All Stories

The Sunshine Cart program began through WISH funding in 2018 and has grown from three carts in two hospitals to 21 carts in three hospitals. The Sunshine Cart is filled with meaningful activities and tools to help reduce the risk of confusion and to decrease distress in hospitalized persons living with dementia. The items are single-use only for infection control, so each item is a gift to the patient.

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.

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.