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With the help of a panel of
experts, the Community Rela-
tions Committee of Samaritan
Healthcare Foundation set out
to navigate the path of aging,
dementia or an Alzheimer’s diagnosis at
“Aging Isn’t for Sissies!”—an event held on
Aug. 25 at Pillar Rock Grill. In order to ac-
complish as much as possible in one evening,
the committee organized a panel of experts
to present information, answer questions and
provide networking to people in attendance
that were either aging or were caring for
someone who was aging.
Good food and company
The evening
started off with hors d’oeuvres from Chef
Sammy and wine tasting, but that wasn’t the
highlight of the night. Michael Graham, MD,
of Confluence Health, was the keynote
speaker, presenting on “What Is Happening
to My Memory? Is It Serious?”
Dr. Graham engaged the audience with his
speech, which was followed by a question-and-
answer session.
Accompanying Dr. Graham on the panel
were Joan Acres, of the Alzheimer’s Associa-
tion; Laurie Ahmann, of Summer Wood; and
Bryce McPartland, of McPartland Law Of-
fices. Also on hand were Terri Riley Brown,
of Assured Home Health & Hospice, and Kris
Hendrickson, of Care Management at Samari-
tan Healthcare.
Many perspectives
Each presenter brought
their expertise to the conversation, which was
appreciated by the attendees. The question-
and-answer session was so popular that it
had to be extended past the original one-
hour time limit in order to answer all of the
questions.
The evening’s main accomplishment was
creating positive partnerships in order to
provide education to the community. The
Community Relations Committee was able to
promote the mission of the Foundation and
provide a much-needed service to the public.
As several requests were made at the end of
the evening for a follow-up to this event, the
committee will start planning for future events
that continue promoting the mission.
If you are interested in learning more about
the Samaritan Healthcare Foundation, contact
the foundation office at
793-9647
or
foundation@samaritanhealthcare.com .‘Breast Friends Forever’
After the Kids Zone at the Boys & Girls Club Fun Run on April 2, “Win-
ning the Food Fight” on May 4, and “Aging Isn’t for Sissies!” on Aug. 25,
the Community Relations Committee of the Samaritan Healthcare
Foundation wrapped up 2016 with its fourth event of the year, “Breast
Friends Forever,” on Oct. 12 at the Moses Lake Civic Center.
The event stressed the importance of early detection in the fight
against breast cancer. This was hit home by the panel of experts: Krystel
Schafer, mammography coordinator at Samaritan Healthcare; Lexie
Zuver, DO, family medicine provider at Samaritan Clinic; Thomas Tucker,
MD, medical oncologist at Confluence Health; and Eric Ebaugh, DO,
general surgeon at Confluence Health. The providers shared the top
questions their patients have as they come into their practices, as well
as what a patient may expect on their treatment journey.
Three cancer survivors shared compelling stories with the audience.
Shirley Bartelle, Stephanie Maiers-Chambers and Christin Boisse spoke
openly and honestly with emotion and humor. Early detection was a key
factor in the treatment of their cancers.
Innovations in Moses Lake
Samaritan Healthcare recently purchased a
3-D Mammography unit, which was showcased at the event, and women
could schedule their mammogram appointments that same night. Many
of the attendees took advantage of the opportunity.
The anonymous question-and-answer session was a popular part of the
evening. Some questions were posed to particular panelists, while other
questions were up for grabs. The questions were thoroughly answered
and sometimes expanded upon by additional providers or survivors.
While the evening had a serious note, the Samaritan Healthcare
Foundation also wanted to make sure that there was an opportunity to
enjoy the evening with friends. Wine donated by Sno Road Winery was
available for tasting, and hors d’oeuvres were plenty, catered by Michael’s
on the Lake. Information booths lined the Avenue in the Civic Center,
ranging from information on lymphedema to a photo booth for whimsi-
cal pictures, sponsored by Feller Orthodontics.
Fun and games
Wrapping up the evening, a raffle was held for numer-
ous prizes: Miller’s Fine Jewelers donated five breast cancer ribbon pen-
dants, and there were additional giveaways, such as wine baskets from
Sno Road Winery, bottles of wine, homemade hats and headbands, and a
beautiful handmade quilt from the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation.
The committee is looking forward to planning events in 2017, bring-
ing partnerships and education to the community.
For more information on Samaritan Healthcare Foundation or
becoming involved with the Community Relations Committee, please
contact
foundation@samaritanhealthcare.com
.
Get the facts on breast cancer, and learn more
about 3-D mammograms at Samaritan. See page 5.
REDEEM THIS COUPON
for 30% off one item
(some exclusions apply)
All Proceeds Support
Samaritan Healthcare Foundation
Coupon expires 2/28/2017
In the Samaritan Hospital Lobby
801 E. Wheeler Road • Moses Lake
Well Wishes
G I F T SHOP
Whether you need flowers for a friend or a
one-of-a-kind gift, one of our friendly volunteers
would love to help you find that special
something at the
Samaritan Hospital Gift Shop!
‘Aging Isn’t
for Sissies!’
Photo courtesy of Rosalie
Black via
Venue Magazine
.
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T H E
S A M A R I T A N
F O U N D A T I O N F O C U S