Dear Friends,
As I enter my third year serving as executive director of the Decatur Memorial Foundation, I’m not only grateful but also truly amazed at what has been achieved. As you read through this Community Update, please know that these are not my accomplishments, but the accomplishments of our community, who showed up to volunteer, to offer support, to collaborate and to give gifts – allowing this work to flourish.
The last few years have been full of change and adaptation, leading us, like many others, to look inward as an organization. These reflections led to new ideas and programs that will help us enrich the health of our community today and for generations to come.
Thanks to your generosity, the Decatur Memorial Foundation truly experienced a season of growth. While we continued to support direct patient care by funding equipment upgrades, early detection initiatives, support groups, assistance programs and more, we were also able to focus on community health needs and the healthcare workforce shortage.
Gifts to the Foundation allowed us to implement new healthcare career scholarships and announce our largest investment to date – a $3.25 million grant that will allow Richland Community College to expand their healthcare education programs. These investments will result in more healthcare professionals to serve our community!
We also launched a new community grant program that supports nonprofit organizations in implementing health-related initiatives throughout the community.
I am so proud of what friends like you have helped us accomplish over the past year and this report illustrates the depth of that accomplishment.
Thank you for investing in the health of our community through your generous support!
With gratitude,
Julie Bilbrey, Executive Director, Decatur Memorial Foundation
In this Community Update
Patient Care is at the Heart of The Foundation
- Lucky’s Wall
- Community Rallies to Support Cancer Patients
- KerbyStrong Cares
- Grief Bears Provide Comfort during Tough Times
- Sharing Wishes Program Makes a Difference in the Lives of DMH Hospice Patients
- Passionate DMH Colleague Establishes New Patient Assistance Fund
Fostering the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals
- Simulation Learning is Here
- A Generational Investment
- Investing in our Own through Education Grants
- Education Grant in Acton
- New Foundation Education Scholarships Announced
- R. Helen Cleland Awards Honor Nursing Students
Growing for Generations
Investing in the Health of our Community
From the Heart – The Strode Family
Preserving the Mission through Generosity
Lucky's Wall
You can see evidence of Lucky McMahon’s determination at DMH Therapy Care. The climbing wall, which can be adjusted to meet the needs of patients up to age 10, is emblazoned with stickers reading “LUCKY’S WALL.”
That’s because the wall—which has the potential to help many young patients in the years to come—is the direct result of Lucky’s persistence.
Lucky, who was born with hydrocephalus, or excess fluid in the cavities of his brain, has been working with pediatric physical therapists at Decatur Memorial Hospital for several years. Children with hydrocephalus can experience mental and physical delays, and the therapy sessions are aimed at helping Lucky improve his balance, gait and coordination.
When his therapists mentioned that additional activities, like a climbing wall, could help him build his strength, Lucky’s determination kicked into high gear.
“He would not stop talking about it,” said his mother, Paula McMahon.
Pediatric physical therapy helps children build their strength and skills using play-based and functional methods. A climbing wall, for example, can build core and upper-body strength while also improving balance.
“Lucky doesn’t even know it’s therapy,” his mom said. “He just knows it’s fun to climb on things.”
Each week at his therapy sessions, Lucky began asking his therapists if they could buy him a climbing wall.
And he didn’t stop there. Before long, he’d made the same request of Santa Claus. During a special meet-and-greet visit to Wrigley Field, Lucky even asked player Ben Zobrist to buy him a climbing wall.
When his therapists heard that Lucky’s quest for a climbing wall had now reached major-league baseball, they knew he wasn’t going to stop asking anytime soon.
Thanks to a grant from the Decatur Memorial Foundation’s Fannie Bassett Memorial Fund, Lucky’s dream finally came true. The Fannie Bassett Memorial Fund was established in honor of a former DMH colleague who had a passion for working with pediatric patients.
The grant also allowed Therapy Care to purchase additional therapy equipment, including a new ball bit, complete with stairs and slides to double the fun.
Now, as Lucky gains confidence, climbing it is a highlight of his therapy sessions. The therapists all agree, the new additions are favorites for most of the other children who attend therapy as well.
The therapists at DMH are “like a second family” for Lucky, who also receives speech and occupational therapy. His mom credits that team—and her son’s own fierce determination—for helping him exceed all the expectations that doctors and experts have set for him.
“If it wasn’t for the therapists and the help they’ve given him, he wouldn’t be where he is today,” Paula McMahon said.
Community Rallies to Support Cancer Patients
Cancer patients at Decatur Memorial Hospital benefit from the generosity of philanthropic partners who give their time and resources to raise funds and spread a message of awareness! A special thank you goes out to Coziahr Harley-Davidson, Roadrunners Motorcycle Group, Sara Franklin – One Hope Wine, Par-for-the-Cure Golf Tournament and the Southside Women’s Golf League for contributing to Decatur Memorial Foundation’s restricted cancer funds in support of the fight against cancer.
These organizations, as well as many individual partners allow the Foundation to provide support to patients and community members through:
- Free cancer screenings for underinsured patients
- Breast self-exam shower cards and other educational material
- Cancer support groups and activities
- Awareness activities and programs
- Specialty garments for post-mastectomy patients
- Cancer treatment handbooks for newly diagnosed
KerbyStrong Cares
The KerbyStrong Foundation was established to honor Kerby Damery’s life and legacy after he lost his battle with cancer in 2015. The organization's mission was motivated by his mission – to inspire others, educate about cancer awareness and support patients through their cancer journey.
KerbyStrong established several cancer funds within the Decatur Memorial Foundation to provide patient financial assistance and also help navigate the complex cancer treatment system.
Their annual gifts to these cancer funds have helped Decatur Memorial Foundation provide over 700 gift cards to cancer patients receiving treatment. The gift cards help individuals meet basic needs such as transportation, prescription costs, groceries and more.
Nikki Damery, executive director of KerbyStrong, started the nonprofit in memory of her late husband. As they were navigating Kerby’s battle with cancer, they recognized the severe financial burden that cancer treatment can have on families - and vowed to help ease those burdens. They raise money through the KerbyStrong 100 Race Day at Macon Speedway and through various other efforts throughout the year. Through their work, Nikki hopes to inspire others to never give up and have always have a winning attitude – just like Kerby.
Grief Bears Provide Comfort during Tough Times
When Nicole’s mental health began to decline after experiencing the death of ten close family members and friends within a few short years (including both of her parents), she began isolating herself from the real world.
At the urging of her therapist, she began attending the Decatur Memorial Hospital Growing through Grief Support Group and also joined our five-week Bereavement Class.
Funding from the Decatur Memorial Foundation’s Hospice Fund provides support group participants with handmade “Grief Bears” created from an article of their loved one’s clothing. Nicole has received two bears in honor of her grandparents and a pillow honoring her mother.
“Being around others going through grief provided a safe and supportive place for me to begin rejoining the world,” said Nicole. “Even though my parents are gone, I can still hug the bears, it’s just a little something that brings me comfort.”
*If you would like more information about how we can help support you or a loved one who is grieving, please call 217-876-4735.
Sharing Wishes Program Makes a Difference in the Lives of DMH Hospice Patients.
At Decatur Memorial Hospital, patients and family members are at the center of our focus. Our hospice program proves that quality of life is the focal point by not only caring for the illness, but also looking for ways to “share wishes” that can leave patients and their families with lasting memories - or help to ease financial burdens for peace of mind.
The Decatur Memorial Foundations Sharing Wishes Program, which is funded through gifts to our Hospice Restricted Fund, grants end-of-life wishes for patients who have a terminal illness.
The wishes are not always extravagant, but the size of the wish never diminishes the impact on each person involved. For the patient, it’s a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream or help to provide some extra measures of comfort or peace of mind. For the families, it’s a lasting memory that endures long after their loved one is gone. To the philanthropic partners and caregivers who make each wish a reality, it’s the satisfaction of knowing that they made a difference.
Betty, pictured here with her assortment of fidget devices, has been diagnosed with Sundowners Syndrome, a degenerative disease that causes memory loss. Sundowners is a group of symptoms that increase around late afternoon and lead to confusion, anxiety, disorientation, fear and agitation. As Betty’s cognitive function decreased each evening, her caretakers struggled to help her find peace. Signs of her anxiety would include pulling or rubbing at clothes, twisting her fingers and generally keeping her hands in constant motion. Her hospice social worker suggested fidget devices to help comfort and calm her. These simple touch-based activities are an effective way to reduce anxiety and keep hands busy in a safe and soothing way.
The Sharing Wishes Program was happy to provide a grant that allowed for the purchase of many fidget toys for Betty; a blanket with zippers, strings, loops and ties, as well as an assortment of pop-it fidgets, spinners, cubes, squish balls and springs. Betty’s family and caretakers say the fidget devices have been greatly therapeutic and Betty loves to show them off to anyone who asks about them.
Other wishes have included:
- An iPad so a grandmother could Facetime her grandchildren who lived in another state.
- New lounge clothes as illness-induced weight loss left a patient with ill-fitting clothes.
- A pizza party for 30 family members in celebration of one last birthday.
- Gift certificates for an in-home massage therapist.
- Harley Davidson gear for an avid Harley fan.
- Help with final expenses so a patient’s family had peace of mind.
Passionate DMH Colleague Establishes New Patient Assistance Fund
Thanks to the passion and generosity of DMH occupational therapist, Anna Sanders, and a grant from the Decatur Memorial Foundation, patients now have easier access to necessary therapy garments.
As Anna began working with patients in her role as a physical therapist, she noticed how many individuals had to go without medically necessary therapy garments, to treat lymphedema, because they were not covered under Medicare.
Anna not only began advocating for a change in legislation, she also pulled her friends and family together to pool their money. That gift helped establish the Lymphedema Fund that now helps patients access low cost lymphedema garments.
Lymphedema occurs as a result of a blockage in the lymphatic system. This is most often caused by a traumatic event, such as a sports injury, or an aftereffect of surgery or cancer treatment. It presents as swelling and pain in one or more of a patient’s extremities and is treated with therapy and compression garments like the sleeve Cindy is shown wearing. Cindy has been fortunate to remain breast-cancer-free for over five years, but treatment left her with persistent lymphedema in her right arm. When she retired and no longer had private insurance, she could not afford the necessary garments that helped keep her comfortable and prevent further swelling. Each garment, like the sleeve shown, can cost up to $300. Most patients require different sleeves for day and night, and when worn 24 hours a day they often need replaced. The Lymphedema Fund that Anna helped establish was able to support Cindy by providing her with several new low-cost garments.
As the original funds began to deplete, Anna, along with her friends and family, kept the donations coming. In 2022, when the Decatur Memorial Foundation announced it was launching a grant program, Anna got to work writing for a grant that would replenish the Lymphedema Fund and allow even more patients to be supported!
Decatur Memorial Hospital and the community we serve, is so fortunate for extraordinary healthcare colleagues, like Anna, who not only exemplify our values of integrity and stewardship, but also demonstrate heartfelt passion.
Simulation Learning Is Here
In the rapidly evolving and complex world of healthcare, it is critical to stay at the forefront of the technological advances that are revolutionizing patient care.
Now, with funding from the Decatur Memorial Foundation and the John Ullrich Foundation, current and aspiring healthcare professionals can participate in simulation-based learning right here at DMH in our new Learning Laboratory.
It is imperative that our healthcare professionals practice the skills needed to provide patient care with technical expertise, excellent communication and teamwork. The DMH Learning Lab allows students and professionals to engage in realistic patient encounters across multiple healthcare settings and specialties.
“Our Simulation Learning Lab is set up to look and function like a real surgical room, ICU room and labor/delivery room,” said Julie Bilbrey, executive director of the Decatur Memorial Foundation. “We’ve created an educational environment that fosters continuous improvement – which will undoubtedly lead to improved patient outcomes.”
While in the lab, healthcare teams perform medical care on lifelike manikins, while a technician controls and manipulates the scenario. Students or other professionals watch the lab work live from a classroom, resulting in integrated debriefs after the simulation and invaluable learning.
These advanced educational opportunities will help DMH continue to provide cutting-edge healthcare for our community!
A Generational Investment
The Decatur Memorial Foundation announced its largest investment to date - a $3.25M grant that was awarded to Richland Community College to help ensure our community continues to benefit from superior healthcare professionals well into the future.
This four-year commitment will allow Richland to expand their nursing and healthcare education programs, ultimately graduating 75% more students in all healthcare tracts.
The EnRich Healthcare Program will infuse essential skills and trauma-informed practices that will help build a stronger and more resilient workforce, leading more individuals on the path to success. Through this partnership, students will have the opportunity to work and learn on the DMH campus, building relationships and helping us grow our colleagues from the start of their educational journey. The program will also include unique educational grant opportunities that will remove barriers that many community members face when trying to pursue higher education.
The grant will allow Richland to integrate and expand the use of technology in the classroom, implement increased simulation learning, and create new faculty and administrative positions to accommodate the program’s expansion. This collaborative work will not only increase healthcare education opportunities, but it will also meet DMH workforce needs. Most importantly, this collaboration will positively impact our community for generations to come.
Watch an impact video about the RCC EnRich Healthcare Program!
Investing In Our Own through Education Grants
Our colleagues are the heart of DMH! The foundation is proud to offer professional development opportunities to colleagues through our education grant program. These education grants create a pipeline of professional clinical staff and help to ensure that DMH is employing highly credentialed healthcare professionals to provide outstanding patient care to our community.
Investing in the advancement of our colleagues helps to create an environment of professionalism and a culture of retention – a critical issue given the severe healthcare workforce shortage. These educational opportunities also help our colleagues position themselves for appropriate recognition, advancement and an earned sense of confidence and achievement.
Advanced degrees and certifications provide a mark of excellence and confirmation that the healthcare professional caring for you, has exceptional experience and knowledge in their complex specialty field.
Professional development opportunities allow healthcare professionals, both in direct patient care settings and indirect care, to validate their mastery of skills, knowledge and abilities.
Some areas that the foundation supported through education grants in 2022 include, but are not limited to:
- Acute/Critical Care Nurse Certification
- Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse Certification
- EEG Technologist Certification
- Board Certified Medication Therapy Management
- Antimicrobial Stewardship Certification
- Nurse Operating Room Certification
- Food Allergen Certificate
- Medication History Certificate
- Board Governance Course
- Nonprofit Executive Leadership Certification
- Vascular Access Conference Attendance
Education Grant In Action
Kezia Bundy, a surgical technician on the DMH Neurology team, was recently awarded an education grant that will allow her to advance to a certified surgical first assistant.
Kezia attended Richland Community College to earn her associate degree in Applied Science. “I've always been curious about the human body and here I am, years later, doing something I absolutely love,” said Kezia.
Her education grant will allow her to attend the Meridian Institute of Surgical Assisting. She plans to remain at DMH after she completes her certification and hopes to join the plastic surgery team. Kezia said, “Receiving this education grant from the Foundation was a true godsend. It helped me tremendously because I didn’t have to pay out of pocket or take out additional student loans.” She greatly encourages anyone who is considering a career in the medical field, to start at Richland Community College and consider a career with DMH. “It truly prepared me for my current role and opened a world of possibilities for furthering my education”.
New Foundation Education Scholarships Announced
Decatur Memorial Foundation awarded $17,500 in new scholarships to local high school graduates and undergraduates.
Dr. Richard H. Fritz Nursing Scholarship
Dr. Richard H. Fritz was a highly respected DMH internal medicine physician who was described as caring, committed and generous. Following his death in 2015, many of those he worked with and cared for came together to establish a memorial in his honor. Contributions to this fund were intended to provide scholarships for nursing education so that Dr. Fritz’s legacy of commitment and generosity will be reflected in the healthcare professionals of tomorrow.
Congratulations to Lilian Valladares, recipient of the $5,000 Dr. Richard H. Fritz Nursing Scholarship. Lillian is a graduate of Argenta-Oreana High School and is currently a freshman at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earning a degree in nursing with a focus on pediatric oncology. She is being recognized for outstanding academics and being a multisport athlete. Lillian was inspired to pursue a career in oncology after witnessing a family friends’ child and her own grandmother, lose their battles with leukemia.
Dr. Thomas Samuels Nursing Scholarship
Dr. Thomas W. Samuels was a dedicated DMH surgeon who exemplified compassionate and quality healthcare. Dr. Samuels recognized early on, the critical need for more nurses, which prompted him to establish an educational endowment fund that supports this scholarship. In reflecting on his long and accomplished life, Dr. Samuels said, “I hope along the way I made a difference for my patients. Now maybe I can also impact the future of care available at Decatur Memorial Hospital.”
Congratulations to Rylee Vought, recipient of the $2,500 Dr. Thomas Samuels Nursing Scholarship. Rylee is a Sangamon Valley High School graduate and is currently a senior at Millikin University studying pediatric nursing. She is being recognized for her outstanding academics and her demonstrated compassion in patient care. Rylee was inspired to pursue nursing by the kindness she saw in nursing staff who cared for her late father as he battled cancer.
Decatur Memorial Agriculture Sciences Scholarship
Over the years, the Decatur Memorial Foundation has been gifted over 3,000 acres of working farmland. With help from local farmers and farm managers, these agricultural gifts allow the Foundation to fund health-related projects and initiatives within the hospital and the communities we serve. We are committed to growing the next generation of agriculture professionals by awarding this scholarship to individuals pursuing a degree in agriculture-related sciences
Congratulations to Jacob Scherer and Emma Baker, who were each recipients of a $5,000 DMH Agriculture Scholarship.
Jacob is a graduate of Mt. Zion High School and is currently a sophomore at Iowa State pursuing a degree in agricultural engineering. He is being recognized for his outstanding academics and for being a major contributor to his high school FFA Chapter. Jacob grew up on his grandparents’ farm and was inspired as a child by the mechanical mechanisms of his grandfather’s hay accumulator. He is following in the footsteps of his father, who has had a long career in agriculture engineering.
Emma is a graduate of Warrensburg-Latham High School and is currently a freshman at Southern Illinois University Carbondale pursing a degree in agribusiness economics. She is being recognized for her outstanding academics and for holding several officer positions in her high school FFA Chapter. Emma grew up as a seventh-generation farmer and was inspired by her family's roots and dedication to the land.
R. Helen Cleland Awards Honor Nursing Students
Each year, The Decatur Memorial Foundation awards several nursing students, at both Millikin University and Richland Community College, with the R. Helen Cleland Nursing Excellence Award. The recipients are chosen by their respective nursing program faculty for demonstrating integrity, discipline, professionalism and critical-thinking skills both in the classroom and clinical setting. The award comes with a certificate and $500.
This award was named in honor of Miss R. Helen Cleland, an early visionary leader, who became the first superintendent of the newly built Decatur and Macon County Hospital in 1915 (now Decatur Memorial Hospital). As superintendent, Miss Cleland oversaw not only hospital operations, but the recruitment, training and supervision of the first group of nurses. Her devotion was an integral part of the hospital’s growth and she is credited with obtaining state accreditation for their first nurse training program.
Her strict, yet loving care of both nurses and patients earned her the title “Mother of the Hospital.” She provided a spirit of kindness and compassion and was known to visit each and every patient around twilight to ask if they were comfortable. She often insisted that the hospital belonged to the people – and believed that a hospital truly is “people helping people.”
The Foundation is honored to present the R. Helen Cleland award to exemplary nursing students who demonstrate superior leadership and compassion, as Miss R. Helen Cleland once did. We know these soon-to-be nurses will undoubtedly make a difference in the lives of many!
2022 R. Helen Cleland Award Recipients
- Hailey Wilson – Richland Community College, Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, May 2023
- Chloe Scharfenberg – Millikin University, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, May 2022
Rooted in Agriculture
Agriculture has always played an integral part in the growth of central Illinois. For generations, the commitment farmers have had to land and livestock has not only fed the world, it has helped strengthen our communities. Often, farmland holds a family's history and is rich with stories, vivid memories and emotional ties – so it is truly a tribute when a family farm is gifted to an organization.
The Decatur Memorial Foundation is honored to own and operate over 3,000 acres of donated farmland. Our working farms not only provide livelihoods for local farmers and farm managers, but they also generate unrestricted income that allows the Foundation to invest in programs and services that benefit the individuals and community DMH serves.
The Decatur Memorial Foundation is committed to ensuring these gifts of land continue to yield a legacy and forever benefit our community. This past year, our farm income allowed us to launch a new Community Grant Program and ultimately award over $200,000 in grant funding to area nonprofits and educational institutions. The grants were awarded for initiatives that are working to improve lives and build a stronger community. The Foundation chose focus areas based on our most recent Community Health Needs Assessment; increasing access to care, addressing economic disparities and mental health. We broadened the focus areas to also include both healthcare and agriculture education.
We are excited to share several new ways we are honoring and showing our appreciation for the agriculture community who has given so much to us. Through our new Community Grant Program, we awarded $10,000 to help fund the Macon County Farm Bureau Agriculture in the Classroom Program. The Foundation also implemented a new agriculture scholarship program that allowed us to award $10,000 in scholarships to high school students pursuing careers in agriculture-related fields.
Our hope is that as we weave agriculture into the foundation’s areas of focus, we are truly demonstrating our commitment to the heartland and to helping grow the next generation of agriculture professionals that will lead our community.
For more information on our community grant program, please visit the Investing in the Health of our Community section of this report.
You can also read about our first two Agriculture Scholarship recipients in the New Foundation Scholarships section.
For more information about how you can plant seeds of support through agricultural gifts of grain or land, please contact Julie Bilbrey at 217-876-2146.
Decatur Memorial Foundation Farms
As grateful landowners, we are committed to the good stewardship and preservation of the following farmland.
New Community Grant Program
The Decatur Memorial Foundation is taking our mission outside the hospital walls with the launch of our new Community Grant Program. Grant funding was awarded to nine nonprofit organizations to help them implement programs that aim to improve lives and build a stronger community. The Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to partner with local organizations and award grants for the following initiatives, which we believe address the full spectrum of our community’s health.
- Empowerment Opportunity Center | Head Start (children 3-5 years)
- God’s Shelter of Love | Operating costs for emergency shelter
- Heartland Technical Academy | CAN Simulation Learning Lab, Careers in Healthcare class – student certifications for CPR, basic first aid, blood-borne pathogens
- Macon County Farm Bureau | Ag in the Classroom – Elementary
- Macon Resources | CPR manikins
- Maroa Forsyth School District | Stop the Bleed training
- STARR School for Therapeutic and Recreational Riding | Riding for children with developmental and physical differences
- United Way | First Responder Crisis Management Licensed Counselor
- Webster Cantrell Youth Advocacy | Essentials for foster children (car seats, formula, diapers)
Community Grant in Action
Macon Resources, Inc. (MRI), a local nonprofit, provides services to more than 800 children and adults annually. Their simple, yet focused mission is to promote the growth, independence and self-worth of children and adults with developmental differences. By providing case management, community day services, residential services, job training and mental health services, they are helping individuals build meaningful lives.
Since the safety and health of their program participants is paramount, it’s mandatory that all MRI colleagues receive first aid and CPR training. They also encourage the individuals they serve to participate in many different life-skills trainings, such as CPR. When MRI reached out in need of new CPR manikins to support these necessary trainings, the Decatur Memorial Foundation quickly awarded a grant to fund the purchase.
As a thank you, the Foundation received a special invitation to join the first CPR training session that would be using the new manikins. Foundation colleagues were thrilled to see the grant dollars in action as nearly 30 individuals who receive services at MRI filed into the classroom with study materials in hand.
The students offered plenty of gratitude and smiles as they spent the day learning how to administer lifesaving first aid. This grant not only has the potential to save many lives, it will also continue to help individuals with developmental differences grow in self-confidence and skill!
From The Heart – The Strode Family
Rachel Strode, a member of the Decatur Memorial Foundation Board of Directors, shares the story of her family’s terrifying health emergency – with the hope that it will encourage others to support the important work of the Foundation and to trust in the care DMH provides.
“I joined the Decatur Memorial Foundation Board of Directors because, as a Decatur native, I know what DMH’s specialty services and unmatched patient care means to this community. I just never imagined that my family would find out, firsthand, about that unmatched, genuine level of care.
Everyone wants to believe that things like this will not happen to them. But unfortunately, our nightmare did happen, and it was very, very real. My family is incredibly blessed to be able to say that our story has a happy ending. As I think about the nightmare when my husband, Steve, was placed on life support, I can confidently tell you that three factors contributed to our happy ending: Steve’s will to fight, the power of prayer and the care/encouragement he received from the healthcare professionals at DMH.
In December 2021, I tested positive for COVID-19, and a short time later, my husband, Steve, also tested positive. When Steve progressively got worse, we sent him to the DMH Emergency Room while I stayed home with our kids. He was immediately placed in ICU where I could not be with him due to visitor restrictions. Very shortly after admission, he was placed on a ventilator. I was home, still sick myself, caring for our kids, and now trying to navigate the care of my husband. I was told that based on his vitals, they were surprised he even made it to the ER and the prognosis looked very grim.
I wish I could list the names of every single person at DMH who positively impacted us during this terrifying time, because the list would be long! I can, however, tell you about the nurses, who always stopped their busy workdays to take my call and update me on Steve. I can tell you about Courtney, who called me every single day and patiently explained medical terms, always including me in the next steps for Steve’s care. I can tell you about Brett, the night nurse, who not only took the time to talk and pray with Steve but also taped an IPAD to his bed - so I could be there in some way - and Steve could hear my voice while he was fighting for his life.
Several weeks later, Steve was finally taken off the ventilator, but he still had to work very hard to stabilize before coming home. There were so many nurses cheering him on, pushing him forward, and encouraging him along the way, wanting to see him get home to his family. When he was moved out of ICU and into a standard room, several of the ICU nurses used their lunch breaks to stop and check on him! We were so incredibly touched by their authenticity and care, that we still stay in touch with many of them. I could say thank you a thousand times and it would never be enough.
Steve was at DMH for 18 days total, but the impact that DMH staff had on our family will remain forever. It takes truly special people to selflessly care for others - I am eternally grateful for every single healthcare professional out there.
When I joined the Decatur Memorial Foundation Board of Directors, I knew I was supporting a vital piece of our community - our local hospital! The care I witnessed during my husband’s hospitalization only further cemented my dedication to DMH and the Foundation. My support continues to multiply as I witness the Foundations work in action; funding equipment upgrades, providing patient assistance, supporting their own colleagues and investing in education – all to ensure that our community has access to the best healthcare.
I was born and raised in Decatur and will continue to raise my family here. By continuing to invest in our community now and into the future – I am paving the way for my children’s health, happiness and success. I encourage you, too, to invest in building a stronger community by supporting the Decatur Memorial Foundation.”
2022 Auxiliary Members
Through nearly 70 years of partnership, DMH Auxiliary members have served as advocates for the work of the hospital, volunteered their time and provided gifts of support. Over the years, they have hosted events to raise funds in support of special projects throughout the hospital. Some projects they have funded include the remodel of the Volunteer Services Lobby and Surgery Waiting Room, installation of the Barnes Lobby Fountain and the purchase of a patient transportation van.
Thank you to our past and present auxiliary members for their dedicated service!
Founders Circle
The following donors have preserved the mission of Decatur Memorial Hospital through cumulative lifetime giving totals of $10,000 or more through Dec. 31, 2022
2 Miles North | $1,000,000 +
A. E. Staley Jr. Foundation
A. E. Staley Manufacturing Company
Robert Albert Estate
Michael & Sally Andreas
Andreas Foundation
Chess & Stella Lupton Trust
Decatur Memorial Hospital Auxiliary
Grady Farm
Harkrader Farm
Helen Helen Post Trust
James Millikin Estate & Trust
Harry Kline Trust
George Parr Trust
Freda Randall Estate & Leta Forward Estate
Dr. Joseph & Ardath Schrodt
Schrodt Family Foundation
Swartz Estate
Purvis & Roberta Tabor & Trusts
In Memory of Dale Walbridge
The Walbridge Hospital Trust
Meredith & Rosalia Weck Trust
Paul Weidenbacher & Estate
Pillars | $500,000 - $999,999
Amherst Hardy Foundation
Archer Daniels Midland ADM
Hildred Arthur Estate
Orville Babcock & Iona Orville
Busey Ag Services
Busey Bank
Caterpillar Inc.
Charles & Enid France Trust
Dr. Clarence & Adele Glenn
Helen Heiserman Estate
Verna Kepler Estate
Guy Kirby Estate
F. & Margery Lindsay
Randall Forward Farm
Walbridge Farm
Weidenbacher Estate
Ida Zoch Trust
Cornerstones | $100,000 - $499,999
Lucinda M. Albert & Estate
O. Keith Albert Estate
Albert Schick Farm
Alice Allen Trust
Ameren Illinois
Anna Delores Greve & Estate
Arthur Farm
Duane & Joan Avis
Dr. William T. Barnes III & Trust
Gilbert Bieger & Estate
Blackstone Group Hurwitz Enterprises, L.L.C.
Allie Bobb Trust
Borg Warner Corp.-Marvel Schebler
Caterpillar Employees
Charles Christison
Consociate Dansig
Dr. Traves & Marion Crabtree
Mona Davidson
Margaret Jane Dick
DMH Medical Executive Committee
DMH Medical Executive Group
Oscar Dorr
Dynegy (Illinois Power Co.)
EON Climate & Renewables North America Inc.
Guy & Virginia Ferre
Firestone Tire Company
First Mid Ag Services
First of America Bank-Decatur, N.A.
G. W. & M. E. Gallagher Charitable Trust
Dr. Clare A. Garber & Trust
Hall-Presley Estate
Amherst Hardy and Estate
Juanita Heiland Trust & Estate
Barbara Hostetler
John Ullrich Foundation
KerbyStrong Foundation
E. T. Kirkland
Lloyd & Dorris Kreher Estate
Ora Krigbaum
Jacob Latham Estate
Lindsay-Schaub Newspapers Inc.
Dr. Jonathan & Kathleen Locke
Margaret Madden
Nelius Barbara Martin Trust
McKeon Farm
R. O. Metzler & Estate
Midwest Credit and Collection
Mueller Co.
Pathology Associates of Central IL Ltd.
In Memory of Jerry Patterson
J. Ross Patterson Trust
J. William & Martha Record
Walter Roney & Trust
RWE Renewables
Dr. Thomas & Mrs. Samuels Jr.
Sandy McKenzie Golf Tournament
Schable Family Farms LLC
E. J. & Lois Schlieper
Scovill Trust
D. D. Smith Trust
Frank & Shirley Tyrolt
Betty Ann Vail Trust
Wagner Casting Company
George & Lillian Walden
In Memory of George Walden
Dr. George & Mary Waller
Dr. James B. & Esther Waller Trusts
In Memory of Betty Elaine Welge
Pauline Welge Estate
In Memory of Pauline Welge
Richard Wood Estate
Humanitarians | $50,000 - $99,999
J. M. & Mrs. Allen
Larry & Dheena Altenbaumer
Archer Daniels Midland ADM Foundation
Architectural Expressions, LLP
Ima Baird
Hugh Baker & Estates
Barnes Trust
Phillip & Felicity Benjamin
Dr. Robert J. Braco
Betty Lee C. Campbell & Estates
Chambers Bering Quinlan Company
Dr. George & Martha Chiligiris
Christy-Foltz, Inc.
Coffee Connection
Come Together - Let’s Walk
Lottie Cook
Dr. W. & Mrs. Couter
Coziahr Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Ernest Cresswell
DMH Women’s Health and Breast Center
Pauline Doran
Drinker Biddle & Reath, LLP
E.ON Climate & Renewables North America, LLC
Dr. Edward & Mrs. Anne Elliott
Essex International
Elizabeth Fisher Trust
Ford Foundation
Gillette Whittle Memorial Trust
James Harvey Hall
Dr. Leonard & Phyllis Hannapel
Dorcas Herren Estate
In Memory of Dorcas Herren
Hickory Point Bank & Trust
Dr. H. O. Hoffmann
Thomas Hostetler
Emily Hubble
Illinois Masonic Home
Irish Properties, LLC
T. Douglas Johnson & Estate
Michael & Linda Kehart
Robert Kopetz & Estates
Kroger
Hazel Kutsch Trust
Dr. John Lee
Robert & Mrs. Lloyd
Dr. Phillip & Mrs. Lynch
Magna Bank of Central Illinois
Dr. Ronald & Jan McGregor
Millikin University
Mississippi Valley Structural Steel Company
Dr. J. & Tina Moore
C. A. Morrow
MutualBank
Neuhoff Media
In Memory of Dinah Nordholm
Dr. Robert & Phyllis Olstad
Par for the Cure
E. L. & Mrs. Pegram
Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company
Robert & Ruthann Powers
Sally Presley
Michael Radford
Dr. William Requarth
Fred & Connie Spannaus
Danny & Carolyn Reynolds Sr.
John & Judy Rice
Robert Schaub
Kenneth & Terri Smithmier
Soy Capital Bank & Trust
A. E. Staley, Jr. Trust
Henry & Violet Staley
Jack & Marilyn Tallman
The Associated Anesthesiologists of Decatur, Ltd.
The Grigoleit Company
Mr. & Frances Traver
W.G. Traver Supply Company
Robert Waldvogel Jr.
Mr. & Octavia Weidenbacher
Frances Winslow
York Division, Decatur Works, Borg-Warner Corporation
Patrons | $20,000 - $49,999
A. W. Cash Valve Co.
Dr. Arthur & Mrs. Adler
Anderson and Odunsi, MD, LLC
Thomas Armstrong
William Barnes Jr.
In Memory of Margaret Bartley
John Benson
John & Mrs. Beschle
Dr. Ezra & Lorrie Beyda
Bodine Electric of Decatur, Inc.
William & Betty Braet
William & Elizabeth Braun
Brechnitz Group of Raymond James
Dr. Otto & Joanne Brosius
Eugene & Norma Brozio
Dr. Merlin & Ruth Budd
Burdick Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc.
Burks Pump Company
Carolyn J. Butler
Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinios Charitable Fund
Bryden & Carolyn Carnahan
Roy & Mrs. Christy
Dr. Mark & Janet Clark
George & Dorothy Coutant
Shirley Ione Cowell
Credit Bureau of Decatur, Inc.
Dorothy E. Dakan
In Memory of Kerby Damery
Paul L. Davis
DCC Marketing, LLC
Dr. Paul & Ruth DeBruine
Decatur Memorial Hospital
Decatur OB GYN Associates, L.L.C.
Decatur Radiology Physicians, S.C.
Louise Dial Estate
Tom & Sue Dickes
Earl & Mrs. Duncan
Dunn Company
Arthur L. Ennis
In Memory of Daniel Evans
Dr. John & Linda Fahey
Federal Kemper Insurance Company
Joe & Claudette Gates
GE Client Business Services
Bessie Gilbert
Dr. & Mrs. Myron Gooley
Larry Haab & Ann Haab
Martha Hall
Michael Haney
Harriett Caldwell Estate
Harold Hawke Jr.
Michael Heger & Dr. Sharon Bonds
Dr. Mary Herald
Herald & Review
Mary Hilvety
Richard L. E. Icen Estate
Illinois Bell Telephone Company
Illinois Moose Association
Illinois/Iowa Ford Dealers
Irwin Neisler Co. Laboratories
Dr. David & Carol Johnson
Dr. Elizabeth Jones & Eric Orlemann
Junior Welfare Association
Dr. Madhu & Lakshmi Jyothinagaram
Kehart, Peckert, Wise, Toth & Lewis
King-Lar Company
Dr. & Mrs. Richard Kinzer
Komen Foundation
Burnell & Shirley Kraft
In Memory of Dr. Robert Kraus
Dr. Richard & Judy Locke
Sam Loeb
Logan County Health Department
Myron & Julie MacLean
Macon County Medical Society Alliance
G. William Madden
James & Marilyn Masey
Terry & Janyce Mason
Dr. Sarah & Brent McHugh
In Memory of Dr. Ronald Meng
Dr. Albert & Mrs. Mertz
Arthur & Mrs. Metzler
Mid-Central Illinois Regional Council of Carpenters
Miles Chevrolet
Vera K. Miller Estate
Gary & Sharyn Morgan
Frank & Mrs. Mueller
L.W. & Claribel Mueller
Pauline V. Mueller
Violet & Henry Neuman
Julie A. Neuman
C. & Mrs. Nicholson
Peat Marwick Main
Dr. D. & Mrs. Pence
Anthony & Harriet Perry
Personal Medical Supply, Inc.
Jack & Mrs. Powers
Patricia Rannebarger Ford
Mildred Redmon Estate
Refreshment Services Pepsi
Reid-Watt Cemetery Trust
Dr. Alfonso & Gina Remedios
Pearl Rice Estate
Mabel Richmond
Ada Mae Riedel
Robert Ritter & Diane Ritter-Malone
Virginia Robbins Estate
The Roucher Family
Hattie Rucker
Samuels, Miller, Schroeder, Jackson & Sly
Dr. Michael & Judy Sass
John & Becky Schable
Douglas & Margaret Schmalz
Dr. Maurice & Mrs. Stephanie Schuetz
Jacqueline S. C. Severns Estate
William & Barbara Shade II
Lena Silverstein Estate
Thomas & Joanne Sly
Pauline Smith
Sodexo, Inc.
Southern & Central Illinois Laborers’ District Council
St. Mary’s Hospital
Mary Staley Annan
Staley Family Charitable Trust
Ruth Staley Howell
Dr. Charles & Mary Lou Stanley
Dean Stanley
Dr. Paul & Shirley Stanley
State Bank of Blue Mound
Scott & Shannon Striglos
Striglos Companies, Inc.
T S Ballance Testamentary Trust
Tate & Lyle North America
Herbert & Phyllis Tick
Mrs. Sol Tick
Shirley & Frank Tyrolt
UPS Foundation, Inc.
Gloria Barnes Van Norden
Dr. James & Susan Wade III
John Wagner Jr.
Edna Walbridge
Robert & Eleanor Waldvogel
WAND TV
Dale & Paula Warner
In Memory of Janice Warner
Watts Copy Systems
Rosalia Weck
WEJT
The Whinnery Trust
Dr. Howard & Dorothy Wibbels
Mary & Dr. A. F. Williams
Dr. A. F. & Mary Williams
WJB Enterprises LLC
Dr. Hans Wolff
Dr. Harold & Elaine Yoon
Dr. Jordan Youngerman & Dr. Myra Arzon
Benefactors | $10,000 - $19,999
ADM Women’s Club, Employees Women of ADM
James & Sue Alling
American Cancer Society
Jane & Gary Anderson
Aon Foundation
Mildred Bachman
W.L. & Minnie Bailey
Dr. Stuart & Dianne Baker
H.I. Baldwin
In Memory of Dr. William T. Barnes III
Margaret E. Bartley
Dr. David & Denise Baumberger
Dr. Herbert & Winifred Bavor
Charles & Mary Bayless
Dr. Howard & Nancy Beede
In Memory of Gerald L. Benjamin
Irma F. Bickes
BKD Foundation
Black & Company
William & Marilyn Blank
Earl & Wanda Bollhorst
Maude Bridges Trust
Martha Buck
Gladys L. Burns
Burns Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
Dr. Robert & Donna Canham
Carpenters Local #270
Carpet Weaver’s Inc.
Merle & Millie Carroll
Dr. Stephen & Melinda Chadwick
John & Susan Cobb
Consociate
Kelly Elaine Crowdson Estate
In Memory of Becky Daniels
Dansig, Inc.
Cynthia Deadrick-Wolfer
Decatur Community Partnership
Decatur Earthmover Credit Union
Decatur Park District
Decatur Women’s Bowling Association
Delta Sigma Theta
C.A. Denison
V.C. Dewein
Rotha Dickey
DMH School of Nursing Alumni Association
Catherine Duncan
E. L. Pruitt Co.
Leland England
Dr. Benjamin & Fe Esparaz
Estate of James P. Townsend
Eula Bridges Trust
Edward Evans
Dr. J. Donald Ferry
Douglas & Joyce Fisher
In Memory of Joyce Fisher
Dr. Allen and Mrs. Forry
L. & Donna Foshang
In Memory of Dr. Richard Fritz
From the Ground Up
Gardner Carton & Douglas LLP
Gates & Johnson
O.B. Goin
Dr. Stanley & Charlotte Goldstein
In Memory of Susan Gregory
Helen Gregory Estate
In Memory of Helen Gregory
Dr. Thomas E. Griffith
Bruce & Valerie Grohne
Star Halbrook
In Memory of Paul Halbrook
Heartland Ag Group Ltd.
Gale & Lois Hedrick
Joseph Helmick Trust
Zola Hendricks Estate
Dr. Sam Holtzman
Houdaille Hershey Corporation
Robert & Phyllis Howie
Robert & Di Anne Olivia Howie
John Howie Jr.
Jack & Ann Hunter
IBEW Local No. 146
Interior Specialty Construction, Inc.
Edward & Edwina Irving Funk
J. C. Penney Co. Inc.
J.D. Johnson & Son, Inc.
David & Joan Jack
Dr. Jon M. Jacoby
John L. Simmons Construction Company
William & Mrs. Johns
G. Peter & Anne Johns Jr.
Johnson Controls
Robert & Debi Johnston
Jones & Sullivan Enterprises, Inc.
K & L Gates
Horace & Mrs. Kapp
Mr. Edwin H. Kaufman Jr.
Ronald & Nancy Koopman
Robert Kowa
Dr. Robert & Alexandra Kraus
Dr. Robert & Kari Kraus Jr.
Barbara Jean Kretzer
Mary Safford Kuny
Patrick & Cindy Laegeler
Gigi Langhauser
Lincoln Laboratory, Inc.
Lincoln Trail Rally of Taylorville
Dr. George & Susan Liu
Lululemon USA, Inc.
Macon County Eye Center, PC
Dr. Hubert & Margaret Magill
Magna Trust Company
Dr. Douglas & Patricia Maibenco
In Memory of Judith Mason
McDonnell Investment Management, LLC
Edna McNabb
David & Rosemary Meek
Harold & Phyllis Meenen
Janet Mertz
Ralph O. Metzler Trust
Midwest Center for Plastic Surgery
Emma F. Miller
Millikin University Pink Zone Event
Bernice H. Milner Estate
Allen & Mrs. Moore
James W. Moore
Dorothy & Walter Morey
Moweaqua Tuesday Morning Lady Golfers
Gladys & Robert Murphey
Terry L. Myers
Doris & Keith Neece
Mrs. Nelson & Dr. Boyd Nelson Sr.
John G. Noble
In Memory of Marilyn Noble
Donald & Jane Nordlund
Norfolk & Western Railway Company
Dr. Sterling & Margery Parker
Joseph A. Parks
Perkinson Company
Pfizer Inc
PGA Korn Ferry
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union #65
PNC Bank
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
James & Martha Pulliam
Mr. & Mrs. Paul A. Raber, MD
In Memory of Aileen Rannebarger
In Memory of Ralph Rannebarger
Richard Reeser
John & Amy Ridley
Risinger Bros. Transfer, Inc.
Robertson Trust Farm
Roy Mosser & Associates
Beulah Ryan
Sam’s Club Foundation
Thomas & Mrs. Samuels Sr.
Dr. Nicholas & Ann Sarros
Sav-Mor Pharmacies
E.K. & Mrs. Scheiter
Fred & Karen Schneller
Wayne & Ruth Schroeder
Sears, Roebuck & Company
Security Savings & Loan Association
James & Virginia Shafter
Ida Shapiro
In Memory of Louis Shapiro
In Memory of Minnie Shapiro
William & Mrs. Shellebarger
Dr. Sudhaker & Meena Sheth
Ellen Siegrist
Dr. William Simon
Arthur Simon, MD
Skeff Distributing Co. Inc.
Dr. B. & Mrs. Smiley
Robert & Lucy Smith
Sol Tick & Company
Wally & Dana Sparks
Mark & Julie Staley
Robert Staley
Staley Credit Union
Clifford & Mrs. Stegemeier
Harvey & Kitty Steinhoff
Tim Stone
Dr. Chuck & Lori Stone
John & Carolyn Strong
Superior Welding Company
Tabor & Company
Tate & Lyle Americas, Inc.
Taylorville Rally for the Cure
C.P. & Mrs. Thatcher
The Hickory Point Mall
The Plastic Surgery Group of Central IL
Topflight Grain Cooperative
Dr. Gregory & Mary Totel
In Memory of James Townsend
United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois
Universal Hospital Services, Inc.
W. C. Van Law
Ventas Realty Limited Partnership
Mr. Wagner Sr.
L.P. & Mrs. Walbridge
Dr. George & Mary Waller
Walrus Manufacturing Company
Wilbur G. Watt
WCIA - Midwest Television, Inc.
In Memory of Elizabeth Whitley
Dean & Lois Williamson
James & Mrs. Winters
Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Wood
Mrs. Wood
Dr. C. & Mrs. Woodward
Laura Woodward Estate
Yoplait
Dr. Gale & Mary Lou Zacheis
Every effort has been made to ensure that each donor is properly recognized. Please notify us of any error or omission.