UCHealth Northern Colorado Foundation

Since UCHealth's northern region gynecologic oncology program was established last year, volumes have been higher than forecasted. To help meet the high demand for services, nurse practitioner Kristin Slunecka was added to the staff earlier this year. To support Dr. Christine Walsh with complex GYN-ONC patients, Slunecka needed qualification as a surgical assistant. With full tuition supported by donor contributions to our cancer services fund, Slunecka received the advanced training.

As the holidays approach, food drives and turkey donations come to mind, but addressing food insecurity is a perpetual need. The UCHealth Family Medicine Center (FMC) food pantry, which partners with Food Bank for Larimer County, helps provide fresh, healthy food to people in need year-round.

Inner-ear problems can have a sudden onset, disrupting a person's ability to do basic things such as roll over or walk. These disorders can be treated with physical therapy, including eye, head and balance exercises. To develop a treatment plan customized to the patient’s needs, accurate diagnosis is essential and can require special equipment known as Frenzel goggles. With help from WISH funding, two physical therapists procured this equipment for PVH.

Each September, the Ptarmigan Ladies Golf Association (PLGA) hosts the Double Cup Golf Tournament to benefit our cancer patient and family assistance fund. This year, the golfers celebrated the event’s 10th anniversary—along with the fact that their event has raised $44,000 over the past 10 years to help cancer patients and their families pay for expenses not covered by health insurance.

Did you know one blood donation could save three lives? The blood you give supports patients at multiple UCHealth hospitals in northern Colorado. Many opportunities to donate are available, listed here with links to sign up.

Each year, donor generosity enables the foundation to award scholarships to UCHealth northern Colorado employees interested in furthering career-related skills. For our 2021–22 scholarship cycle, $87,000 was awarded to 50 recipients. Since 2014, the foundation has awarded nearly $480,000 in scholarships to 322 UCHealth employees. Employee scholarships transform lives. They have the dual benefit of serving both the recipient and our community. The stories our scholars share in their thank-you messages show how generosity improves the lives of our health care workers while they work to care for—and improve the lives of—our patients.

These eloquent words about the power of giving are from Kristi Benningsdorf, who became the new chair of the foundation’s board of directors on July 1. Benningsdorf succeeds Yvonne Myers, whose term ended on June 30. Benningsdorf joined the foundation board six years ago and has an extensive history of service to our community. In this Q&A, she shares what inspires her to serve.

Grateful Patient Day is a way to show appreciation for the amazing, dedicated people who work in the health care field. Recognizing a health care worker uplifts the recipient and inspires all who hear the story. Expressing gratitude is a powerful part of the healing journey for patients and their families.

The foundation is pleased to welcome three new board members. These individuals expand our regional representation and add wide-ranging expertise and strengths to our governing body.

Dollars from our cancer center and oncology services fund are paying for education to expand the expertise of oncology rehabilitation staff. The training will help meet the increasing need for pelvic floor therapy services.