Healthy Living Newsletter
From the Heart…Gifts of time and talent at Mercy Hospital
The Mercy Auxiliary/Volunteer Organization (MAVO) Announces Volunteer of the Year
Upbeat, positive and an individual always willing to help others were the phrases used to describe Gene Schucker of Port Huron, who was named the Mercy Auxiliary/Volunteer Organization (MAVO) Volunteer of the Year.
An 11-year volunteer at Mercy Hospital, Gene can be most readily found working in the Mercy Hospital Gift Shop, serving customers and sharing stories with hospital staff.
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| Mercy Hospital President & CEO Peter Karadjoff (from right) attends the Mercy Auxiliary/Volunteer Organization (MAVO) Annual Meeting with MAVO Board President Sandra Bonito, Past President Pat Snyder, and Mary Snyder. |
Then new to the community, Gene started her volunteer career at Mercy Hospital when a friend invited her to attend a MAVO meeting and get involved in community activities. “I very much liked everyone I met,” comments Gene, “and Mercy offers a Christian environment that I appreciate.”
In addition to her role with the Gift Shop, Gene has also been a member of the MAVO Board of Directors, serving as First Vice President and later President. She also was heralded for her role in establishing volunteer discount cards, and planning membership drives and teas all with the goal of elevating the interest of volunteering at Mercy Hospital.
In addition to Gene, a number of other individuals were also nominated for the hospital’s Volunteer of the Year Award. Congratulations are extended to: Bernie Lee of St. Clair; David & Donna Schwartz of Port Huron; John Martens of Port Huron; Mariette Wallbank of Port Huron; Dorothy Porrett of Port Huron; and Sister Kathy Wood, OP, of Marysville.
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| Gene Schucker of Port Huron was named the 2006 MAVO Volunteer of the Year. |
Gene and the additional nominees were honored in early June at the MAVO Annual Meeting, where Board President Sandra Bonito of Port Huron and organization division directors provided reports on the past year successes.
More than 160 volunteers are actively involved at Mercy, providing more than 18,000 hours of dedicated service last year.
As a result of their fund raising programs and services, more than $75,000 was donated to the hospital to enhance medical services and equipment; programs at the Peoples’ Clinic for Better Health, co-sponsored by Mercy Hospital and the St. Clair County Medical Society; advanced education scholarships; and Lifeline services for economically disadvantaged individuals.
In addition, the MAVO board announced a three-year donation program, totally $30,000 for the James J. Snider, MD, Fund. This program was created to honor one of the Mercy Regional Cancer Center’s original founders and dedicated physicians.
Division reports were provided on the activities in the following areas: Atrium Surgical Lounge, Courier Services, Friendship/Memorials; Fund Raising; Gift Shop; Membership; Spiritual Care; and Threads of Mercy, which among other items creates beautiful lap Afghan and quilts for patients of the Mercy Regional Cancer Center.
MAVO board leadership includes: President Sandra Bonito, Port Huron; Past President Pat Snyder, Lexington; First Vice President Geeta Dalal, Port Huron; Second Vice President Barbara Heinen, St. Clair; Financial Secretary Marilyn Moss, Marysville; and Recording Secretary Pam Ruehle, Port Huron.
“MAVO provides valuable service and funding to Mercy Hospital. They are the core of what we do everyday,” comments Peter Karadjoff, Mercy Hospital President & CEO. “This corps of dedicated and devoted individuals offers the threads that bind many of our programs and services together. At Mercy, we are honored to be the focus of such a dynamic group.”
For more information about MAVO or to learn how to become a volunteer member, please call Cindy Henrion, Mercy Hospital volunteer coordinator at (810) 985-1674.
Tee It Up for Mercy
 With a solid reputation of being one of the most enjoyable golf outings of the season, the Mercy Hospital Foundation is busy planning the 26th Annual Mercy ~ Chafty Memorial Golf Outing. Grab your clubs and head out for this exciting day of golf while helping to support special projects of the Mercy Regional Cancer Center and the Peoples’ Clinic for Better Health. Peoples’ Clinic is cosponsored by the St. Clair County Medical Society and Mercy Hospital.
This year’s event will be held Tuesday, August 15, 2006 at Port Huron Golf Club. Two flights will be offered in this modified 18-hole golf scramble for male, female and mixed foursomes. The morning flight includes coffee and refreshment with registration at 7:15 a.m., and concludes with lunch. The afternoon flight begins with registration at 11:30 a.m., and includes a buffet lunch. An outstanding dinner and auction will conclude the day’s fun-filled activities.
Last year’s Mercy ~ Chafty Memorial Golf Outing raised more than $76,000 to support the Mercy Regional Cancer Center and provide medical care to the poor and uninsured through the Peoples’ Clinic. “As the needs in our community grow so, too, does the need for continued community support,” comments Sondra Briese of the Mercy Hospital Foundation. “With Mercy, your contributions touch the individual lives of so many.”
Registration packets and corporate sponsorship information is currently available. For more information, please call the Mercy Hospital Foundation at (810) 987-1047. Registration deadline is Friday, August 4. Don’t delay, grab your clubs and call today!
Mercy Hospital Emergency Services Physician Recognized by AHA
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| Recently recognized by the American Heart Association, Jere Baldwin, MD, has been providing Emergency Services Medical Care at Mercy Hospital for 23 years. |
At its Annual Heart Ball, held earlier this spring, the American Heart Association (AHA) honored Mercy Hospital Emergency Services Medical Director Jere Baldwin, MD, and presented him with the Johnson Zacharais Award of Excellence. This award is extended to a physician who has significantly advanced the cause of heart care in St. Clair County, making a clear and lasting contribution to the mission of the AHA, which is to reduce death and disability due to heart disease and stroke.
“Dr. Baldwin is entirely deserving of this important recognition,” comments Peter Karadjoff, Mercy Hospital President & CEO. “He is a tireless and dedicated physician, who has continually placed a focus on paramedic, staff and physician training to promote high-quality care for cardiac and stroke patients throughout the entire spectrum of emergency care.”
Although honored to be included with peers who have previously been recognized by the AHA, Dr. Baldwin feels the award should be extended to all those who participate in the care of patients who experience a cardiac or stroke event.
“We have a very strong team approach to the care of cardiac and stroke patients. Our focus starts with outstanding paramedic training, which results in care beginning in the field,” Dr. Baldwin states. “It is followed-up here at Mercy Hospital with a team of physicians and nurses who are dedicated to ensuring patients receive the best care possible. This team approach is the significant ingredient to this outstanding award by the AHA. On behalf of my team, we are extremely grateful to be honored in such a way.”
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