2015 Summer Personal Blessing

A publication of BLESSING HOSPITAL Summer 2015
COVER STORY:
Meet Elliott, a special little
boy - Page 2
In sickness AND health:
Husband and wife bring their
vows to life - Page 4
Surgeon joins Blessing Heart
& Vascular Center team Page 7
PBLESSING
ersonal
Published four times a year by the Public
Relations & Communications staff of
Blessing Hospital. Personal Blessing
provides general information on health
related topics. It is not intended to be a
substitute for professional medical advice,
which should always be obtained from your
physician.
The Blessing Health System
Mission Statement:
To improve the health of our community.
The Blessing Hospital
Vision Statement:
Blessing will be the leader in quality
patient and family centered healthcare.
In partnership with our community,
patients, staff, students, volunteers, and
physicians, we will create and support
a culture of excellence and financial
sustainability.
We will be recognized as the:
• Provider of choice for our patients
• Employer of choice for our staff
• Partner of choice for our physicians
• Healthcare educational provider of
choice
For more information, contact:
Blessing Hospital
Broadway at 11th & 14th Street
PO Box 7005
Quincy, IL 62305-7005
(217) 223-8400, extension 4192
BlessingHealthSystem.org
Personal Blessing is sent to residents of the
Blessing Hospital service area using a purchased
mailing list. If you no longer wish to receive
Personal Blessing, please email your request,
name and complete address to
[email protected], or call him
at 217-223-8400, ext. 4191.
The Blessing Walk-In Clinic
By Maureen Kahn, president/CEO, Blessing Health System
The new Blessing Walk-In Clinic, at 11th and
Broadway in Quincy, is expected to open this
summer. Please check the Blessing Health System
website and Facebook page, and watch your local
media for an opening date when it is set.
The Blessing Walk-In Clinic will be open 6 am
to 10 pm, seven days a week, including holidays, because illness and
injury don’t occur at the most convenient times. We hope that the
before-school-and-work opening hours and late closing time of the
Walk-In Clinic will make getting care for non-life threatening illnesses
and injuries a little more convenient when an appointment with your
primary care provider is not an option.
It remains important to have a primary care provider for the
care of you and your loved ones. No Walk-In Clinic can replace
that relationship. Primary care providers specialize in preventive
care. They know personal and family histories, can schedule needed
screenings, and help stop minor conditions from becoming major
health issues. Health is less expensive than illness.
But for unscheduled healthcare needs, the Walk-In Clinic provides
another option for your care in non-life threatening situations. You
find the Blessing Walk-In Clinic in the space that has housed Urgent
Care on Blessing’s 11th Street campus. It will have a well-marked
entrance adjacent to the Air Evac heliport and parking in the lot across
11th Street from the heliport.
The Walk-In Clinic will be a department of Blessing Coporate
Services. It will offer a lower fee structure for most services than has
been available through Urgent Care.
The Walk-In Clinic is not for all healthcare needs. People with lifethreatening injuries including chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe
bleeding, burns, head injuries and other trauma should call 9-1-1 or go
immediately to the Blessing Hospital Emergency Center. Please see
the next page for a general outline regarding treatment options for
unscheduled healthcare needs.
Watch for the opening of the Walk-In Clinic:
► Open 6 am - 10 pm, seven days a week, including holidays.
► Different entrance than the Emergency Center, located
directly across (north) from the heliport.
► Parking lot on the northeast corner of 11th and Broadway.
► Lower fee structure for most services than was previously
available.
► For life threatening injuries and illnesss, call 911 or go to the
Emergency Center.
Know Your Treatment Options
you have more than you think!
Healthcare is a choice. Making smart choices about where you access healthcare
decreases cost and increases satisfaction with the care you receive.
ILLNESS/INJURY
BLESSING
FAST CARE
BLESSING
WALK-IN
CLINIC
Physicals, school and sports
Cold Sores and fever blisters
Coughs and Sore Throat
Minor Allergic Reaction
Eye Irritation, Swelling, Pain
Ear/Sinus infection (swimmer’s ear)
Burning with urination/infection
Fevers
Mild Rashes and Minor Burns/Sunburns
Bumps, Cuts & Scrapes
Allergies
Blood Work (when ordered by provider during visit)
Foreign Object in Eye or Nose
Minor Headaches
Mild Asthma
Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Sprains and Strains
Cold or Flu symptoms
Stitches
Animal Bites
Minor Fracture
X-Rays (when ordered by provider during visit)
Broken Bones
Poisoning
Pregnancy contractions or labor
Significant, Uncontrolled Bleeding
Severe Burns
Chest Pain, Shortness of Breath, Stroke
COST
EMERGENCY
DEPARTMENT
CALL 9-1-1
CO-PAY,
MOST
INSURANCE
CO-PAY,
MOST
INSURANCE
CO-PAY,
MOST
INSURANCE
You may still see the primary care provider of your choice. This chart does not contain an
exhaustive list of illnesses and injuries and should not be considered to be medical advice. If in
doubt always err on the side of caution.
Personal BLESSING
1
{cardiac care
Meet one special little boy
Most new moms and dads
believe their baby is the most
special. Proud parents Adam and
Alison Llewellyn of Mt. Sterling,
IL, are in that group. But for them,
the specialness of their child is a
medical fact.
One-year-old Elliott Llewellyn
was born with Jacobsen Syndrome.
The estimated incidence of
Jacobsen Syndrome is one in
100,000 newborns and only about
200 affected persons have been
reported.
Jacobsen Syndrome is a
condition caused by a loss of
genetic material from chromosome
11.
The signs and symptoms
2
Personal BLESSING
of Jacobsen Syndrome vary
considerably, ranging from
possible developmental delays and
behavioral issues, to distinct facial
features and medical problems.
For little Elliott, the two
most significant complications
of Jacobsen’s Syndrome are that
he was born with one kidney
and with a heart condition called
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
(HLHS) variant.
HLHS is a birth defect that
affects normal blood flow through
the heart. As the baby develops
during pregnancy, the left side of
the heart does not form correctly
and cannot pump oxygen-rich
blood to the body properly. One
in about 4,300 babies is born with
HLHS.
To date, little Elliott has had
two heart surgeries to correct the
problem, and will need at least
one more sometime between the
ages of two and four. He has also
needed and will continue to need
heart catheterizations to widen his
arteries as he grows.
An ultrasound at Week 20 of
Alison’s pregnancy indicated the
potential for a heart defect, but
it was unclear the extent or type
of defect. The Llewellyns were
referred to St. Louis Children’s
Hospital for Elliott’s delivery. It
was after his birth that doctors
determined he suffered from HLHS
right here - right now}
and Jacobsen Syndrome.
“I didn’t cry until I got in the
car to go home,” said Alison “You
expect to have a perfect baby and
come home from the hospital to
live your life.”
“We’ve come home from the
hospital several times in the past
year,” she continued. “That’s not
normal for most people. But that’s
normal now for us and we would
not give Elliott up for the world!”
“God has a plan,” said Elliott’s
father, Adam. “He doesn’t give you
what you can’t handle.”
Helping the Llewellyns
handle Elliott’s condition is
Ramzi Nicolas, MD, pediatric
cardiologist, Southern Illinois
University School of Medicine. He
completed a one-year pediatric
interventional cardiology
fellowship and a three-year
pediatric cardiology fellowship
at St. Louis Children’s Hospital,
Washington University in St.
Louis, and is certified in pediatric
cardiology.
With his practice based in
Springfield, IL, and on staff at
St. John’s Children’s Hospital
in Springfield and St. Louis
Children’s Hospital, Dr. Nicolas
comes to Blessing Hospital once
a month to see his local patients,
including Elliott.
“It saves us almost an hour
of drive time,” said Adam about
bringing Elliott to see Dr.
Nicolas at Blessing rather than in
Springfield.
“We’re more familiar with
Quincy,” added Alison. “We can
run other errands while we are
there.”
While the Llewellyns are glad
to have appointments with Dr.
Nicolas at Blessing, they would
travel wherever they needed to go
for Elliott to see him.
“He plays with him and talks
with him. He and his nurses make
him laugh,” said Alison of Dr.
Nicolas’s bedside manner with
Elliott. “They care for us as much
as for Elloitt.”
“I would recommend him to
any parent,” added Adam. “He
always has an answer for us. He is
very knowledgeable.”
“Despite the rare and serious
heart condition, Elliott is
doing great so far,” stated Dr.
Nicolas. “He had two open heart
surgeries and multiple cardiac
catheterizations before his first
birthday. His loving and caring
parents played a major role is his
recovery.”
“Seeing patients like Elliott
growing and smiling is the best
reward I can get from my career
as a Pediatric Cardiologist,” Dr.
Nicolas concluded.
Elliott is a fighter. He needed
that spirit after his second heart
surgery. Elliott had the surgery on
September 17 and was discharged
about a month later. But when he
got home, Adam and Alison knew
something was wrong. They took
Elliott to St. John’s Children’s
Hospital in Springfield.
“He was near respiratory arrest.
It was scary,” recalled Alison.
“It was just a common cold, but
he can’t handle it like other kids
might.”
For that reason, the Llewellyns
are careful not to take Elliott into
crowds of people and expose him
to germs. When they do go out as
a family, Adam is careful to make
sure well-meaning strangers don’t
get too close to or touch Elloitt.
“I probably sound rude, but it
takes too long to explain,” he said.
“It’s for Elliott’s health.”
While both of Elliott’s parents
work, he does not go to a child
care as part of the effort to limit
his exposure to germs. Alison’s
mother watches her grandson
two days a week, and Adam is
able to stay home with him the
other three days of the work week.
His employer, the Brown County
Public Housing Authority, allows
Adam a flexible work schedule and
the ability to work weekends to
complete his 40 hours.
The Llewellyns figure the cost
of Elliott’s medical care in his first
year of life has exceeded $1 million.
The cost has not crippled the
young family thanks to the quality
of health insurance offered by
Alison’s employer, DOT Foods, and
the support of their community.
“We’re lucky to live in small
community,” said Adam. “They
threw us a benefit that helped a
lot.”
In addition to seeing Dr.
Nicolas every three months now,
Elliott receives occupational and
speech therapy from Blessing
Home Care for the complications
of Jacobsen Syndrome, and takes
daily medication for his heart
condition; an unusual routine for a
one-year-old.
“He’s a little behind, but he is
getting there,” Alison said. “He’s
definitely getting an attitude.”
“He’s curious now,” stated
Adam. “He’s a normal kid.”
“We don’t know what the
future will bring,” Alison added.
“Right now, we’re trying to help
him live the best we can, to grow
and develop.”
Personal BLESSING
3
In sickness AND in health:
Bariatric surgery changes couple’s lives
Anthony and Cathy Allieri are working hard to
become half the couple they used to be.
And they could not be happier.
“It’s not something to go into light-heartedly,”
said Cathy. “We talked about it a lot before doing it. I
would recommend it. It is something that has changed
our lives.”
It is bariatric surgery. The Allieris of Monroe
City, MO, married for 11 years, became the first
husband-wife team to, at the same time, go through
the Memorial Bariatric Services program, of which
Blessing Hospital is an affiliate.
“We do everything together,” Cathy continued.
“Most of our jobs have been together. We like to do
things together. That’s just the way we are.”
“We wanted to go through bariatric surgery
together, to experience the stages at the same time,”
she said. “We have each other to talk with. We know
4
Personal BLESSING
what foods we can have, and can tell the other, ‘You
know you are not supposed to have that, or yes, you
can have that.’”
“It’s great support for both of us, knowing what
the other is going through,” Anthony added.
While Cathy’s mother and father, and a friend of
the Anthony and Cathy’s had bariatric surgery in the
past, the bariatric ball really got rolling in the Allieri
household after Jennifer Holcomb, nurse practitioner
with Memorial Bariatric Services at Blessing Hospital,
attended an employee health fair at Blue Cross/Blue
Shield in Quincy where Cathy works.
“I had been considering it, but had not made a
decision at that point in time,” Cathy recalled. “I
picked up the information Jennifer had, brought it
home and we started talking about it.”
At her peak weight, Cathy was near 400 pounds.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal
imbalance of unknown cause, contributed to her
excess weight. It also increased her risk for high
blood pressure and diabetes and was interfering
with the possibility of having children. These factors
motivated Cathy to consider bariatric surgery to shed
the weight and help reduce her medical risk factors
and increase her chances to have children.
For Anthony, the sedentary lifestyle of a truck
driver caused him to tip the scales at 310 pounds and
look to bariatric surgery when all other conservative
and traditional weight loss attempts failed.
“My life was centered on food, soda and
cigarettes,” he stated. “I was drinking four liters of Mt.
Dew a day. “
“I tried Atkins, I tried the South Beach diet, I feel
like I tried all of them and nothing worked,” Anthony
continued.
Then one day he received the diagnosis he dreaded
from his doctor; diabetes.
“My grandmother had diabetes. A friend passed
away because of diabetes. I never wanted to be a
diabetic. I told myself I would never take insulin,”
Anthony said.
A weight of 100 pounds over a person’s ideal body
weight is considered “morbid obesity.” Morbid obesity
is linked to at least 16 common but very serious health
risks, including diabetes, high cholesterol and high
blood pressure. Bariatric surgery is the only single
line of therapy that is proven to positively impact all
16 health risks, including diabetes, which in some
patients has been reversed.
Research shows that 95 percent of people
following a traditional diet and exercise program will
gain back the weight they initially lost within five
years. In bariatric patients, only 15 percent regain
their lost weight.
So on January 19, 2015, after going through
the months-long Memorial Bariatric Services at
Blessing Hospital preparation and education period,
the Allieris had bariatric surgery on the same day
at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL,
performed by Orlando Icaza, MD.
Dr. Icaza has performed bariatric surgery
on husbands and wives before. However, those
procedures were separated by months or years. This
marked the first time he experienced a husband and
wife undergoing the procedure on the same day.
“We have a team of about 15 people who do daily
rounding on our bariatric patients,” he said. “Each
morning we would find the Allieries sitting together,
playing cards. They enjoyed the chance to go through
this experience together and it was exciting for me to
be a part it.”
The Allieris each had a gastric bypass procedure.
Gastric bypass limits the amount of food consumed at
a sitting and limits the amount of calories that can be
absorbed into the body by dividing the stomach into a
small upper pouch and a much larger lower “remnant”
pouch. The small pouch serves as the “new” stomach.
The small size of this newly formed stomach limits
the amount of food intake. It also provides a feeling of
fullness and satisfaction with smaller portions of food.
The lower section of the stomach no longer receives,
stores, and mixes food but remains functional by
continuing to secrete digestive juices.
Five months after surgery, both Anthony and
Cathy had lost nearly 100 pounds each and Anthony
was off all his medications – for high blood pressure
and diabetes – and no longer drank soda or smoked.
“I don’t feel any different, but I dress better,”
Anthony said with a smile. He also smiles when he
recalls coming back to work and seeing his coworkers
for the first time after a seasonal lay-off and his
bariatric surgery.
“Their reaction was shock and awe at how much
weight I lost,” he said. “A coworker is now thinking
about having the surgery.”
“We do a lot more walking now and other
activities we have not done,” observed Cathy. “We
went out and bought a canoe. That’s something we
would not have done before.”
While Anthony hopes to reduce his weight to
180 pounds, Cathy does not have a specific weight
in mind. But she does have her sights set on what
success will look like.
“I want to be a size 10,” she stated. “I don’t know
why. Size 10 just always sounded good.”
This couple, now well on their way to better
health, expresses sincere appreciation to another
couple that helped them on their journey – Memorial
Medical Center and Blessing Hospital. Anthony
and Cathy say they received exceptional care and
recommend the program to others.
For more information on the Memorial
Bariatric Services at Blessing Hospital, visit
MemorialBariatricServices.com/Blessing, or
call toll-free (866) 205-7915.
Personal BLESSING
5
The
doctor is
(back) in
6
Personal BLESSING
Pam Phillips Friye was busy;
a wife, a mother of three pre-teen
boys and physician with a thriving
family medicine practice.
For two years she wrestled
with an idea that would change
everything in her life.
“It was partly divine
intervention,” she said of reaching
a decision. “One night my husband
said to me, ‘You probably aren’t
going to be happy until you go
back and do this residency.’ It was
like a huge weight was lifted off
my shoulders.”
This residency was three-anda-half years of study and practice
in obstetrics and gynecology
at St. Francis Medical Center/
University of Illinois-Peoria.
“It meant moving the entire
family and my husband giving up
his job to become a full-time stayat-home father,” said Dr. Phillips
Friye.
In addition she would leave
her family medicine patients at
the Southern Illinois University
Family Practice Center in Quincy
after 13 years.
“My practice was full of
wonderful patients” she said. “It
was not easy to leave. That also
weighed heavily on me.”
Over her years in family
medicine, Dr. Phillips Friye saw
more and more female patients,
providing more and more obstetric
care. When Louis DeGreeff, MD,
was in practice, Dr. Phillips Friye
would assist him when one of
her patients needed a C-Section.
Upon his retirement, she began to
think about making the switch to
obstetrics and gynecology.
“My love is obstetrics. Having
my husband’s blessing was
huge. The next day I started the
application process,” Dr. Phillips
Friye recalled.
“It was wonderful to be
challenged,” said Dr. Phillips Friye
of her three-plus year residency.
“There was much new information,
particularly with the surgical
aspects in gynecology. I enjoyed it.
It required many hours, hours spent
away from my family. But it was
definitely worthwhile.”
Today, she is a member of
the Blessing Physician Services
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Department.
A Quincy native, Dr. Phillips
Friye said she had planned to return
to her hometown to practice after
the residency, but credits two
Blessing Physician Services doctors
with ‘recruiting’ her.
“Prior to my leaving, Drs. Gina
Dietrich and Mark Hensley both
said, “Talk to us when you are ready
to graduate.”
“I thank the community for
accepting me back with open
arms,” she continued. “It’s been a
joy coming back. I could not ask for
more.”
Dr. Phillips Friye practices from
Suite 220 in the Blessing Health
Center, 927 Broadway, Quincy. The
office phone number is 217-2246423.
Pam Phillips Friye , DO, graduated
salutatorian from Quincy Notre Dame
High School and received her medical
degree from Kirksville College of
Osteopathic Medicine. She completed
a family medicine residency at SIU
Quincy Family Medicine Center, where
she was chief resident in her final year.
Surgeon
joins Blessing
Heart &
Vascular
Center team
The Blessing Heart & Vascular
Center’s Cardiothoracic
Surgery program is
associated with the Division
of Cardiothoracic Surgery at
Washington University School
of Medicine in St. Louis.
Through the association
Blessing physicians and
staff work with Washington
University physicians and
staff to continue enhancing
the level and quality of care
for Blessing patients.
John H. Arnold has his
fingers on the pulse of the
Midwest. An Ohio native,
he graduated from The Ohio
State University College of
Medicine, earned certification
from the American Board of
Thoracic Surgery and went on
to help start heart programs
from the ground up in private
practice and as a member of the
Cleveland Clinic medical staff.
Dr. Arnold (pictured
at left) recently joined
the Blessing Heart
& Vascular Center
team, ready to help the
program and hospital
continue to grow.
“There is in place
here a great foundation
of cardiothoracic services
aligned with very strong
cardiology, pulmonology,
oncology and other
services,” he observed. “I
look forward to working
with the providers of
these specialties, nursing
and administration
to continue to grow
and become an absolutely
outstanding regional facility.”
Dr. Arnold also looks
forward to the contributions
Blessing’s association
agreement with the Division
of Cardiothoracic Surgery
at Washington University
School of Medicine in St. Louis,
will play in the growth of the
program.
“The reputation of
Washington University is,
of course, outstanding,” he
stated. “There is no doubt this
relationship will be a positive
one.”
Dr. Arnold knows a bit
about Blessing and its patients.
He has served on the Medical
Staff since October 2014,
providing cardiothoracic patient
care when other physicians
were out of the office due to
vacations, conferences or other
commitments.
“I’ve had the opportunity to
work with excellent personnel
here,” he said. “The hospital staff
is very engaged.”
After serving as a practicing
surgeon and a consultant, Dr.
Arnold was ready to devote all
his time to direct patient care.
“The opportunity offered
me at Blessing provided an
excellent way to continue my
clinical work. I feel blessed that
Hospital administration invited
me to work and live in this
community,” he said.
Dr. Arnold’s clinical
education includes a General
Surgery Residency at Vanderbilt
University and a Cardiothoracic
Surgery Residency at the
University of Utah Health
Science Center.
“I’ve had the good fortune
to train at fantastic institutions
under outstanding mentors,” he
stated.
What can patients expect
from Dr. Arnold?
“It’s important to me that
patients have the opportunity to
learn as much about their health
challenges as they care to know.
I work hard to communicate to
meet those needs,” he said. “The
hospital is very much dialed
into providing an environment
where that can happen.”
Nurse Practitioner Andrea
Leone works with Dr. Arnold
to provide patient care. Their
office is in Suite 231, Blessing
Health Center West Entrance,
927 Broadway, Quincy. The
office phone number is
217-277-8960.
Personal BLESSING
7
THE GREATEST REWARD
By Melinda Thompson, RN, Blessing Hospice & Palliative Care
I didn’t choose hospice, hospice
chose me. I had been drawn to
helping people at the end of life,
beginning when I was working as
a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
and taking nursing classes.
I had been working in
Pediatrics when a friend encouraged
me to apply for the position with Blessing Hospice &
Palliative Care. Working with children as their lives
were just beginning was very satisfying, but helping
people at the end of their journey in this world is even
more rewarding for me.
Hospice care is for people who have a prognosis
of six months or less of life left. Choosing hospice
care is a very personal decision. Some people make
that decision earlier in their illness than others.
Sometimes, we’re meeting our patients when they
only have a few days of life left.
All of my patients touch my life in some way,
regardless of the amount of time I get to spend with
them. However, when I have a patient who has
months of life left versus days, I have much more
opportunity to get to know him or her.
There tends to be a public perception that the
average hospice patient is completely bedridden
and sleeping a lot, wearing oxygen and unable to
communicate. That scenario is the exception, and not
the rule.
I feel that it is one of life’s luxuries for me to spend
time with hospice patients and hear their favorite
stories and memories. I get to observe precious
interactions with friends and family, and I learn a
lot about the kind of day the patient is having by
observing changes in his or her mannerisms and nonverbal cues.
After Blessing Hospice & Palliative Care is invited
into a patient’s life and home, we focus on building
trusting relationships quickly. Once we’ve established
that rapport, patients begin to relax and open up
about a lot of different aspects of their life. It may be a
present day situation or a long ago story of heartache
or a happy memory. It is a true privilege that people
who are facing the end of their life’s journey share
themselves with me, during happiness or grief. I have
laughed with patients, cried with families, wiped
away tears, and sat silently at many bedsides.
8
Personal BLESSING
I had a patient recently who was very ill, but her
death was not imminent when we first met. She was
a retired nurse who was an avid reader and liked to
keep up with current nursing practices. She and I
had conversations about how things have changed
and the way the she was taught compared to how we
practice nursing now. Although she has now gone
on to her heavenly home, I still think of her fondly
and frequently. When I reflect on the things that we
talked about and the stories she shared with me, I
know that I wasn’t simply the nurse assigned to her;
she most certainly was sent to me.
I encourage people to learn more about hospice
care and how our care can add quality of life to a
patient’s remaining days. My coworkers and I want
our patients’ lives to be enriched in the final months
and days. We want to relieve them of their pain,
shortness of breath, spiritual distress or whatever it
is that is affecting their quality of life. We want to
give them the opportunity to live out the remainder
of their days as they choose, without the burden of
uncontrolled symptoms or extensive tests or repeated
trips to the doctor and hospital.
My patients have loved me, and I them. When they
hug me and tell me thank you, it is the best feeling.
I may not have the most glamorous job, and it will
certainly not make me rich, but my heart is full and
that reward is immeasurable.
Blessing Hospice & Palliative Care is the region’s most
experienced provider of end-of-life healthcare. The program was
among the first Medicare-certified hospices in the State of Illinois.
Today the staff serves 10 west central Illinois counties.
For more information call 1-877-672-7610.
SUNDAY,
AUGUST 2
2:00 PM
LOWER
MOORMAN PARK
QUINCY
Butterfly
e f y Moments
e
Butterfly
Moment
Momen
3rd Annual
ual Butterfly
Butterfl
Butt y Release
Hosted by Blessing Hospice & Palliative Care
In celebration and memory of those we have loved and lost
Registration: 1:30-1:45pm
Butterfly Release: Promptly at 2:00pm
Refreshments and children’s activities
immediately following the release.
“Just when the
caterpillar thought
the world was over, it
turned into a butterfly.”
- Author Unknown
A donation is accepted for each butterfly
released, which is accompanied by a
commemorative t-shirt. To ensure a butterfly on
the day of the event, orders are due two weeks
prior to event.
For additional information or to place
an order, please contact Sarah Cantrell
at Blessing Hospice & Palliative Care at
(217) 223-8400, ext. 4726.
Personal BLESSING
9
Ready for
Blessing Hospital’s new patient care facility,
Moorman Pavilion on the Hospital’s 11th and
Broadway campus, is ready for patients.
“Blessing’s Mission is to improve the health of
our community,” said Maureen Kahn, president/chief
executive officer, Blessing Health System. “Moorman
Pavilion will play a key role in fulfilling that Mission
into the future.”
Moorman Pavilion provides 52 new single bed
rooms and allows an additional 52 existing patient
rooms in Blessing Hospital to become single bed
rooms. Single bed hospital rooms decrease risk of
infection and increase patient privacy.
“I have received overwhelmingly positive feedback
10
Personal BLESSING
Care
from people regarding this improvement,” Kahn
stated. “Single bed rooms make hospitalization more
comfortable, and increase safety and quality of care
through decreased infection risk.”
Because the existing rooms will go from two beds
to one, the project did not add to the total number of
beds Blessing Hospital is licensed to operate.
Additionally, the space provided in Moorman
Pavilion allows Blessing to relocate its Behavioral
Center from the 14th Street campus. Consolidating
all inpatient care to the 11th Street campus increases
efficiency of care and decreases operating costs.
“Blessing Behavioral Center inpatient units have
experienced tremendous growth in patient demand
with the closing of other behavioral medicine
services in the region,” Kahn concluded. “Moving
the inpatient behavioral care to 11th Street gives
it the room to meet the growing need, and we no
longer need to license the 14th Street campus as a
hospital and eliminate the costs associated with
that status.”
The ground level and first floor of Moorman
Pavilion house the three Blessing Behavioral
Center inpatient units. The second and third
floors have 52 private rooms. The fourth floor of
the addition will be available for future expansion.
Also on the ground level, across from the
Radiation Therapy department, is a new Infusion
Center. The Infusion Center serves outpatient
needs for chemotherapy, blood transfusions,
IV antibiotics and fluids, and injections. These
services were formerly provided on the medical/
oncology unit 5400. The new Infusion Center has
seven bays and one bed, offering increased privacy
and convenience for patients.
About the Moorman Pavilion name
The name Moorman Pavilion was selected
in honor of the vital role played by Moorman
Manufacturing Company and The CFM
Foundation, founded by the late C.A. Moorman
and his wife, Fabiola Cassidy Moorman, in the
history of Blessing and the community.
The CFM Foundation supported additions
to Blessing Hospital in 1952 and 1967. In 2003,
another gift was made towards the construction
of the Blessing Cancer Center. Moorman Pavilion
became the fourth Blessing Hospital expansion to
receive support from the Foundation.
In addition to financial support, a significant
number of volunteers with Moorman connections
have had a lasting impact on Blessing. Those
include company executives who served as
Trustees on various Blessing boards over the
years including Dean Thomas, Theodore Bean,
H.C. (Bo) Eaton, Thomas Shade, Robert Hulsen,
Richard Liebig and Michael Foster.
Parking and building entry
The photos above show features of the Behavioral
Center units including a bright, spacious day room
and outdoor exercise area.
The Infusion Center, shown above, serves outpatient
needs for chemotherapy, blood transfusions, IV
antibiotics and fluids, and injections.
Visitors are encouraged to use the parking lot
directly across from the main entrance to Blessing
Hospital and use the main entrance when visiting a patient in Moorman Pavilion.
Access to patient floors is more direct using this parking lot and main entrance
as opposed to the Moorman Pavilion entrance, called the North Entrance.
Personal BLESSING
11
The Moorman Pavilion Atrium is beautiful and exciting! Clockwise from top left it features a historic timeline from
1818-2015; a comfortable seating area next to a faux fireplace; a media wall; and donor display honoring those
who together pledged more than $10 million to Moorman Pavilion.
Moorman Pavilion
common areas and
patient rooms feature
artwork reflecting
scenes from the
midwest. Much of the
art is the work of local
artists.
The Atrium honors the
Blessing Volunteers in
Partnership (BVIP) whose $1
million donation to Moorman
Pavilion began the fund drive.
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Personal BLESSING
Moorman Pavilion Room features
Single bed patient rooms are
the gold standard in hospital
care. These rooms increase
privacy, staff efficiency and
patient comfort, and reduce
the risk for infection.
Moorman Pavilion features
52 single bed rooms and will
allow 52 additional rooms in
other parts of the hospital to
become single bed rooms.
Patient Lift system - For use
with patients with limited
mobility. Can be used to move
patient throughout the room.
Medication
Pass-Thru
Window
Healthcare Provider supply
area - Designed to store
needed items within the room.
Includes a Medication PassThru Window located within
a locked cabinet. Allows
pharmacy to deliver meds
directly to the room.
Patient/Family area - This
area includes a flat-screen
television, additional seating
for guests and extra storage for
patient property.
Wipe-off Board is available to
staff, patient and family as a
communication tool.
Additional features:
Specially designed bathroom facilities:
Bathrooms are larger with zero-entry
showers and are hand-held shower
equipped. They allow the patient to
move the shower head and position it
where they need to wash.
• Additional storage within the
room for supplies and patient
belongings.
• Individual thermostat allows
patient the ability to control
room temperature.
• Access window for patient
viewing with privacy control
from inside and outside the
room.
• Sink accessible at patient
bedside.
• Improved lighting for patient
safety and comfort.
• Couch folds flat for visitor
sleeping area.
• Room designed to enhance
infection control. Solid
surface countertops used to
reduce the risk of infection.
• Staff work
station located
BLESSING
between rooms.
Personal
13
Seeing is believing
3D mammography is coming!
Coming this summer the Blessing Breast Center
will offer patients a clinically proven, superior
mammography imaging option- 3D imaging or
tomosynthesis. The Center has purchased the
Selenia Dimensions mammography system.
Traditional 2D mammography usually
takes two X-rays of each breast from
top to bottom and side to side. 3D
mammography allows radiologists
to examine breast tissue layer
by layer. It gives finer detail,
especially beneficial for women
with dense breast tissue. The
rapid 3D scans take less
than four seconds and
have virtually the same
radiation dose when
compared to standard
2D imaging.
“Particularly in women
with dense breasts, small
cancers were previously
hidden by breast tissue and
more difficult to detect with 2D
imaging,” states Dr. Catherine
Barteau, radiologist, Blessing
Hospital. “With 3D imaging we
can find smaller cancers earlier and
decrease the need for women to
come back for additional imaging or
biopsy.”
Studies performed on 3D
mammography technology show a
41 percent increase in the invasive
cancer detection rate and 15
percent decrease in the rate of
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Personal BLESSING
patients requiring additional imaging based on an
initial screening examination.
“This technology is going to bring so much peace
of mind to the women of our community,”
says Lori Wilkey, director, Radiology &
Blessing Cancer Center. “We have this
tool to help our physicians find cancer
sooner and decrease false positives.
It’s so exciting.”
Call (217) 223-8400, ext. 4300,
to make your 3D mammography
appointment at the Blessing
Breast Center.
Breast care
guidelines
At what age to
begin screening
mammograms and how
often to have them done
are decisions best made
as the result of discussion
between a woman and her
primary care provider.
The American College of
Radiology recommends screening
mammograms annually for
women age 40 and older with no
symptoms and who are at average
risk for breast cancer. Screening
with mammography should be
considered as long as the patient
is in good health and is willing
to undergo additional testing,
including biopsy, if an abnormality
is detected.
Think you need back surgery?
Minimally invasive spine surgeon Dr. Nitin
Kukkar says surgery is not always the answer for back
pain.
“80 percent of people with back pain do not need
surgery,” he said. “People seeking treatment for back
pain should start with a visit to their primary care
physician.”
For the majority of people with back pain, Dr.
Kukkar says physical therapy, steroid injections or
chiropractic care may provide the relief they seek.
“I know when you are hurting it is very hard to be
patient,” the doctor continued. “But patience is the
key. Sometimes things get better on their own.”
Dr. Kukkar also encourages people with back pain
to continue moving and taking part in their daily
activities as much as possible. Restricting or reducing
movement can actually contribute to pain.
If after six weeks to three months the pain has not
resolved Dr. Kukkar says it is then time for the patient
to ask for a referral to a surgeon.
Reasons to see a surgeon immediately for back
pain include the need to take multiple pain pills
during the day to get by, if the pain affects muscle
movement, or if there is fever associated with the pain,
which is a sign of infection.
The doctor has lived his advice. As a 20-year-old
medical student he suffered a herniated disc that led
him to study lying down to relieve the pain. Through
physical therapy, he was back on his feet within six
months.
“Back pain is not simple,” he observed. “While the
knee, for example, is one joint, each level of spine has
three joints. The challenge comes through accurately
identifying the affected joint or joints in the spine,
and deciding how best to treat the problem causing
the pain.”
When surgery is required for back pain, Dr.
Kukkar talks with his patients about the benefits of
minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS).
“With MIS, the incision is very small compared
to open spine surgery. This leads to a decreased risk
of infection, reduced trauma to the muscles, and less
blood loss,” he said.
Most patients undergoing MIS are up and moving
the same day as their surgery and working with a
physical therapist at that time. They are typically
discharged the day after surgery and able to do most
of the activities of daily living.
While the MIS incision heals more quickly than
the larger incision of open spine surgery, the bone
affected still needs about 12 weeks to heal completely.
Dr. Kukkar is fellowship trained in MIS. He is a
member of the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine
Surgery and the International Spine Society.
Dr. Kukkar uses MIS in up to 95 percent of his
cases.
“If I can address a spinal condition through MIS, I
encourage the patient to consider it,” he said. “There
are cases where I cannot use MIS, and I tell my
patients when it is not appropriate.”
Dr. Kukkar practices from the Blessing Health
Center West Entrance, Suite 130, 927 Broadway,
Quincy, 217-214-5660.
About Dr. Kukkar
Nitin Kukkar, MD, is a surgeon with SIU
School of Medicine, Division of Orthopedic
Surgery, providing services at Blessing
Hospital. He lives in Quincy, is a member of
the Blessing Hospital Medical Staff.
Dr. Kukkar has completed three
fellowships in orthopedic disciplines: Spine
surgery at the SIU School of Medicine in
Springfield; musculoskeletal oncology at Harvard Medical
School; and joint replacement at Columbia University Medical
Center. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at All
India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, where he
earned his medical degree.
Personal BLESSING
15
Newsmakers
Proudly recognizing the accomplishments of these staff members
Wendy Bentley,
BSN, RN, earned
certification as a
Registered Cardiac
Electrophysiology
Specialist
(RCES) from
Cardiovascular Credentialing
International. She works in the
Blessing Heart & Vascular Center’s
Cardiac Catheterization and
Electrophysiology Laboratories.
Certification requirements
included two years of work
experience in an Electrophysiology
Lab and passage of a written
examination.
Electrophysiology is the science
of diagnosing and treating electric
malfunctions in the heart.
Bentley is also a Registered
Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist.
Reggie Suhling,
registered radiology
special procedures
technologist,
Cardiac
Catheterization
Lab, has earned
certification in CardiacInterventional Radiography
from the American Registry of
Radiologic Technologist, RT(R)
(CI)ARRT.
Certification requirements
included two years of work
experience in a Cardiac
Catheterization Lab with 150
cardiac-interventional radiography
procedures logged and verified by
a Lab supervisor and passage of a
written examination.
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Personal BLESSING
Suhling is also certified as
a Registered Cardiovascular
Invasive Specialist (RICS) from
Cardiovascular Credentialing
International and is a graduate of
the Blessing Hospital School of
Radiologic Technology.
Gerri Buss, MS,
RN, consultant,
Performance
Excellence, has
earned Black Belt
certification in
Lean Six Sigma
performance improvement
methodology from BMGI, an
international business consulting
and training company.
Certification requirements
included 130 hours of online
training and examinations, and
successful completion of a large
project using Lean Six Sigma
methodology.
Buss earned her Master’s
degree in Nursing Administration
from the University of MissouriColumbia. A 35-year member of
the Blessing staff, she worked in
the Emergency Center, Intensive
Care Unit, Care Management and
Nursing Administration before
joining the Performance Excellence
Department.
Lori George,
RN, BSN, Blessing
Wound Healing &
Hyperbaric Center,
has earned Certified
Wound Care Nurse
(CWCN) status
from the Wound, Ostomy and
Continence Nursing Certification
Board.
Certification requirements
include holding a Bachelor
of Science in Nursing degree,
completion of 1,500 hours of direct
patient wound care, completion
of 50 hours of continuing
education and passage of a written
examination.
Laura Leapley,
MSN, BS, RN,
has earned Nurse
Executive-Board
Certified status
(NE-BC) from the
American Nurses
Credentialing Center. Leapley is
Nurse Manager on 2-South.
Certification requirements
included having held an
administrative position full-time
for at least 24 months over the
last five years, completing 30
hours of continuing education in
nursing administration within the
last three years, and passage of a
written examination.
Leapley earned her Master of
Science in Nursing and Bachelor
of Science in Nursing degrees
from Blessing-Rieman College of
Nursing. She also holds a Bachelor
degree in business from HannibalLaGrange College.
Leapley is a member of the
American Organization and Illinois
Organization of Nurse Leaders.
A 12 year member of the Blessing
staff, Leapley also has served on
the 2400 medical/surgical unit, and
Intensive and Intermediate Care
units.
Welcome,
Doctor
Dustin Higgins,
DO, has joined
the Quincy
Medical Group
Endocrinology
Department.
Dr. Higgins
received his Doctor
of Osteopathic Medicine degree
from Midwestern University
– AZCOM, Glendale, AZ. He
completed an Internal Medicine
Residency at Mercy Hospital, St.
Louis, MO, and an Endocrinology
Fellowship at Washington
University, St. Louis, MO.
Dr. Higgins is board certified in
Internal Medicine.
Prior to joining Quincy Medical
Group, Dr. Higgins worked in the
St. Louis area.
Be Well OnLine
Patient Portal
Get secure, instant access to
your health information from
Blessing Health System on any
computer, smartphone or tablet
through the Be Well OnLine Patient
Portal!
Patients at any Blessing Health
System facility can speak with
staff members on how to sign up,
or learn more about the program
at blessinghealthsystem.org/
patientportal.
TIRED of YO-YO
Dieting?
Experience long-lasting, real results with Be Well for Life.
Program includes:
• Health risk assessments
• Physician consultations
• Wellness coaching sessions
• Group nutrition education
• Individual Nutrition
Consultations with a
Registered Dietitian
• Wellness Discussion Group
• Stress management training
• Yoga classes
• Exercise prescriptions
• Tobacco cessation
counseling
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a
w
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For more information please call 217-223-8400, ext. 4202
www.blessinghealthsystem.org/bewellforlife
Personal BLESSING
17
Giving Society
Programs, services and new technology
featured in this issue of Personal Blessing
are made possible in part by donations
to Blessing Hospital and The Blessing
Foundation. The Giving Society is
an honor roll of those showing love
through charitable giving of $100 and
above. Gifts below were received for the
following services: Acute Dialysis – 3400,
Blessed Beginnings, Blessing Hospice
& Palliative Care, Blessing Hospice of
Greene County, Blessing Hospice of
Hancock County, Blessing Hospice of
Pike County, Blessing Hospital, BlessingRieman College of Nursing General
Endowment, Blessing-Rieman College
of Nursing Simulation Center, Blessing
Nurses Alumni Association Scholarship
Fund, Breast Services, Cancer Center &
Radiation Services, Chaplain Education,
Employee Crisis Fund, Heart & Vascular
Center, Lab Staff Education Fund, Patient
Care Addition Fund, Quincy Hospitality
House, and The Blessing Foundation –
Unrestricted.
Donor Recognition Levels
February 1, 2015 to April 30, 2015
Associates ($10,000 - $49,999)
Marion Gardner Jackson Charitable Trust
Partners ($1,000 - $9,999)
Pamela S. Brown
Jay and Karen Dieckhoff
Darius J. Faison
Dr. Robert Gutekunst and Dr. Damaris Ciara
Dawn A. Hobbs
Mr. Zach Hooker
Kathleen E. Hull
Maureen A. Kahn
Dave and Ginny Kater
Mr. Richard E. Munson
Dr. and Mrs. Stuart L. Pyatt
Rex and Lori Schulz
Spiekermann Family
Kelly D. Vlasvich
Ameren Illinois
Amish Church Funds N.E.
Ashley Furniture Homestore
Circle of Hope Bracelets
Elam Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.
Mercantile Bank
Quincy Tractor, LLC
Refreshment Services Pepsi
The Ambiance, LLC
Titan International, Inc.
Unity High School Boys and Girls Basketball
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Personal BLESSING
Friends ($100 - $999)
Amanda M. Abbott
Wanda S. Aden
Wilda and David Agans
Rhonda J. Albers
Rebecca A. Albert
Bruce and Sandra Allen
Traver L. Allen
Jamila Al-Rawas
Donald D. Altgilbers
Mark A. Altgilbers
Krissy Althoff
Jeanne K. Anderson
Jimmy D. Anderson
Mary E. Anderson
Todd M. Arnold
Cathy J. Aschemann
Susan M. Aschemann
Gage J. Avery
Nicole M. Babington
Carolyn J. Bailey
Deeanna L. Baird
Brittany N. Ball
Brooklynn D. Banta
Jessica D. Barnes
Amanda E. Barrick
Julie Barry
Mary F. Barthel, M.D.
Brenda K. Barton
Mary R. Baskett
Dr. Loretta A. Baustian
Jolene R. Beaber
Shelbie Beaber
Beckie S. Bean
William E. Bearden
Karen K. Beckett
Charles and Linda Begley
Sandra J. Behl
Elizabeth A. Bellamy
Stephanie J. Bennett
Kim A. Berkenbile
Brenda K. Beshears
Dr. Timothi J. Beth, D.O.
Joshua W. Bichsel
Vera L. Bickhaus
Maria A. Bingheim
Kathleen Birsic
Carlene T. Blickhan
Sarah K. Bockhold
Sara A. Bondon
Jordan L. Bowen
Glenda F. Bown
Kathy S. Boyer
Mrs. Betty J. Boyer
John Bozarth
John N. Bozdech, Jr.
Marie A. Brandon-Mohr
Aida R. Branstetter
Alicia B. Breckenkamp
Debra C. Briggs
Michele A. Briggs
Rhonda L. BrinksLong
Reverend Daniel G. Brothers
Clayton Brown
Jennifer L. Brown
Kimberly K. Buck
Tamara L. Buckley
Chris D. Bunch
Kelly K. Burgtorf
Gerri A. Buss
Debra S. Cain
Sara E. Campbell
James M. Cannon
Jill A. Cantrell
Sheila J. Capp-Taber
Denise A. Carlson
Veronica L. Carter
Julie M. Cassens
Nila G. Catron
Pat Chamberlain
Becky S. Charlton
Cherie L. Chastain
Andrea R. Chbeir
Susan D. Chenoweth
Christina A. Clemons
Dr. Thomas A. Cliatt
Adam Coggeshall
Alice Coleman
Pamela S. Collins
Jeri A. Conboy
Kristen L. Cook
John R. Cooley
Michelle R. Counts
Jihyon Crane
Rebecca A. Crane
Michelle L. Crawley
Lori A. Crim
Paula L. Crookshanks
Brandon and Shea Cumby
Rebecca T. Cuvillier
Ashley Daggett
Candy J. Daggs
William and Barbara Dahl
Jessica A. Dalheim
Karen M. Dames
Dr. James M. Daniels
Jessica Daugherty
Carlene (Corky) Davis
Christina and James Davis
Dr. J. Cris Del Rosario
Debra Derhake
Cindy A. Deters
Bob and Ann Awerkamp Dickson
Sharon F. Dieker
Gina L. Dietrich, D.O.
Julie A. Dietrich
Nicole T. Dittmer
Wanda S. Dix
Tamra Dochterman
Bonita M. Doellman
Holly S. Doellman
John H. Doellman
Pamela A. Donley
Shannon N. Donley
Destiny D. Draganov
Siera N. Duesterhaus
Julie A. Duke
Anne E. Dunn
Ruth D. Dunn
Deborah Durst
Brian R. Earnst
Sara M. Earnst
Jacqueline A. Edgar
Jerry Edison
Brenda Edwards
Jonna G. Egan
Brenda Ehrhardt
Lea Ann Eickelschulte
Stacey L. Eilerman
Brenda L. Ellingson
Michael D. Ellis
Nancy K. Emerick
Melinda K. Emmite
Jennifer A. Engelmeyer
Jeannie M. Ewers
Randy Lee Faxon
Amanda J. Feeney
Steve and Nancy Felde
Lisa A. Fesler
Timothy G. Finlay
Deborah M. Fischer
Gary and Sharon Flatt
Denise E. Flesner
Lori A. Flesner
Jill E. Foley
Holly Foster
Susan E. Fox
Nancy A. Frank
Rebecca S. French
Denise R. Frericks
Jennifer L. Frericks
Pam Frericks
Vicky L. Frericks
Jennifer L. Frese
Dr. Pamela J. Friye
Lyndell and Penny Fross
Martin J. Gabriel
Donna C. Gail
Ashley N. Gallaher
Gwendolyn M. Gallaher
Lacey D. Gallaher
Jacqueline Garkie
Gina L. Genenbacher
Esther G. Gerding
Patrick M. Gerveler
Jane E. Gillespie
Dr. Steven R. Ginos
Daniele N. Glas
Amy Glascock
Kiyanna S. Glencamp
Angela K. Goewey
Dennis and Barb Gorman
Delena L. Graff
Martha H. Grafford
Barbara A. Greenwood
Ken and Robin Greger
Tiffany L. Greiman
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Griffeth
Brenda S. Grimsley
Brandi and Aaron Griswold
Crystal K. Groff
Julie Gibson Grund
Sarah K. Gunder
David A. Guthrie
Justin R. Hale
Gregg A. Hamilton
Angela R. Hancox
Paula J. Hannant
James and Rachel Hansen
Colby G. Happekotte
Gwen J. Happel
Tiffany J. Hardin
Mark and Dawn Harms
Nikki S. Harper
Patricia A. Harris
Tammy M. Harshman
A. Kyle Hart
Jill M. Hart
Todd R. Haverstock
Judy M. Hays
Terri R. Hecht
Joan K. Heinecke
Loretta K. Heinecke
Kerri L. Henderson
Emily A. Hendrickson
Sue Hepker
Damian K. Herman
Dawn R. Herzog
Jason H. Hetzler
Jerry and Sharon Hickey
Cathy A. Hilgenbrinck
Angela Hill
Debbie R. Hill
Bruce A. Hillebrenner
Kellie L. Hoener
Elizabeth K. Hoffman
Laura A. Hoke
Pat and Dennis Holbrook
Jennifer A. Holcomb
Joanne C. Holzgrafe
Jill A. Hooper
Angela L. Houghton
Crystal G. Houston
Julie D. Houston
Abbie P. Howe
Linda L. Howe
Becky S. Howlett
Rose Hudson
Jon and Donna Hughes
Charles R. Hull
John C. Hull II
Robert and Sandra Hull
Josh Hummel
Cathy L. Hummert
Jack Huner
Jayne L. Huseman
Dr. Craig C. Huston
Debra L. Hyer
Penny S. Hyer
Tamaria J. Ingalls
Bobbie J. Iwanski
Casey P. Jackson
Jerry R. Jackson
Carlee A. Jenkins
Mary A. Jenkins
Christina A. Johnson
Christina J. Johnson
Terry Johnston
Holly A. Jones
Mary Ann Jones
Ashley N. Juilfs
Betty J. Kasparie
Michelle K. Kasparie
Alyssa M. Kathmann
Pamela S. Keller
Richard E. Kempe
Tarie L. Kendall
Lauren Ketchum
Jim and Linda Kiesow
Roseann E. Kilby
Dale A. King
Lisa S. King
Ronald and Mary Kinscherf
Dr. Michael E. Kirkpatrick
Jenny L. Kitch
Tammie E. Kleemeyer
Rebecca Koetters
Kimberly S. Krieg
Nicholas and Donna Krizmanic
Leroy Kroeger
Deborah S. Landacre
Dr. Joseph A. Lane
Jean Ann Lantz
Mary M. Lara
Jamie L. Lash
Carolyn Laurich
Marinda R. Lawrence
Sheila K. Laws
Tasia M. Lay
Susan L. Lee
Kyle G. Leonard
Melissa L. Leonard
Barbara A. Lewis
Mark R. Lichty
Jyl Lipcamon
Rebecca M. Lipcamon
Monsavahn Lithila
David and Sue Lockhart
Patricia J. Loeffler
Mike Logan
Tim and Angie Lohmeyer
Susan K. Long
Amanda Lubbert
Jamie D. Lubbert
Robert and Betty Lubbert
Candia S. Ludwig
Phyllis K. Lugering
Jill S. Lunsford
Britney C. Malone
Elias and Carol Manassah
Rhonda Marsh
Charla D. Martin
Eric R. Martin
Rose M. Martin
Jill Mason
Stephanie J. Mastin
Jenny D. Mathews
Grace Matthews
Lori D. Mayfield
Karen Mayville
Peggy I. McAfee
Donna E. McCain
The McClean Family
Adrian J. McCleery
Mr. Ronald K. McClelland
Keith and Sharon McCollum
Robin K. McDermott
Amanda McDonald
Sandra S. McDonald
Tracy S. McDonald
Christina McDowell
John S. McDowell
George and Susan McKee
Jane M. McNay
Susan A. McReynolds
Ariel E. Mears
Matthew Meglan
Jerry W. Melching
Teresa G. Metzger
Chris Middendorf
Nancy L. Miller
Robert E. Miller, Jr.
Victoria S. Miller
Darrel Mink
Rebekah Minton
Jami Mixer
Alicia J. Mohr
Dr. Daniel L. Moore
Timothy A. Moore
Julie I. Morales
Julie Morarend
Cheryl B. Morris
Kenneth L. Morris
Personal BLESSING
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19
Giving Society
Mary Ann Morrison
Tami S. Morrison
Donna M. Mortimore
Christina M. Mowen
Kathy J. Muder
Sarah A. Mueller
Ronald E. Nason
Angela C. Neadeck
Brandee L. Neff
Lisa K. Neisen
Trista D. Neisen
Leslie D. Nelson
Renee Nelson
Tonya A. Newell
Tori N. Nichols
Lisa A. Niederhauser
Terry L. Niemann
John and Donna Nonneman
Thomas and Denise Nudo
Jessica L. Nuebel
Barbara J. Obert
Brenda G. Obert
Sharon J. Olson
Charles J. Orr
Jana L. Orr
Amy J. Oshner
Sue E. Osier
Ann O’Sullivan
Taylor R. Owen
Tom and Gigi Owens
Anna K. Paben
Joleen M. Patton
Lindsey N. Peacock
Lee Ann Pepper
Veronica E. Pepper
Gerard Perkins
Dr. Crystal L. Perry
Cindy L. Peters
Kay E. Peters
Kevin A. Peters
Taelor L. Peterson
Rebecca J. Pfanner
Dr. Douglas M. Phan
April S. Phillips
Margaret L. Phillips
Penny L. Phillips
Teresa I. Pickle
Jayne Pieper
Joshua C. Pitcher
Kimberly R. Pitcher
Melanie L. Plattner
Peggy L. Plummer
Ashley E. Pollock
Betsey A. Powell
Veda M. Powers
Darrold and Laura Presnell
Stephen H. Quach
Deborah Race
Jessica N. Raleigh
JoEllen L. Randall
Morris E. Rang
Kay E. Reddick
Mary J. Reichert
Kelly J. Rife
Mr. Wayne Riley
Tanita R. Robbins
Kenneth P. Robeen
Victoria D. Roberts
Linda L. Robertson
Jessica L. Robinson
Yvonne R. Robison
20
Personal BLESSING
Dena K. Rose
Allan and Carol Rossel
Nicole Rossmiller
Robert L. Rowles
Joan E. Ruhs
Ron and Sue Rush
Kelseigh Ruths
James and Kimberly Rybarczyk
Dr. Richard A. Saalborn
Carolyn Salley
Jennifer M. Salyers
Tom W. Sante
Rebecca S. Schaller
Andrew M. Schmidt
MaryAnn Schmidt
Marianne Schmitt
Brandy J. Schneider
Susan B. Scholz
Connie L. Schroeder
Beth A. Schutte
Connie A. Scott
Gregory L. Scott
Charlotte Scranton
Robin M. Seaver
Terry A. Seibert
Ericka L. Shaw
Cindy M. Shinn
Elizabeth A. Shireman
Brian C. Shoemaker
Anna Rebecca Short
George and Jo Ellen Shumate
Steve and Judy Siebers
Lisa R. Sill
Jason Simmerman
Ellen D. Singh
Virginia M. Skeffington
Catherine S. Slater
Wanda A. Slight
Ashley N. Smith
Carla S. Smith
Chanda J. Smith
Diane L. Smith
Edna M. Smith
Holly C. Smith
Jordan Smith
Marian F. Smith
Nicole R. Smith
Shawn L. Smith
Stacy L. Smith
Kelly J. Smyser
Tammy L. Snyder
Dr. Christopher R. Solaro
Dr. Nanjappa C. Somanna
Darlene M. Sorensen
Nancy J. Sorenson
Linda M. Sperry
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sprich
Tonya N. Stamper
Melvina A. Stapp
John A. Stark
Wayne R. Starman
Patricia A. Steffen
Jill Stegeman
Brian Stevens
Carolyn Stevenson
Matthew A. Stiern
Amy M. Still
Trista L. Stolte
Melissa D. Stoner
Dr. Bruce N. Stoops
Debra K. Stotts
Richene Stotts
Jeff Strohkirch
Jeff R. Stroot
Jill M. Stroot
Marcia S. Strother
Sara E. Sullens
Sheryl B. Sullivan
Mafe O. Summers
Erika A. Sutton
Ruth E. Sweezer
Stephanie P. Talley
Lauren B. Tallman
Janet Tate and Family
Susan Tate
Mark A. Tatum
Mary Beth Tatum
Barbara L. Taylor
Deborah A. Taylor
Mary L. Taylor
Gregg A. Teel
Tammy J. Tester
Rita C. Thomas
Naomi Y. Tipton
Dr. Joseph Tirado
Amanda J. Tobias
Barbara L. Tomlinson
Trey M. Tomlinson
Pamela S. Totsch
Judith A. Tournear
Lisa A. Trautvetter
Laura E. Triplett
Marcia L. Triplett
Dawn L. Tripp
JoLinn A. Tripp
Denese Trujillo
Mary Lynn Tucker
Kevin A. Turnbull
Donna Tutt
Chris G. Tysinger
Jeremy T. Urton
Moia W. Uzelac
Adam S. Vahle
Barbara G. Vahle
Ms. Carolyn Vahle
Marilyn R. Valentine
Angelique H. Valentini
Linda Vallier
Donald W. Van Dyke
Holly R. Vanderbol
Leanne Sue Vansteel
Rachael A. Vaughan
Vieve Veith
Miriam S. Velarde
Brandi L. Venvertloh
Connie F. Vermeire
William J. Vermeire
Amy L. VonderHaar
Erin K. VonderHaar
Linda A. Voshake
Daveda C. Voss
Melissa A. Voth
Ashley R. Walker
Bertha L. Walker
Robert J. Walton
Lila Marie Warning
Chris L. Wassell
Susan E. Waters
Davida L. Wear
JaNae L. Weathers
Nasiha Wehrheim
Laura L. Weigand
Lou Ann Weills
Dan and Karen Welch
James and Frances Welch
Taylor N. Welch
Roger K. Wells
J. Munson Welsh
Delores E. Wensing
Kayla Wentz
Deborah West
Kimberly S. Whelan
Jeanette and Michael White
Jeff M. White
Krista M. White
Linda K. White
Lori A. Wiegand
Lesa J. Wiesemann
Caroline R. Wiewel
Sara L. Wilcox
Lori L. Wilkey
Amy L. Willer
Brandon M. Williams
Margie G. Williams
Susan J. Williams
Tracy S. Williams
Donna J. Winters
Douglas W. Winters
Vicki L. Wittland
Michelle L. Wolfmeyer
Peggy Wood
Holly S. Woodruff
Megan S. Woodworth
James S. Youse
Connie Ziegler
Natalie Zimmerman
Carmen M. Zulauf
A Plus Seamless Guttering Company
Advance Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine
Ameren CIPS Employees
Bank of Quincy
Blessing Hospital Ten Year Plus Club
Carrollton Community Chorus
Charter Media
Consolidated Grain and Barge CompanyGreenfield North
Gem City Ford Lincoln
Gentle Shepherd Fellowship
Illinois Real Estate Title Center, LLC
International Food Products
Marine Bank and Trust
Melrose Chapel
Mississippi Belle Distributing Company, Inc.
Prince Agri Products, Inc.
QFB Enterprises, Inc.
Quincy Farm & Home Supply
Quincy Recycle Paper, Inc.
Quincy Senior High School Girls Softball
Rome’s Auto Spring Repair, Inc.
Schnack Law Offices, PC
Shadow Crossfit
Shottenkirk Chevrolet
Shottenkirk Toyota
State Street Bank & Trust Co.
United Way of Greater Atlanta
Unity High School Girls Softball
Vancil Performing Arts Center, Inc.
VonderHaar Masonry
Wis-Pak Central, Inc.
Y101 Radio
*designates deceased
For a complete listing of donors visit
blessinghealthsystem.org/givingsociety or
contact The Blessing Foundation office at
(217) 223-8400, ext. 4807 to request a listing
to be mailed.
HERE’S YOUR SIGN
ARE YOU LISTENING?
75%
As many as
of all people
who attempt suicide tell someone first.
National Suicide Hotline:
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
www.blessinghospital.org/behavioralcenter
Personal BLESSING
21
NONPROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID
QUINCY IL
PERMIT NO. 134
PO Box 7005
Quincy, IL 62305-7005
R E S I D E N T
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