‘I GIVE BECAUSE OF WHAT THEY GAVE TO US’
Lifesaving care given to a loved one inspires employee to give
Among the 44,000 employees of Sanford Health, each is united by a common calling to care. At the Sanford Health Foundation, we couldn’t be more grateful for the more than 10,000 colleagues who have chosen to live out that calling in a special way as employee donors.
Each one of our employee donors has a unique story to tell about why they give. For one employee, who has chosen to remain anonymous, that story is deeply personal. Learn more about the inspiration behind their giving:
Q. What inspires you to give back?
A. The Sanford (formerly Sioux Valley Hospital) caregivers are responsible for my daughter still being here. The compassion that was shown to us during our daughters’ hospitalization made a very difficult situation bearable. I give because of what they gave to us — our daughter’s second chance at life. I give so others might live. You don’t want another child to go through what yours has been through.
Q. What areas do you give to and why?
A. I give to Children’s Miracle Network at Sanford Children’s Hospital and the Edith Sanford Breast Center.
My mom and my close friend have each had breast cancer and they inspire me to give. I can’t imagine everything that anyone with breast cancer has to go through with surgery, chemo and radiation.
Q. Has there been a moment where you’ve been especially proud of the difference your support makes?
A. Listening to the CMN Radiothon and realizing all the families that philanthropy helps — not to mention hearing from another mom whose daughter has the same diagnosis as our daughter.
Q. Sanford employees, like you, already give of their time and talents to support our mission. Why is it important to give with financial gifts as well?
A. It is always better to give then receive. We are on this earth to serve a purpose; we have a greater calling to help others. Supporting organizations such as CMN and the Edith Sanford Breast Center financially is just a small way I can help others.