lindsay Ladwig

Team Innovest Portfolio Solutions Travis Gillmore, Kevin Ahern, Matt Brucklacher, Rich Todd

Team Reck Flyers Jeff Reck, Mike Seyler, Jay Goza, Kyle Holman

Team New American Funding Ken Schultz, Roy Otto, Mike Bond, Steve LaForest

Team Mollandor Owens Wealth Management Bob Tateyama, Mike Peetz, Rich Mollandor, Mark Mollandor

Team PFC USA Rory Knipple, Mike Shoop, Charlie Shoop, Jeremy Ehardt

Team BizWest Vincent Schauer, Jeremy Ehardt, Marty van Raadshooven, Jeff Nuttall

Team Banner Health – North Colorado Medical Center Matthew Remakus, Ron Quenzer, Marcus Reinhardt, Steven Sides

Team Norfolk Iron & Metal Phill Cavender, Kevin Wilson, Stephen Walker, Ben Dubois

Team LSI Insurance Agency, Inc. Brad Hertzke, Grant Rose, Eric Bernhardt, Lew Hagenlock

Team Spradley Barr Ford Matt Koponen, Barry Levine, Dan Taylor, Scott Hushen

Team State Farm – Kaan Inceoglu Tanner Salmon, Kaan Inceoglu, Zac Trout, Matthew Riofrio

Team Townsquare Media of Northern Colorado Matt Hernandez, Brandon Bondie, Patrick Rosen, Jim Turk

Team Apartments At Maddie Andrew Torres, Adrian Armenta, Christine Ostrowski, Jordan Kutil

Team Shirazi Benefits Sam Turner, Linc Turner, Scott Kenyon, Michael Shirazi

Team A&W Water Service Brian Jackson, Jesse Hinojosa, Toby Pollock, Jeff Wright

Thanks to our amazing sponsors!

Drone Shot – great perspective from above!

Jeremy Ehardt tries to coach his putt.

Golfers anxiously await their turn to putt!

Towels, hats, and goodie bags

Thank You

SPECIALTY SPONSORS

Apartments At Maddie Banner Health – North Colorado Medical Center BizWest Boulder Associates Cementer’s Well Service, Inc. Eagle Rock Distributing Company of Colorado First FarmBank Ghent Chevrolet LSI Insurance Agency, Inc. Innovest Portfolio Solutions Mollandor Owens Wealth Management Group Mundt Energy Norfolk Iron & Metal PDC Energy PFC USA Positive Outlook Industrial Shirazi Benefits Swire Coca-Cola, USA The Weld Trust Townsquare Media of Northern Colorado

GREEN & TEE SPONSORS Aerotek A&W Water Service, Inc. Baessler Homes Bank of Colorado Banner Health Paramedics BBVA Bucklen Equipment Company Connecting Point Coral Bay Wine & Spirits Fairacres Manor Great Western Bank Home Depot Pro

North Colorado Medical Center Foundation would like to thank the following for their support of the 39th Annual NCMC Foundation Golf Tournament. Over $36,000 in net proceeds will benefit Heart Safe City!

New American Funding Reck Flyers State Farm – Kaan Inceoglu Spradley Barr Ford Titan Solutions, LLC Western States Fire Protection Co.

Walmart Distribution Center Weld County Garage Buick GMC WeldWerks Brewing Co. Westlake Wine & Spirits Wilbur’s Total Beverage

FAIRWAY SPONSORS

Chimney Park Restaurant & Bar/ Hearth Restaurant & Pub – Windsor Credit Union of Colorado Crumbl Cookies – Greeley CWS Management – Rose Stoller Halo – Kristi Williams PFC USA State Farm – Kaan Inceoglu Swire Coca-Cola, USA The Human Bean Western States Burn Center Winchell’s Donuts – Centerplace

First FarmBank Honda of Greeley The Weld Trust X2 Turnkey Builders

AUCTION & COURSE PRIZES

Accessories with a Flair…And Hair! BMW of Loveland – A John Elway Company Café Mexicali Chimney Park Restaurant & Bar – Windsor Colorado Eagles Costco – Timnath Credit Union of Colorado Crumbl Cookies – Greeley CWS Management – Rose Stoller Eaton Country Club Epic Egg Fat Albert’s First FarmBank Greeley Country Club Pro Shop Halo – Kristi Williams James Salon Med Evac Nik and Allison Miller OfficeScapes Pam Howes Roche Constructors, Inc. Roma Restaurant 10th Street Roosters Men’s Grooming Center Scheels

OTHER CONTRIBUTIONS

TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE

Dave Bressler – Banner Health Paramedics (Retired) Darin Dalton – Banner Health Paramedics Robbie Hankins – Credit Union of Colorado Kyle Holman – NCMC Foundation & The Weld Trust Pam Howes – North Colorado Medical Center Allison Miller – Tournament Director, NCMC Foundation James Pisaturo – Tournament Chair, First FarmBank Masoud Shirazi – Shirazi Benefits Charlie Shoop – PFC USA Nathan Spruce – Banner Health Paramedics Rose Stoller – CWS Management

A special thanks to all the volunteers who help to make this tournament such a great success! NORTH COLORADO MEDICAL CENTER FOUNDATION 815 8th Avenue ~ Greeley, CO 80631

Heart Safe City Program Helps to Update, Maintain Life-Saving Community Equipment When a person is under sudden cardiac arrest, receiving immediate attention and care could save their life. With every minute that passes without CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), a person’s chances for survival are reduced by 7 to 10 percent. It is believed that if more people were educated in CPR, and AEDs were more widely available in our community, survival rates could be as high as 50 percent. That’s the goal of communities with a Heart Safe City designation — to decrease the number of cardiac arrest-related deaths by increasing access to life-saving medical equipment, such as AEDs, and training. The North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC) Foundation provides financial support through donations to maintain AED equipment throughout Weld County and to provide training for individuals who work at locations with this specialized equipment.

About the Program More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital each year. According to the American Heart Association, cardiac arrest claims more lives each year than colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, influenza, pneumonia, auto accidents, HIV, firearms, and house fires combined. AEDs funded through the Heart Safe City Program are found in schools, businesses, churches, and 28

other locations throughout Weld County, according to Dave Bressler, retired Chief Paramedic of Banner Health Paramedics of 42 years, who helped bring Heart Safe City to the community.

“

By having community members ready and willing to respond to a cardiac arrest at their location and use this equipment, CPR can begin sooner, and AED shocks can be delivered right away,” Bressler said. “Cardiac arrest happens more often than people realize, which is why this program can help save hundreds of lives.

”

The NCMC Foundation helped during the initial fundraising to place more than 500 devices throughout Weld County. Then, it worked with the Greeley Fire Department for initial efforts supporting the training component of the program. Now, donations go toward maintaining the devices and training local dispatch officers on how to help guide 911-callers to the nearest AED. The NCMC Foundation offsets the cost for AED pads, batteries, new software updates, and additional supplies necessary to keep the machines safe and up to date. The program also provides employee training on how to use the devices and how to coordinate with local first-responders. “The AEDs and training ensure there is no interruption of care,” Bressler said. “If you have to wait until a fire truck or ambulance arrives to a scene, it may be too late for the victim — unless you’re in a trained Heart Safe City location.”

Heart Safe City Program Helps to Update, Maintain Life-Saving Community Equipment continued Keeping Greeley & Weld County Safe When it comes to first responders getting to victims in time, Weld County presents a geographical challenge since it is so large and spread out. The Heart Safe City Program teaches everyday people how to address a sudden cardiac arrest before the medical professionals can arrive by ambulance. “Through this program, community members can really make a difference in their neighbors’ lives,” Bressler concluded. “Thank you to the NCMC Foundation and its donors who help keep everyone safe by increasing access to these valuable resources and tools.”

For more information about the Heart Safe City program, or if you would like to contribute to the program, please contact the NCMC Foundation at 970-356-9020.

Dave Bressler, retired Chief Paramedic of Banner Health Paramedics of 42 years, who helped bring Heart Safe City to Weld County.

Save the Date! 2022

NCMC

Gala

FOUNDATION 33RD ANNUAL

To Benefi t

Monfort Family Birth Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Saturday January 29, 2022 6:00 pm to Midnight

Embassy Suites by Hilton Loveland Hotel Conference Center & Spa For information contact Diana Wood at diana.wood@weldtrust.org 29 or visit our website www.ncmcfoundation.org

NCMC Foundation Awards Nearly $246,000 in Grants and Scholarships The North Colorado Medical Center Foundation funds lifesaving and life-changing programs both at North Colorado Medical Center (NCMC) and in the community. The following grants have been distributed through the second quarter of this year:

$73,191

$49,197

for the Pediatric Sleep Lab.

$36,653

for scholarships awarded to individuals pursuing a career in healthcare.

$29,030

from the M. Lucile Harrison Fund to provide toys, equipment, interactive devices, and décor for the Pediatric Department.

$21,004

to support continuing education for NCMC staff, purchase specialized equipment and technology, and provide specific department needs for: • CardioVascular Institute of North Colorado • Western States Burn Center • Diabetes Care Coordination • Trauma Center • Plant Services • Cath Lab

$17,513

to the Heart Safe City program to place and maintain automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout Weld County.

$12,178

from the Wendall Fuller Fund for MedBridge subscriptions for the Rehabilitation Department.

$6,019

from the Healthcare Provider Support Fund to cater meals and purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers at NCMC during COVID-19.

$1,066 30

from Patient Support Funds to benefit: • Specialized burn garments for burn outpatients. • Assistance with living expenses for patients undergoing treatment for cancer or other serious medical conditions. • Basic clothing to patients through the Hospitality Closet when clothing has been destroyed or damaged due to injury or during initial treatment by emergency personnel. • Mammograms and diagnostic services. • Lifeline emergency alert systems. • Fitness programs for cardiac and pulmonary patients.

through the Med-Aid Prescription program to provide one-time prescription assistance to individuals in Weld County with an urgent medication need, but who are unable to cover the cost.

Total $245,851

THANKSGIVING DAY - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

24th ANNUAL NCMC TURKEY TROT The NCMC Foundation along with the CardioVascular Institute of North Colorado will host the 24th Annual Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Race Thursday, November 25. The race is open to participants of all ages and abilities and includes a 5K (3.1 miles) Turkey Trot and a 2K (1.2 miles) Gobbler Trek Fun Run/ Walk on a scenic, USATF-certified course.

24TH

ANNUAL

Turkey trotters will also have the option of running or walking their own virtual race on a course and day of your choosing during Thanksgiving week. So grab your friends and family and run, walk, or trot your way to finishing before you feast!

Thursday, July 1 – Friday, November 19 (online registration will close at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 19)

Getmeregistered.com keyword: NCMC Turkey Trot You Pay: $25 per adult, $15 per youth ages 17 & under

EARLY TURKEY WALK-IN REGISTRATION (Bibs and T-shirts will be available for pick-up at NCMC November 23, 24 and 25)

Monday, November 1 – Friday, November 19 Altitude Running - 3620 W. 10th Street, Greeley, CO 80634 (see www.altituderunning.com for store hours or call 970-356-6964)

You Pay: $25 per adult, $15 per youth ages 17 & under (cash, check, or credit card)

WALK-IN REGISTRATION Altitude Running

(Bibs and T-shirts available in-store)

3620 W. 10th Street, Greeley, CO 80634 Saturday, November 20 – Monday, November 22

RACE DAY REGISTRATION

Race day registrants will be given a bib, but will not be eligible for any awards or be listed in age/gender categories. Thursday, November 25 – 7:00 – 8:30 am North Colorado Medical Center 1801 16th Street, Greeley, CO 80631 You Pay: $30 per adult, $20 per youth ages 17 & under (cash, check or credit card)

VIRTUAL RACE OPTION

Run, Walk, or Trot virtually again in 2021 with our Virtual Turkey Trot option! Chart your own 5K Turkey Trot or 2K Gobbler Trek utilizing apps such as runkeeper.com, strava.com, or the Map My Run phone app in a neighborhood near you! Register for the virtual option on www.getmeregeistered.com: keyword NCMC Turkey Trot, pick up your T-shirt at any of the listed registration locations/dates/times, complete your race during Thanksgiving week (Sunday, November 21 – Sunday, November 28), post your time results, upload photos, and receive a completion certificate! Virtual participants will not be eligible for prizes.

(see www.altituderunning.com for store hours or call 970-356-6964)

You Pay: $30 per adult, $20 per youth ages 17 & under (cash, check, or credit card)

North Colorado Medical Center (Bibs and t-shirts available at registration)

1801 16th Street, Greeley, CO 80631 Entrance #6 Wellness Classroom Tuesday, November 23 – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Wednesday, November 24 – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm You Pay: $30 per adult, $20 per youth ages 17 & under

For more information go to ncmcfoundation.org/event/ncmc-turkey-trot or call 970-810-6204

(cash, check, or credit card)

5K / 2K FUN RUN • WALK • NORTH COLORADO MEDICAL CENTER • 1801 16th STREET • GREELEY, CO

North Colorado Medical Center Foundation 815 8th Avenue Greeley, CO 80631

Upcoming Events – visit ncmcfoundation.org for more information Western States Burn Center Golf Classic Eaton Country Club - Eaton Thursday, September 16

NCMC Turkey Trot North Colorado Medical Center Thursday, November 25

This golf tournament benefits the Western States Burn Center at NCMC. AM and PM tee times available.

This race benefits the Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at NCMC.

Visit ncmcfoundation.org to register. Contact Diana Wood at 970-673-1154 with questions.

For sponsorship opportunities and registration information, contact Allison Miller at 970-539-9481 or visit ncmcfoundation.org.

NoCo Bocce Bash @ Octobrewfest

NCMC 33rd Annual Gala

Lincoln Park – Greeley Saturday, September 25 The inaugural bocce ball tournament benefits NCMC Foundation, Area of Greatest Need. Visit ncmcfoundation.org to register. Contact Allison Miller at 970-539-9481 with questions.

Embassy Suites by Hilton – Loveland January 29, 2022 Proceeds from the Gala will benefit the Monfort Family Birth Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. To register, visit: ncmcfoundation.org. For more information, contact Diana Wood at 970-673-1154.