Timing is everything! - Healthcare Foundation

the
pulse…
Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County
The Healthcare Foundation raises funds for capital projects in support of healthcare in northern Sonoma
County including funds necessary to the development, implementation, and protection of such projects.
Timing is everything!
It’s all about timing, and this couldn’t be
more clearly demonstrated than by the
recent events that have elevated the
standard of healthcare in our community.
Ribbons have been cut, champagne corks
have been popped and the Wetzel Family
Emergency Department, the Chambers
Intensive Care Unit and the soon to be
opened Kozel Stroke Institute are the
first-rate rewards for a community that
has supported its district hospital through
the leanest of times.
According to hospital CEO Evan Rayner,
“All of these enhancements are an
integral part of our plan to better serve
our community, keeping healthcare close
to home and continuing to be a center of
excellence in other service lines. We could
not have done this without the support of
the community and the teamwork of the
Healthcare Foundation, medical staff,
employees and board of directors, because
teamwork is the key to success.”
Newsletter Spring 2008
Betty and Ed Kozel, Sr. agreed to fund the
Stroke Institute because they believe quick
access to quality care is both challenging
and crucial for a rural community. “We know
all too well that strokes can affect anyone, not
just seniors. Our own son suffered a mild stroke
in his early forties,” says Ed Kozel.
With guidance from Dr. James Gude, “Syd,”
the Remote Presence Robot residing at HDH
will connect local doctors at the Kozel Stroke
Institute with Dr. David Tong, chief of neurology at California Pacific Medical Center.
Through this exchange of timely information,
multiple specialists will be able to participate
in the stroke victim’s evaluation and care.
Timing is critical in response to an emergency
because acting quickly maximizes the
chances of a successful outcome. Know
the warning signs of stroke or heart
attack and know how to get help fast.
Take the time to make a plan with your family
and friends should an emergency arise, and
then rest assured that your district hospital is
there to take care of you.
OFFICERS
Mary Ellen Smith,
President
From the President
Richard Mucci, M.D.,
Vice President
Peggy DeZurik, Treasurer
Sam Radelfinger, Secretary
BOARD MEMBERS
David Anderson, MD
Diane Anderson
Karen Bosworth
William Hawn
Willi Hilliard
Yvonne Kreck
Kent Mitchell
Mary Jane Mittelstadt
Dennis Murphy
Carlene Reininga
Charles Siebert
Ken Spadoni
Dieter Thurow
Philip Wright
Kathleen Young
ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
Susan Arbios
John (Pete) Dayton
Matt Gallo
Henry Hersch
Alson Kemp
STAFF
Tobi Ferguson,
Executive Director
Karen Wallace,
Director of
Administration & Events
Lindsay Smith,
Administrative Assistant
THE PUL SE…
Anne Air
Editor
Rick Tang
Photographer
Ann Mackenzie
Graphic Artist
Mary Ellen Smith
It is a great honor to write to you as
the newly elected President of the
Healthcare Foundation Northern
Sonoma County. I am so proud to
represent an organization that has
served to crystallize a vision while
bringing together a community in
support of healthcare.
2008 marks the seventh year of
Healthcare Foundation’s service
to our community. Through the
dedication and hard work of
dozens of volunteers and the
generosity of more than 450 donors,
the Foundation has been able to
raise money to support healthcare
initiatives that provided Automated
External Defibrillators (AEDs) to our
public buildings, schools, fire and
police stations; issued funds to
Alliance Medical Center and
Alexander Valley Regional
Medical Center and launched
the $14.5 million Capital Campaign
to help fund the revitalization of
Healdsburg District Hospital.
We have just celebrated the
opening of the new Wetzel
Family Emergency Department
and the reopening of the
Intensive Care Unit, now
named the Patricia and
Raymond Chambers Intensive
Care Unit, thanks to a generous
donation from residents Ray and
Patty Chambers. These are just
Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County
two of many improvements and
upgrades to our hospital, which are
included in the Revitalization Plan,
and will serve our community today
and for generations to come.
There is still much work to be
done to raise the remaining
funds needed to complete the
Revitalization Plan for HDH and
to serve the other healthcare
needs of our community. We at
Healthcare Foundation Northern
Sonoma County continue to work
diligently to serve these needs,
grateful to live in a community
that is so committed to caring
for its own.
A very big THANK YOU to all of you.
Your generosity of spirit and caring
for one another make this a very
special place to live!
Mary Ellen Smith, President
Interior view of the new Wetzel Family Emergency
Department—Now open!
page 2
Ask Tobi
Q: What can you tell us about the
significance of the soon to be opened
Kozel Stroke Institute at HDH?
A: “This is surprising but true: strokes can…
and do…strike at any age. Nearly 25% of
strokes occur in people under the age of 65.
Time is of the essence for those of us living in
the rural communities of Windsor, Healdsburg,
Geyserville and Cloverdale, and when you or a
loved one is facing an emergency — especially
a stroke or heart attack — you want to be
assured that your local hospital is ready to help.
Strokes are caused by an interruption of blood
flow to the brain and are the third leading
cause of death in America. The first three hours
following a stroke are the most critical. If the
patient can get to a hospital during that all
important three hour window, physicians can
administer clot-busting medication that can
save the patient’s life and reduce the potentially debilitating long-term effects of a stroke.
This is why Healthcare Foundation and
Healdsburg District Hospital have been
committed to establishing a stroke institute
for the well-being of our families, friends and
neighbors. The soon to be opened Kozel Stroke
Institute will become reality through a generous
gift from long-time Healdsburg residents
Elizabeth and Edward Kozel, Sr. The institute
is proposed to become the hub linking seven
hospitals, including HDH, Sutter Medical Center
and Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital to expert
neurologists at San Francisco’s California Pacific
Medical Center, creating a Rapid Response
program in our community.
The key to Rapid Response is the teamwork
that commences once a stroke patient is seen
at Wetzel Family Emergency Department.
Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County
Neurologists at CPMC will immediately examine
and evaluate the patient through “Syd,” the
Remote Presence Robot. Supported by
the partnership with CPMC
and Dr. James Gude
(OffSite Care), the
Kozel Stroke Institute will
funnel the collaborative
expertise of specialists
via robotic telemedicine.
These new approaches to
diagnosis and treatment
of strokes can significantly
improve patients’ chances
for optimal recovery, and
the Kozel Stroke Institute is leading the
way in providing expert stroke diagnosis
and treatment in Sonoma County.
Making the most of that precious 3-hour
window of opportunity is up to the individual.
Learn the signs of a stroke, and commit them
to memory:
• S udden weakness or numbness in the face,
arm or leg on one side of the body
• S udden dimness, blurring or loss of vision,
particularly in one eye
• L oss of speech or trouble talking or
comprehending
oticeable droop of one side of the face, or
•N
the inability to smile on one side of the face
• L oss of grip strength in one hand compared
to the other
We want all of our neighbors and colleagues
in northern Sonoma County to recognize the
symptoms of a stroke, call 911, and get help as
quickly as possible. Then trust yourself to the
caring team of professionals in place at HDH.”
Tobi Ferguson, Executive Director
page 3
• Thank you to all our 2007 donors for their generosity! •
Marguerite De Voe
& Crawford Beveridge
Kris Coryell
Barbara Fox
Jane Hoernlein
Dale & Carol Achabal
Yvonne Corzilius
Janis Frey
Michael Hogan
Judy Aguilar
Cathy Biggins
Carol Ann Cox
Anne & John Friedemann
Michele & Derrick Hoitsma
Ava Ahearn
The Bishop's Ranch
Dorothy & William Craven
Nancy & Dick Friedlander
Annie & Michael Holden
Jack & Anne Air
Black Dog Private Foundation
Mary & John Crockenberg
Fruth Family Foundation
Geraldine & John Holt
Jacquelyn Aitken
Lea & Harry Black
Val Cronin
Furber Development
Cathy & Greg Hopkins
Wanda Alary
Catherine Blamires
Suzanne & Thomas Crotty
Peggy Furth
Horizons Foundation
Ellis Alden
Sandra & Robert Blasser
Diane & Gary Cuccio
Dolores & Benny Gagliardo
Yvonne Horton
Jill Alger
Heidi & Don Blumenthal
Merrilee & James Dadaos
Richard Ganz, MD
Ann & Edson Howard
Lesley Alkrie
Arla Mae Bogner
Nancy Dalziel
Nancy Garcia
Elinor Howenstine
Anita Allen
Lorraine & Sylvain Borel
Robert Davis
Donna Garvey
Steven Hughes
Janice & Hale Allen
Charles & Margaret Borg
Lee & Stanley Davis, MD
Janet Garwin
Judy & Rev. Roger Hull
Alexander Valley Vineyard/
Wetzel Family
John and Kathleen Borg
Nancy & Pete Dayton
Gilbert Gass
Susan & Dan Hull
Patte Bosio
Sharon & Richard De Benedetti
Yvonne Hyatt
Dorcas Allison
Janice Bostock
Judith & Edgar Deas
Gay & Lesbian Fund
of the Redwood Empire
American Ag Credit
Helen & Sven Bostrom
Jane Rosenberg & Steve Deas
Edelweiss Geary
Dan & Quincey Imhoff
De & Bill Andersen
Karen & Harry Bosworth
Mary & Edward Dean
Marie Gewirtz
ISU Insurance Services
Barbara Anderson
Kerry & Richard Bourns
Gail Defferari
Geyserville Waterworks
Neil Iversen
Diane Anderson
Laura & Kirk Bowman
John Del Monte
Elizabeth & Bud Giacomelli
Cynthia & Jon Iverson
Dianne Anderson
Elizabeth Bream
Donna del Ray
Marie & Ciro Giamonna
Richard Iverson
Tricia Coxhead & Jerry Anderson
Brian House Trucking, Inc.
Geri & Frank DeMaio
Stephanie & Jeff Gibbs
Rita Ivy
Cathy & David Anderson, MD
Mary Ann Bridenbaugh
Caryl & George De Merritt
Virginia & Jerry Gill
Jackson Family Enterprises
Richard J. Andolsen, MD
DeMaris Brinton
Dempel Farming Company
Julianne & Dennis Gilles
Deborah & Benjamin Jackson
Kitty & Robert Angell
Denyse & Timothy Browne
Audrey & Lewis Dick
Gordan Gollan
Sally Jacobs
Mary Antolini
Lenora Browning
Phyllis Diebenkorn
Judith Sjoberg & Paul Goodley
Maria & Joselito Jasareno
Susan Antonopoulos
Patrick Browning, MD
Christine & David Dissmeyer
Tissie & Gerald Goodyear
Joyce Jensch
Lara Apodaca
Mary Brugo
Norman Gottreich, MD
William Jensen
Susan & Bill Arbios
Leslie Brutocao
Hallie Beacham, MD
& Paul Downey
Erline Grace
Elke & George Jeter
Armida Winery
Louise & Kenneth Buchignani
Adriel & Stephen Doyle
Maureen & K.J. Gradek
Berenice Johnson
Gary Armitage
The Bulger Family
Mary & Eric Drew
Mary Ann Graf
Mary & David Johnson
Patricia & Gerald Arrigoni
Sue Bull
Pamela & Brad Drexler, MD
J. Barrie Graham
Veronica Johnson
Marion Ault
June Burkhart
Dry Creek Rancheria
B.J. & Russ Green
Danielle & Rick Jones
C.N. & H.L. Bacigalupi
George Bursick
Sally & Raymond Duncan
Beverly & Merlin Griesert
Toni Lisoni & Susan Jones
Suzanne Badenhoop
Patricia Buttitta
Carolyn & Max Dunn
E.J. Groom
Sandra & Tom Jordan
M. Loretta Bailey
Ray Byrne
Karen & George Dutton
Lisa Groom
Judy Jordan
Mitchell Bailey, MD
Heather & Bob Cabral
Jane & Herb Dwight
Thelma & Elijah Groom
Rheyna Laney & Colin Joy
Nello Baiocchi, Jr.
Evelyn & Walter Calder
George Eade
Walter Gruber
Alfonzo Jurado
Edward & Kyle Baker
Carl Campbell
Susan & Terry Eager
Wendy & Ed Grudzien
Marie & Louis Justin
Phyllis & Chris Baldenhofer
Mary Jane & George Campbell
Mary Lou and Jerry Eddinger
Lynda Guthrie
Gloria & Tom Kaiser, MD
Janet Balatti
Kathryn & Edward Carrette
Carolyn Ellis
Mary Andrea Hadik-Barkoczy
Barbara Banke
Pat & Robert Carroll
Carol & Mildred Emmel
Virginia & Gina Haehl
Kalmanovitz
Charitable Foundation
Martha & Gary Bannister
Pat & Frank Carrubba
Barbara Epstein
Hafner Vineyard
Barbie's in Alexander Valley
Beverly Casazza
Sandy Erickson
Mary & Dick Hafner
Geraldine & Rear Admiral
Thomas Kamm
Carol & Harold Barrett
Bernadine Cavness
Linda & William Esselstein
Sarah & Parke Hafner
Alice & Bertram Katzung
Roger R. Bartels, DDS
Michael Cazedessus
Jocelyn & Fred Euphrat
Tania Amochaev & Harold Hahn
Misako & Joe Kawakami
Argene Bartolozzi
Nancy Chambers
Patricia Evans
Susan & Gary Halling
Li Keiser
Craig Barton
Patricia & Raymond Chambers
Exchange Bank
Olga Hannan
Tina & John Keker
Barbara & Hugo Bauer
Loise Chapin
Barbara & Jim Fagan
Laurence and Valerie Hansen
Ginger Kelly
Barbara L. Baxter
Linda Chartier
Kelly Fain
Wendy & Ron Hansen
Martha & Alson Kemp
L.A. Beard
Chateau Felice Corporation
Mary Helen Fairchild
Carla Hansen-Hills
Virginia Canfield & Cliff Kent
Vivian & David Beaulieu
Gloria Christensen
Nicole Falcone
Michele & David Hardin, MD
Kenwood Inn & Spa
Elizabeth & Phillip Bebber
Katie Ciocca
Joyce & David Fannuchi
Cindy Harmon, Sonoma Eyeworks
Carmen & Lawrence Kilcullen
Melinda & Daniel Beck
Frank Citti
Marilyn & John Farnsworth
Susan Harriman
Kathryn & John King
Edward Beddow
Thomas Clark
Carol Farrell
Shirley & Robert Harris
Vivian & Warren Kitchen, DDS
Sandy Beddow
Emmy & Thomas Cleland, DDS
Carol Farrow
Anette Harris Loupe
Linda & Robert Klein
Susan & Kevin Bedsole
Linda Clougherty
Vicky & Michael Farrow
Billie Harrison
Marion & Tully Knoles
Beeson Family Ranch LLC
Mary Cody
Linda Farwell
Nancy Harvey
Joelle Kornell
Gladys & Kenneth Belford
Cynthia Coleman
June Fiege
Jennifer Hauck
Elizabeth & Edward Kozel, Sr.
Barbara & Dan Belli
Janet Coleson
Ken Finley Construction
Bill Hawn
Sara & Edward Kozel
Judy & Mike Belli
Louette Colombano
Catriona & Patrick Flanagan
Healdsburg I.O.O.F No. 64
Yvonne & William Kreck
The Belli Corporation
Louis Colombano
Toby & Philip Flax
Healdsburg Rotary Club
Grace & Maynard Kuljian
Laura Bellows
Hartly Fleischmann
Healdsburg Womens Golf Club
Rebecca & Steve La Londe
Vera Berg
Community Foundation Sonoma
County
Lynn Crott & Carl Flournoy
Elizabeth Helmholz
Dianne Lafollette
Ellyn Berglund
Julie Conklin
Gina Fontana
Sarah Henderson
Claire Lampson
Odell & Lottie Berry
Dana & Ron Conte
Helaine & Louis Foppiano
Diane Hermon
Natasha & Boris Landau
Michael Berry
Crawford Cooley
Forchini Vineyards
Gloria & Henry Hersch
Henrietta Lane
Sheri & Don Bertoli
Christine & Roy Coon
Marcia & Bob Fosberg
The Larry L. Hillblom Foundation
Lenora Lang
John Bertozzi, Sr.
Maureen Corcoran
Katherine Foster
Willi Hilliard
Barbara Lannin
Dawn Betts, MD
Mary Jane & Fred Corson
Four Seasons
Vineyard Management
Helga & Judge Robert Hinrichs
Stephanie Lawrence
Otto Hoefler
Robert Leach, DDS
Charles & Karen Abbe
Ann Mackenzie & Jack Cortright
Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County
Image Tree Service, Inc.
page 4
• Thank you to all our 2007 donors for their generosity! •
Andrea Learned
Thomas Miles, MD
Carol & Henk Peeters
Holly & Mel Schatz
Catherine & Denman Van Ness
Nancy Leavens
Becky & Albert Miller
Peline Vineyards, Val Peline
Luann Schend
Deborah & Bob Van Nest
Lisa Lemmons
Kent Mitchell
John Pelkan
Karen Schultz
Ann & Jim Van Noy
Allan Lewis
Marda Mitchell
Kay Pellicciarini
Shally and Wally Schultz
Susan & Steve Vargas, MD
Beverly & Herb Liberman
Mary Jane & Lloyd Mittelstadt
Liz Pembroke
Robert Scott
Neyian Vedros
Susan Lile
Olivia Modena
Donald Peters
Ruth & Hugh Seaton
Michael Vellutini
Marjorie & Philip Lilienthal
Kathy & Dwight Monson
Patricia & William Peyser
Rachel Ann Seghesio
Vennes Vineyards
Christa Lindee
Marjorie Montaldo
Suzanne & John Pfau
Susie Selby
Vero Wine Group
Terry Lindley
Patricia & Kami Montano
Sherry Phillips
Seven Hills Partners LLP
Bertha & Jose Vieyra
Cindy Daniel & Doug Lipton
Susan Montgomery
Janice & Douglas Pile, MD
Patti & Tom Shadick
Judy & Al Voigt
Kim & John Lloyd
Jean Mooney
Martha Pogue
Judy & Wylie Sheldon
Cairenn Voigt
Joanne & Donald Loarie, MD
Sheryl & Robert Morgensen
Susan Lentz & Herb Polesky, MD
Pamela & Merritt Sher
Sharon & Alex Vyborny
Pamla & Bruce Lockett
Carol & James Morrill
Patricia M. Pope
Marietta Showalter
Mary Joan & Robert Wale
Liz & Alan Loebel
Maria Flores & Agustine Mota
Claire Posson
Anneke & Lawton Shurtleff
Karen Wallace
Sue Long
Nancy & Richard Mucci, MD
Emily Pottruck
Thelma & Michael Siebielec
Madeline & Dick Wallace
Marilyn & Robert Lotspeich
Lori Mueller
Lonna & Kevin Powers
Kristine Leroux & Charles Siebert
Dotty & Jim Walters
Peggy & Jim Love
Julianne & Douglas Muhleman
Kathleen Prati
Julia Silva
Filma Walton
Christine & Marcus Lovett
Caryl & Greg Putnam
Silveira Pontiac & Buick
Janis & Warren Watkins
Sandra Lydy
Muller Family Foundation,
Tim Muller
Quivira Vineyards
Lida & Vernon Simmons
Josephine & Robert Watson
Inge Lyons
Reta & Billy Munselle
Rita Scardaci & Sam Radelfinger
Wendy & Steve Smit
Daniel Weaver
Bretta Rambo & Walt Maack, MD
Katie & Denny Murphy
Joseph Ramazzotti
Betty L. Smith
Frances & Mort Weed
Mary Anna & Lawrence Machi
Lisa & William Nam
Odile Rasmussen
Betty Robie Smith
Jane Weil
Laura Mack
Sue & Tom Nardi
Barbara & Norm Ray
Heather & Frank Smith
Mary Caldwell & Steve Weiss
Mackenzie Digital Art
Michelle Neal
Dolores & William Rebok
Kimberly Smith
Jane & Nelson Weller
Kate Ecker & John Mackie
Neel Foundation
Catherine Reddy
Mary Ellen & Richard Smith
Nancy & Ken Wells
Marilyn Mac Lellan
Judy Edmonds & E.J. Neil
Alex & Andy Reed
June & Temple Smith
Katherine & William Wells
Ann Mahoney
Carol Nelson
Kay & Tom Reed
Carol & David Soderstrom
Maggie & Harry Wetzel
Kathleen Mahoney
Laura Seccombe & David Nelson
Helen & Robert Reedy Family
Sharon & John Soracco
Florence Wheeler
Rev. Raymond Maloney
Janice & Richard Nelson
Patricia Reese
June & Ken Spadoni
Ingrid & William Wheeler
Joyce Mann
Sindy & Bruce Nevins
Joan & Michael Reid
Thomas Sparks
Diane & Donald White
Jeanie & Paul Marguglio, MD
Janis Nicholas
Carlene & John Reininga
Tara Speicher
Kathleen & Thomas White
Mary Mariani
Sally & Robert Nicholson
Bruce Reuser
Dominica & Steve Sperbeck
Judith & Jerome M. Widlow
Irene Marinelli
Sharlene Nordstrom
Sandy & Dru Reynolds
Jean & Frank Springer
Gay & Greg Wilcox
Lorraine & Barney Marinelli
Janet & Joe Norton
Jo & George Stan
Jessica & Jonathan Wilhelm
Elaine Marlowe
Sheila O'Brien
Truman Reynolds,
Pac 'n Ship Direct
Jan & Brent Stanley
Leslie Wilks
Sarah & David Mars
Barbara & Pier Oddone
Eleanor & Howard Rice
David Stare
Doris & David Williams
Ruth Martindell
Alison & Gerald Ogden
Jill Ridder
Maria & Jon Stark
Ellen & Howard Williams
Ana Marie Salazar
& Jose Martinez
Sandra O'Grady
Robin Ridder
Rena Steele
Kristine Williams
Nancy & Steven Oliver
Carole & Robert Rinne
Rodney Stevenson
Kenneth Wills
Edward Mastrangelo
Yolanda & Vince Oliver
Riverview Creamery
Mady Stewart
Kris Wilson
Mary Ann Matelli
Deborah Olsen
Lillian & Arthur Robertson
Kazumi Nishio & Douglas Stout
Cathy & Locke Wilson, MD
Debra Mathy
Agnes & David Olson
Kay Robinson
Patricia Stratton
Marilyn & James Lee Wilson
Susan Paganini & Federico Mati
Donna & Jim Olson
Vivienne & Joe Rochioli
Gillian & Ross Stromberg
Drs. Myra & Burton Wise
Kay & Tad Matsuda
Mike Olson
Mary & Bill Rodgers
Jean Stutsman
Susan & Peter Witter
Edward Matteoli
Gloria Opperman
Maria & Nury Rodriguez
Anne & Frederick Styles
Eberhard Woerz
Teresa Pemberton Mattingly
Kim Opperman
Kaye Rogers
Jacci Summers
Janet & Art Wong, MD
Jennifer Mauch
Lynne Opperman
Sharon & Robert Roper
Jessica Conklin Sutton
Sara & Peter Woodfield
Ida & Michael Maybrun
Gig & Mel Owen
Denise & George Rose
Judith Croll Swanger
Anne & Montgomery Woods
Mary Ann Mayo
Gail Owens
Cathryn & Dan Rose, MD
Beverly & Colburn Swarthout
Kay & Frank Woods
Jean & Jim Mazzoni
Lynn & Seaver Page
Joan & Malcolm Ross
Karen & Harry Tappin
Constance & Bennett Wren
Lanae Mazzoni
Jane Paneitz
Nicole Ross
Mark Thayer
Lydia & Philip Wright
Beulah & Art. McCaffrey
Gail Paquette
Pamela Rudd
Michele Hunter Thayer
Mary & Dallas Wright
Persis McCarley
Cathy & Rod Park
Enrique Ruiz
Edward Throndson
Susan & Gerald Wunderlich
David McChesney
Elenita Parker
Betty & Clarence Ruonvaara
Tietz Family Foundation
Bernice Young
Mary Lou McClaughry
Frances & Lawrence Parker
Jean-Pierre Ryf
Ralph Tingle
Irene & Bob Young
Sue McCutchan
Sandra & Leonard Parker
Sue Sacks, Options
Toad Hollow
Jill Young
Dorothy & Bill McCutchan
Marc Parris, MD
Patricia & Eugene Saini
Frank Tognotti
Kathleen & Jim Young
Katharine & Henry McFalls
Diane Passalacqua
Eloy Saldena
Dorothy & Warren Toomey
Donna & Robert Young
Donna McFetridge
Noelle & Jason Passalacqua
Beth & Robert Salisbury
Barbara Toschi
Ruth Younggren
Louise McIntyre
Sandi & Tom Passalacqua
Marilyn & W.C. Sanderson
Linda Lorz & John Toton, MD
Marian & Gust Zagorites
MCJ Foundation
Dorothy & Herbert Passarino
Ruben Sandoval
Laura & Dell Tredinnick
Eleanor & Frank Zak
Patricia McNeill
Norma & Pryor Passarino
Julia & Bob Santos
Susan & Martin Trieb
Zam Enterprises Inc.
Reola Meadows
Diane Pasterick
Vida & Arnold Santucci
Tri-Valley Vineyard Management
Peter Zandrino
Patty & Cliff Melim
Gloria Patteson
Sharyn & Robert Sarquis
Linda Trocki
Barbara & Kevin Zaney
Margot & Al Merck
Donna & Bob Sauers
Trowbridge Recreation Inc.
CiCi & Stephen Zellerbach
Ava Auchincloss & Joseph Mesics
Charlotte &
Randolph Paulling, MD
Betty & David Scatena
Maggie Zeman
Robert H. Meyer
Elizabeth & Richard Peacock
Phillip Trowbridge
Janice & Ralph Sceales
Stanley Ziganti
Marilyn & Mario Michelon
Pediatric Dental Initiative
Robert Valette
Christine Schadlich
Jacolyn Zimmerman
Beverly Midson
Phyllis & Jim Pedroncelli
Eugene Valla
Lisa Schaffner
Cheryl & Robert Zitsman
Catherine & John Mihalik, MD
Christine & John Pedroncelli
Marian & Peter Van Alyea
Shirley & Gerald Schallon
We sincerely apologize for anyone unintentionally omitted.
Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County
page 5
Board Profile: Mary Ellen Smith
B
Born and raised in Los Angeles, the newly
elected Healthcare Foundation Board
President graduated from the Fashion
Institute of Design and Merchandising
and in 1970 began a career in the fashion
industry. Starting as a buyer of men’s and
women’s apparel for Robinson’s department
stores, she later served as their men’s Fashion
Director.
A cross-country move to New York City led
to a job as Director of Merchandising for
Izod Lacoste Menswear, which
entailed extensive travel in
Europe and the Far East doing
product development. While in
New York, she met and married
Richard Smith, an investment
banker. In 1986 they moved to
San Francisco, and Mary Ellen
decided to step back from the
jobs that had required so much
time away from home, spending
a few years doing merchandising promotions for Macy’s and
Anne Klein Sportswear.
During the early years of living
in San Francisco she became
involved in volunteer organizations that
focused on children and family services.
She was a member of the St. Luke’s Hospital
Junior Auxiliary and the Edgewood Auxiliary.
In the mid-nineties she joined the Board of
Directors of the Edgewood Center for
Children and Families, serving on that
Board for nine years.
After buying a weekend home in the
Alexander Valley, Dick and Mary Ellen fell in
love with the community and made many
new and lasting friendships. She became
Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County
very active with the Master Gardener
organization, and when Dick retired nine
years later, Healdsburg became their primary
residence. Dick joined the Healdsburg District
Hospital Board, and continues to serve on
their finance committee.
The Smiths became dedicated to saving
the hospital because, as Mary Ellen relates,
“…in 1997 they saved my life! At the time, we
were still only weekend residents, but in early
November I was struck with sudden and very
severe abdominal pain and
was admitted to Healdsburg
District Hospital. Within 48
hours I was in surgery for
a perforated colon. I was
devastated! At age, 45,
having spent my life in
an image business, always
working to stay fit, I now
had an appliance!
I spent eight days at HDH,
deathly sick, running a very
high fever and emotionally
shattered. The tender
and compassionate care
I received, especially from
the nursing staff, was amazing. It still brings
tears to my eyes to remember that difficult
time, and how grateful I am to have received
such outstanding care.”
Today she is fully recovered, but ever-mindful
of the many valuable lessons she learned
during her ordeal. As Mary Ellen Smith
assumes the role of Healthcare Foundation
Board President, she is completely dedicated
to assuring that others will have the same
excellent and compassionate care that she
had… close to home.
page 6
Healthcare Update
The return of the ICU
Healdsburg District Hospital’s Chief Nursing
Officer, Jan Kiely, is very excited that the
Patricia and Raymond Chambers Intensive
Care Unit has been completed and is now
licensed to begin caring for critically ill
patients. “Our hospital will benefit because
doctors will have the security of an ICU
and excellent staff to care
for patients needing this
level of care,” says Kiely.
“Our community will
benefit because patients
will be able to receive this
care close to home. Our
patients will benefit because
they won’t get transferred
routinely to Santa Rosa
for ICU-level care. We are
providing training on the new equipment,
have successfully recruited some highly
skilled nurses and have Dr. Jim Gude and
Dr. Gary LeKander here on a daily basis to
oversee the progress. We are very fortunate
to have this service for our community.”
Free TB screening
in Alexander Valley
Alexander Valley Regional Medical Center
has received grant funds for Free Tuberculosis
screening and treatment for residents of
Geyserville and Cloverdale. TB is a lifethreatening infection that primarily affects
the lungs killing nearly 2 million people
each year. According to AVRMC Executive
Director Debbie Howell, “The TB infection is
common—about one-third of the worldwide
population is infected—and coughing is often
the only initial indication. Learn to recognize
the symptoms which include a cough lasting
Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County
three or more weeks, unintended weight
loss, fatigue, fever, night sweats, chills, loss of
appetite or pain with breathing or coughing.”
If you reside in Geyserville or Cloverdale, and
would like a FREE TB screening which is simple
and painless, contact the AVRMC office to
schedule an appointment by calling 894-4229
8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.
Thanks
from Alliance
Alliance Medical
Center’s CEO, Jack
Neureuter is grateful
that generous foundations and local service
groups support AMC
in their efforts to provide
education and health
services to their clients, regardless of their
ability to pay: Healthcare Foundation
Northern Sonoma County, California Wellness
Foundation, Kaiser Permanente Foundation,
State Farm, Soroptomist International
Healdsburg and the Healdsburg Rotary Club.
In addition to school-based programs such
as those educating teens about pregnancy
prevention and teaching elementary school
students how to form good health and
nutrition habits, AMC offers prenatal
education programs taught in Spanish,
child safety classes and mammogram/
sonogram screenings as well as follow up
procedures for women who do not qualify
for any other form of assistance.
“We appreciate the organizations that
recognize the fine work we do, and the
importance of continuing the services we
provide to our community,” says Neureuter.
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Healthcare Foundation Northern Sonoma County
Healthcare Foundation
Northern Sonoma County
132 Mill Street, Suite 211
PO Box 1025
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Phone: (707) 473-0583
HEALTHCARE
FOUNDATION
Northern Sonoma County
To:
It’s official!
Ribbon Cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Wetzel Family Emergency Department.
From left: Mary Ellen Smith, Ruth Olson, Katie Wetzel-Murphy, Jan Kiely, Evan Raynor
The Healthcare Foundation raises funds for capital projects in support of healthcare in northern Sonoma
County including funds necessary to the development, implementation, and protection of such projects.