“Never doubt that a small group of
thoughtfully committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
– Margaret Mead
2014 Annual Report and Report on Philanthropy
“
In the last year,
donations from our
community have
accomplished incredible
things for the health
of everyone served by
F irelands Regional
Medical Center.
”
Healthcare systems all across America characterized
2014 with one word: uncertainty. At Firelands Regional Medical Center
we prefer another word: gratitude. Sure, healthcare reform meant that
sometimes we were faced with uncertainty, but ultimately, when we
think of 2014 we are ever so grateful to you, our donors. Your support
helps us create certainty for our patients, our community and the region
by allowing us to continue to meet your healthcare needs.
In the last year, donations from our community have accomplished
incredible things for the health of everyone served by Firelands Regional
Medical Center. Your contributions of any size helped patients receive
consistently excellent care from a team dedicated to being big enough
to care for you and small enough to care about you. You are why we
are here and you are why we work tirelessly each and every day to
continuously improve your patient experience.
In 2014, donors to Firelands Regional Medical Center transformed the
vision for the Center for Women and Newborns into a reality. Thousands
of people joined together to bring a higher level of care to our families,
mothers giving birth to their children, and women of all ages. These
caring individuals invested in the future of our community helping to
create the region’s only Level II Nursery and a state-of-the-art healing
environment for the irreplaceable women in all our lives.
The new Center for Women and Newborns offers a calm and soothing
environment at a time when women and newborns need it most. The
Level II Nursery, coming in 2016, will be the only one of its kind in our
region, and will allow mothers with babies born as early as 32 weeks
to remain at Firelands, instead of enduring the hardship of being
transported to another facility miles from home.
In 2014, our donors hailed from a variety of backgrounds and places.
The cover of this year’s Annual Report features a few of these people
– people like you. Because it’s people like you who make Firelands
Regional Medical Center the better option for care close to home. Each
gift we receive has a story. In the following pages, you will read some of
these stories and realize how ordinary people have helped to save and
improve the lives of thousands of patients at Firelands.
We wish to share our gratitude for the support of our community and
the patients we serve.
Thank you.
2 nds
Martin Tursky, President & CEO
Martin E. Tursky
President and Chief Executive Officer, Firelands Regional Health System
A New Beginning
From the moment we are born, our health
becomes an essential part of our lives. For most young
families, the first experience they have with a hospital is
often with the birth of their children. Since women make
approximately 80 percent of healthcare decisions, their
decisions may hinge upon their experiences with the birth
of their children. This is why the renovations to create the
Center for Women and Newborns at Firelands Regional
Medical Center are so important.
Mother of two, Christy Fultz gave birth to her daughter,
Emma, in the former Firelands Obstetrics Unit, and recently
to her daughter, Charlotte, or “Charlie,” in the new Center
for Women and Newborns. Her choice to deliver Charlie at
Firelands had a lot to do with the care team from her first
delivery and her physician, William Bruner, DO. But for other
mothers, the choice may be made merely by first glance.
“If you have never had any experience with a hospital
and you picked a facility in which to deliver your baby, you
might base your choice on outward appearances such as
a beautiful environment and a home-like atmosphere,”
commented Christy.
In early 2015, expectant moms began delivering babies in
the new Center for Women and Newborns. Christy was one of
the first moms to deliver in this space. She had experienced
delivering her first daughter at Firelands previously and
had anticipated changes to the unit. As a devoted patient of
William Bruner, DO, she knew that Firelands would always be
her choice for delivery. When Christy became pregnant with
her second child, she learned of the renovations underway
in the former Obstetrics Unit, but didn’t realize she would be
among the first to deliver at the new Center for Women and
Newborns.
“As my due date approached, it became apparent I would
be in the unit. I was really excited,” she said. “I kept telling
my mom how I was going to be one of the first in the new
area. I was so impressed when I got to the room that I had
to share on Facebook how nice everything was. When I had
Emma three years ago, I remember the showers were
so hard to use. I had a C-section and it was
challenging for me to bend over to get my
shampoo,” she said. “The new larger
bathrooms with shelves made
everything easier.”
Photo credit: A Perfect Pixel/ Jenae Criscione Finneran
“
I wa s s o
im p re ss ed
wh e n I g ot
t o t h e roo m
”
During her second delivery, Christy’s husband noticed a
difference in his comfort, too. They immediately found the
new pull-out couch for dad to be much more spacious and
comfortable.
Beyond the extra comfort and ease of use, families like
the Fultzes can be assured that the Center for Women and
Newborns care team has the highest level of expertise and
access to the latest state-of-the-art equipment. With the
addition of a Level II Nursery (operational in early 2016),
optimally utilized patient rooms, and more, newborns will
continue to receive excellent care, as well as women of all
ages during after-surgery recovery.
Though the Fultz family was among the first in the Center
for Women and Newborns, the staff and physicians are
excited to welcome all families into this space for
healing, recovery, and new beginnings.
3
Firelands To Become Only
Baby-Friendly Facility
West Of Cleveland
4
When it comes to having a baby, new
parents are often overwhelmed by the recommendations
and information available to them regarding what is best
for their newborn. At Firelands Regional Medical Center,
the physicians and staff have a wide variety of resources to
help you make the best decisions for your newborn. In fact,
Firelands Center for Women and Newborns has implemented
a variety of important changes in the last several years in
pursuit of being designated a Baby-Friendly Hospital.
Baby-Friendly designated hospitals have undertaken a
comprehensive process to provide evidence-based care for
new mothers which improves newborn feeding outcomes.
The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was launched by
the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations
Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to recognize those hospitals that
encourage the healthiest possible start to life for newborns.
One of the most important decisions you will make for
your baby in its first moments of life is how to feed him or
her. Overwhelming research shows babies who are breastfed
for at least the first six months of their lives are healthier as
they grow up than those who are fed with formula. That’s
why Firelands has adopted the World Health Organization/
UNICEF policies on breastfeeding.
“We want to make sure that families are educated about
the benefits of breastfeeding their baby,” says Linda Ricci,
director of the Center for Women and Newborns. “Ultimately,
we want to give families the information they need to make
the best decisions for them. We want the baby to be able to
get the best nutrition at the start of their lives.”
The Baby-Friendly Designation is a process that can
take many years and often necessitates a cultural shift
in the entire unit, making sure that nurses are educated
and are able to give accurate information to new families.
WHO and UNICEF have established ten steps to successful
breastfeeding that give hospitals a clear plan for becoming
Baby-Friendly.
Ricci says the steps help the staff to focus on what is best
o n e o f j uOshtio
ni n e i n
for the newborns in
the unit, encouraging family
bonding, good nutrition, and overall health and wellness
practices for both mom and baby. Upon becoming a babyfriendly facility, Firelands will be one of just nine such
medical centers in Ohio to achieve this distinction.
“We are following the process and will be ready for
designation as the only baby-friendly facility in the region in
the fall,” Ricci said. “Cleveland has a few facilities with this
designation, but we are happy to officially make Firelands
the place in our area where good newborn nutrition and
healthy habits are born.”
Quiet Time
Helps Patients Heal
When people are admitted to a hospital, they often are seeking rest, recovery
and healing under the careful supervision of expert physicians and nurses. But too often,
patients’ healing is disrupted by all the noise that comes along with being in a care environment.
Across the country, patients in U.S. hospitals have been dissatisfied by noise levels in and
around their rooms. In response, the physicians and staff at Firelands have implemented a “Quiet
Campaign” across the health system.
“Studies show that a noisy patient care environment increases anxiety in patients, elevates
blood pressure, and even slows wound healing,” says Beth Kluding, BSN, RN, patient experience
specialist.
Beth and a team of medical center employees surveyed 100 in-patients regarding their
experiences while hospitalized at Firelands. Each patient listed noise levels as disruptive to their
sleep and overall healing process.
“This demonstrated there was a need to address the issue of noise,” Beth said. “We started
with a pilot Quiet Campaign in October on one unit of the medical center: 4North.”
Some of the implementations were simple: the staff closed doors to patient rooms at night
when appropriate, dimmed lights on the unit, and established quiet hours between 8:30 pm and
7 am. During quiet hours, guests and staff are encouraged to speak in lower voices and to allow
patients to rest in an optimal environment for them.
Additionally, staff worked with the plant operations and dietary departments to fix noisy food
carts, equipment carts, air ducts and to install soft closures on cabinet doors. For the nursing
staff, these equipment changes enhanced a cultural shift that further promoted a healing
environment and made their work less stressful.
“We have assigned quiet monitors for each shift,” Beth says. “This means that at some point
everyone is responsible for the noise in the unit and it makes everyone more aware of the volume
of their voices and their daily tasks.”
In a month-long pilot period, the quality and patient satisfaction department saw a 35%
increase in patient satisfaction on the noise issue alone, and received positive comments
from patients.
“Now, we have implemented the quiet hours throughout the hospital,” Beth says. “So far,
patients have reported positive benefits. Families also like it because it encourages them to quiet
their cell phones or talk in lower voices, allowing them to participate in the healing process for
their family member.”
For more information on Firelands Regional Medical Center’s Quiet Campaign, visit
firelands.com.
“
Studies show
that a noisy
patient care
environment
increases anxiety
in patients,
elevates blood
pressure, and
even slows
wound healing,
”
5
Firelands Center For Breast Care:
Relief Knowing You Are Not Alone
Imagine… you have your annual mammogram at the
Firelands Center for Breast Care just as you have always
done…only this time, your results come back abnormal.
An abnormal mammogram finding can be confusing and
overwhelming for anyone. That’s where Firelands Center for
Breast Care patient navigator Mary Bauer, RN comes in. In
late 2014, Firelands established this position as part of the
comprehensive Center for Breast Care.
“For most people, it’s hard to comprehend everything
they’re hearing when they are concerned about their
health,” Mary says. “As the patient navigator, I am there for
emotional support and to answer any questions patients
might have in order to get them the resources they may
need.”
The Center for Breast Care physicians and staff have been
seeing patients for decades and recently implemented a
comprehensive and team-oriented approach to incorporate
6
all aspects of breast health care for easier access by the
patient. This is just one more way the care team at Firelands
helps patients receive excellent care close to home.
“When it comes to treating various breast health issues,
we really have the capability to do everything at Firelands
under one roof. From start to finish, we utilize the same
procedures and protocols of larger facilities and utilize
medical specialists to streamline the process as much as we
can. Patients are happy they don’t have to travel to receive
great healthcare,” says medical director of imaging services
Karen Sheehan, MD. “I think adding the patient navigator
component to this model really puts people at ease and
makes navigating appointments and procedures easier for
everyone.”
A breast cancer survivor herself, Mary Bauer knows what
uncertainty feels like. Yet, she also knows that not every
abnormal mammogram leads to breast cancer.
“I try to educate people by telling them what to expect
from their biopsy and what care they need to take following
their procedures,” she says.
After a biopsy is taken and results are concluded, Mary
follows up with patients, regardless of their results. For those
whose biopsy reveals a cancer diagnosis, Mary and a care
team from various specialties work together to coordinate
appointments and to keep patients in the loop about the
steps necessary to get them back to their normal lives.
“Regardless of their own family or friend support system,
what I do is take much of the guesswork out of medical
care for breast issues,” Mary says. “For breast cancer
patients, I can do everything from setting up appointments,
to locating financial and physical resources for housing,
nutrition, treatment amenities and more. I work closely with
The Foundation for Firelands and external organizations
to ensure these patients have what they need. Beyond
that, I also follow patients from their first mammogram
appointment through treatment, and into survivorship.”
Pat Thwaite met Mary and the staff in November when
an abnormal mammogram meant Pat had to have a biopsy.
When Pat was told she had breast cancer, she knew she had
a long road ahead of her, but she didn’t know where to turn
next.
“As soon as I learned I had cancer, I knew I had a lot of
decisions to make. I didn’t know who would take the lead on
my care, or even how to go about finding an oncologist and
assembling a care team I was comfortable with,” Pat says.
“After meeting Mary and the care team at Firelands, I knew I
had friends and allies here.”
Mary told Pat what she could expect in the coming weeks
and introduced her to the physicians at University Hospitals
Seidman Cancer Center at Firelands Regional Medical Center.
Pat is just one example of more than 100 people who
have been supported by Mary Bauer in the Firelands Center
for Breast Care since her position was formalized earlier
this year. For Mary and the team of specialists in the Center,
their true joy comes from seeing the relief that people feel
knowing they are not alone.
“My patients have told me it is very reassuring to have
someone available to them expressly for support,” Mary said.
“I am here to assist people however I can and to give them
the best experience possible. Regardless of their diagnosis, I
want people to know that someone is there for them.”
To learn more about the advantages offered to patients at
the Firelands Center for Breast Care and to view a video on
this service line, visit firelands.com/breastcare.
7
I Am
r
e
g
n
o
St r
Than This
Patricia Hiser finally scheduled a
mammogram that she had put off for 10 years. Much
to her surprise, her physician said they had detected a
lump the size of a grain of sand. While a grain of sand is
small, they informed her they needed to monitor this lump
very closely; it could grow. Patricia was relieved when her
six-month checkup revealed no changes. But the relief was
short lived. Six months later, the tumor was now the size of a
lemon.
“After 10 years, I just didn’t think about getting a
mammogram anymore. I never had time. I was worried
about caring for everyone else,” Patricia says. “My teenage
daughter had experienced some serious health issues in the
last few years, and her needs took priority over mine. My
daughter always came first.”
Patricia, who has two adult sons as well, didn’t have
health insurance for a portion of those 10 years between
mammograms. At the time of her mammogram, she found
herself without adequate health insurance to cover her
medical expenses.
“I had been a waitress for 27 years, and then in the midst
of all these health issues, the place where I worked closed,”
she says. “I have had a lot of my own health problems as
well. I’ve had so many other things going on with my knees
and my back, that I just didn’t know what I was going to do
8
when I found out I had breast cancer.”
What Patricia did was speak with Angie McGrady, patient
navigator at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center
at Firelands Regional Medical Center. Angie helped Patricia
qualify for the Hospital Care Assurance Program (HCAP), a
government-funded assistance program. Angie also utilized
donations to The Foundation for Firelands Mammogram and
Breast Cancer Fund to help Patricia with transportation to
and from her appointments and with nutritional needs as
she underwent treatment.
Because of the generosity and kindness of a community
that cares about people battling breast cancer, Patricia says,
“Thank you. I wouldn’t have been able to pay for everything
I needed without help from these donors. It was such a relief
to find out there was a fund for people like me and that
others truly cared.”
In July 2014, Patricia had a lumpectomy and 21 lymph
nodes removed. Two were cancerous. She went through
chemotherapy the next month, but has postponed radiation
because of other health concerns.
When she realized her family would face yet another
health hurdle with her cancer diagnosis, Patricia described
herself as “wiped out.”
“I am a strong person. I don’t let things get me down,”
she says, holding back the tears. “Cancer has made me an
emotional wreck, but because of the support I’m receiving,
I’m fighting. I’m stronger than this.”
Firelands Center For Coordinated Care
Helps Patients Manage
c
i
n
o
r
h
C
s
e
s
s
e
n
I ll
When patients come to Firelands
Regional Medical Center with chronic illnesses,
often their healthcare needs extend beyond a brief hospital
stay. After a patient is admitted into the hospital, the goal
of the care team and the patient is to improve the patient’s
health and get them home and back to normal life as soon
as possible.
But what happens when a patient needs to be monitored
more closely once they are discharged? How can patients
manage their chronic conditions in a convenient, easyto-understand way under the supervision of experienced
healthcare workers?
These were the questions that led to the establishment
of the Center for Coordinated Care at Firelands Regional
Medical Center.
Under the direction of Jim Spicer, area director of Supply
Chain and Pharmacy, the Firelands Center for Coordinated
Care ensures that nearly 1,000 area residents receive the
health care they need to keep them out of the hospital and
living their best. The nursing staff at Firelands Center for
Coordinated Care helps patients manage diseases like heart
failure, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, obesity-related
diseases, and other chronic conditions. The center takes
an interdisciplinary approach to disease and medication
management, combining office visits with pharmaceutical
review and resources for patients. Research suggests that
utilizing this type of care model will reduce re-admission
rates for chronically ill patients.
“We bring together the healthcare team in a way that
isn’t happening elsewhere,” says Darla Gaiser, Ambulatory
Pharmacy Clinic Manager at Firelands Center for
Coordinated Care. “We are able to utilize different Firelands
resources to give patients the best outcomes by putting all
the puzzle pieces together. Often we hear that patients come
in feeling helpless because they have so many questions
and uncertainty. After they are given a customized plan for
monitoring, medications, diet and lifestyle adjustments, and
symptom management, they tell us they feel empowered
because they have a better understanding of their health.”
Most of the patients the Center for Coordinated Care
sees are heart failure and cardiovascular patients, like Gary
Strohm. Gary came to Firelands Regional Medical Center
with complications from congestive heart failure. After
treatment and discharge, Gary began routine visits to the
Center for Coordinated Care. During one of his early visits, a
blood test revealed a dangerously low level of sodium in his
system. Cheryl Vickers, RN, a Certified Heart Failure Nurse,
sent Gary directly to the emergency department.
“If I had not been under Cheryl’s care,” says Gary, “I
wouldn’t have made it. She keeps an eye out for me and if
there is a problem, she finds a solution. Before coming to
the Center for Coordinated Care, I had trouble walking up
and down stairs and just doing day-to-day activities. Now I
can do just about anything and look forward to my regular
visits with Cheryl and the staff. I know more about my
health, what to expect, and how to manage my condition.”
Beyond cardiovascular patients, the center has recently
launched a weight management program that helps
community members combat obesity under the direction
of Firelands Physician Group physician, Luis Perez, DO. The
program’s goal is to help patients lose weight in a safe and
sustained manner (typically seeing reductions of one pound
per week in most patients), ultimately leading to reductions
in some chronic conditions and overall better health for
patients. To participate in this program, patients must be
referred by a physician.
Additionally, Spicer’s team is beginning a transition
of care program to help patients being discharged from
Firelands Regional Medical Center to coordinate their
pharmaceutical and healthcare needs when they return
home, leading to better overall outcomes. Sometimes
this might mean that patients can save money on their
prescription medications.
“When a pharmacist looks at the medication list, we are
often able to adjust medications and eliminate duplication,
or perhaps find generic forms that can save people money
without sacrificing care,” Darla says. “In one case, we
were able to save a patient thousands of dollars, simply
by evaluating each prescription she had been buying
throughout the year.”
Firelands Center for Coordinated Care is proud of the
patient outcomes they’ve achieved to date, and hopes to
expand their clinics in the future to help more individuals
achieve good health. Expansion plans may include clinics
focusing on COPD and asthma, as well as broader reach of
existing programs.
To learn more about Firelands Center for Coordinated
Care and how your physician can refer you, visit
firelands. com.
9
Physicians
Spotlight
Firelands Regional Medical Center is privileged and honored to partner with some of the most experienced physicians in the country.
Our medical staff consists of 260 members, representing over 35 different specialties. These talented physicians provide our patients
compassionate, outstanding care every single day.
We recently had the opportunity to speak with some of these skillful doctors on a more personal level. We were curious about where
they trained, why they chose their particular specialties, what attracted them to Firelands, and what they like most about working here.
Dale Braun, M.D., Neurosurgery,
Dowzell Swayngim, M.D., Vascular Surgery
Erie Neurosurgery and Associates
I received my training in the United States Navy at
Bethesda Naval Hospital. I received a spine fellowship at
the Cleveland Clinic, which is where I realized I wanted to
specialize in neurosurgery. I then joined a neurosurgical
group in Cleveland following my fellowship.
Initially, I thought I wanted to be a general surgeon.
During my rotations in Cleveland, I had the opportunity
to perform neurosurgery. I really liked it. For me, it was
challenging and interesting, and I knew that was what I
wanted to do.
I came to Sandusky for a better quality of life. I was
working way too much in Cleveland, taking care of
unappreciative people, and rarely got to see my family. I
needed a change. I like the small-town feeling of Sandusky
and our family is enjoying a much better quality of life here.
Firelands is a very efficient place. It is also the cleanest
hospital I’ve ever worked in. Firelands has many capabilities
for its size and the staff is a great pleasure to work with. I
really enjoy getting to know my patients here. My patients
and their families are very appreciative of the care they
receive. I like seeing my patients around town and having a
personal relationship with them. I always think that I better
do well, or they won’t want to see me.
10
I trained at Yale University in General Surgery and then in
Vascular Surgery at Case Western Reserve.
When I came to this area 35 years ago, there were no
other vascular surgeons. I’ve worked in larger cities, but I
like being in a smaller town. I like Sandusky. I liked being the
first in the area and the first vascular surgeon to implement
a lot of cutting-edge procedures. I feel like I’ve contributed
to better and safer outcomes, in addition to helping my
patients achieve a better state of health.
I was attracted to Firelands because I could pave my
own way as the first vascular surgeon in the area. From
the beginning, Firelands has given me and my colleagues
the support and infrastructure we need to continue to
be nationally-ranked. Firelands does an excellent job of
providing dedicated care to patients. It truly is a team
effort, especially when it comes to surgery. Everyone on the
surgery, medical, and nursing teams is committed to patient
care. Having vascular surgery available to our community
means that more people are getting the care they need. As
our population ages and peripheral artery disease becomes
more common, it is important that we are able to stay on the
cutting edge. Firelands gives us the latest technology and
we have been able to save our community money, time, and
effort by keeping nationally-ranked care in our local region.
David Kim, D.O., Vascular Surgery,
Ahmad Sabbagh, M.D., Endocrinology,
Firelands Physician Group
Firelands Physician Group
My medical school was the University of Medicine and
Dentistry School of Osteopathic Medicine in New Jersey,
where I also did my general surgery internship, residency
and fellowship.
I like the delicacy of vascular surgery and how precise it
is. I started as a genetic engineering major in college, but I
didn’t like doing research. I had worked as a phlebotomist in
college and then as a lab tech after I graduated from college.
I decided that medical school fit my interests and I enrolled.
At first, I thought I wanted to practice family or internal
medicine, but when I started my rotations, I realized that I
loved working with my hands and maintaining the control
required for vascular surgery. I like that good feeling I get
after a surgery goes well. Prior to the surgery, patients are
often in pain or feeling badly, and we get to put everything
back together for them.
When my wife and I were first married, we lived in
separate cities. She works in higher education, so we wanted
to find a place to live where we both could have professional
careers. Sandusky was a perfect location for us because she
could work in Toledo and I could work here.
Firelands has a lot of great things about it. Nursing care
is superb here. The nurses provide the extra support we, as
physicians, and our patients need. I suppose it would be nice
for physicians to take all the credit for the work we do, but
we can’t. Firelands allows us to focus on the patient. At big
tertiary hospitals, with lots of medical students, interns and
residents, the patient can get lost. In those hospitals, the
attending physician often only spends a few minutes with
a patient. Here at Firelands, we get to see every one of
our patients and we can take the time we need with them.
We round on our patients every day and we care about
them, personally.
I went to medical school at Aleppo University in Syria. I
then did my residency at Huron Hospital (before it was part
of the Cleveland Clinic), and did fellowships in Endocrinology,
Diabetes and Metabolism at the University of Cincinnati.
My family has a history of endocrine issues, so it has
always been my dream to be an endocrinologist. I find this
area of medicine to be fascinating because it is such
a wide branch of medicine. I treat people for everything
from diabetes to osteoporosis and thyroid issues. I truly
enjoy getting results for my patients and helping people
feel better.
I enjoyed my training in Ohio, so I decided to stay here
and practice. I didn’t want to be in a metropolitan area, but I
wanted to be close enough to a city to have all of the benefits
of living near one. I liked how people in Ohio were friendly
and appreciative of the care they received.
I came to Firelands because there were no other
endocrinologists in the area. In fact, it is rare to find an
endocrinologist outside of a metropolitan area. I wanted to
help people receive care they needed, but didn’t have access
to. It made sense to establish a practice here in Sandusky
that was in such high demand, save my patients the travel
time to receive the care they need, and help improve the
overall health of the population. I also liked that I could work
in concert with nephrologists, podiatrists, ophthalmologists
and other specialists to ensure patients are getting the
care they need and are controlling their chronic conditions.
Firelands truly offers comprehensive care, especially for
endocrine issues.
11
12
Gregory Surfield, M.D., Plastic Surgery,
Jeffrey Buehrer, M.D., Vascular Surgery,
Firelands Physician Group
Firelands Physician Group
I received my medical degree from Northeastern Ohio
University College of Medicine. From there, I did my training
in general surgery at Summa Akron City Hospital and in
plastic surgery at Loyola University in Chicago.
I like the before-and-after changes I can make for people.
I also like that this form of medicine is in a sense, abstract.
No two cases are alike and there are a variety of solutions
for every diagnosis. Plastic surgery is individualized for each
patient. I like the variety of different techniques available
and making a difference in people’s lives. For breast cancer
patients receiving reconstructive surgery, I like that I can do
something positive for them at a time (during mastectomies)
when everything else they are going through is so traumatic.
I am a native of Ohio, and I wanted to come back to the
state. I wanted to be in a mid-sized city, not a rural area. I like
how convenient Sandusky is. We have the conveniences of
living in a larger city without all the traffic and people. I also
liked the wide variety of attractions and activities available
near the lake. In addition, there was a definite need for a
plastic surgeon in this area. That was attractive to me. I like that Firelands has a lot of resources and that I am
given the autonomy to do what I think is best for the patient.
I am able to perform techniques that are done in larger
institutions and, sometimes, I get to do them ahead of the
larger institutions. I think it is great that Firelands offers
plastic surgery locally and patients don’t have to travel to
Cleveland or Toledo for many of the reconstruction, skin
cancer and cosmetic surgeries. This is especially comforting
for cancer patients. A mastectomy is traumatic, but often,
if I am able to reconstruct the breasts at the same time,
the patient can go home with some normalcy and dignity.
Personally, I find that to be extremely rewarding.
I went to medical school at the University of Michigan
Medical School and did my general surgery residency at the
University of North Carolina School of Medicine. My vascular
surgery fellowship was also at the University of North
Carolina School of Medicine.
I majored in physiology in college. I helped to build probes
to measure kidney blood flow and while I was good at it,
I didn’t like it. It just didn’t fit me. So, I decided to go to
medical school. At first, I thought I’d be an internist. During
my surgery rotation I realized how much I enjoyed surgery.
I had played sports growing up, and the team-oriented
approach of surgery energized me. In particular, I liked the
attention to detail that comes with vascular surgery. The
procedures we do are very precise. My mentors at UNC were
passionate about what they did, and I think that made me
love it, too.
I came to Sandusky because this area was close to my
family. I liked the idea of being in a smaller town and in a
community hospital.
Before coming to Firelands, I practiced at other hospitals
in the area. Firelands provides state-of-the-art equipment
and offers all of the ancillary specialty support we need. The
quality of specialty and general physician care here is far
superior to what you would find at other facilities. The level of
care parallels that of a much larger institution, but here, you
get personal care. Patients who see us and other physicians
at Firelands receive quality care at a level of interaction
that is very personal. Our practice and other specialties
have received very high state and national rankings, but
what you don’t see in those numbers is all of the teamwork
that makes the specialties so outstanding. We have great
Anesthesia, ICU teams, Rehab teams, everything. I think that
makes a difference for our patients and their outcomes.
Kristopher Lindbloom, D.O., Hospitalist,
Nick DenBesten, Ph.D., Neuropsychology,
Community Hospitalists, Ltd.
Firelands Regional Medical Center
I trained at Kansas City University of Medicine and
Biological Sciences. My third and fourth years of medical
school rotations were completed here at Firelands Regional
Medical Center in 2003. My residency was in Internal
Medicine in Toledo.
I chose to become a hospitalist because I get to see
different diagnoses and help the patient and their families
during their stay at Firelands. As a hospitalist, it is my job to
make sure the patients are on the right treatment path for
their needs. My role is to take all of their medical needs into
account and often, I do a lot of problem solving.
I have family in this area and I had been in Sandusky
during medical school. Initially, I chose Firelands when I was
a student because of the wide variety of service lines and
specialties available. I wanted to be exposed to different
types of medicine in an environment that would allow me
to obtain the experience I needed. Now, as a physician, I
like the proximity to the lake and to our families, and the
environment here at Firelands.
I wanted to come back to Firelands after spending two
years here as a medical student because of the resources
available to physicians and patients. I think this is the right
size medical center for this community. As a hospitalist, I
often have to consult with and order tests from a variety of
specialties and areas within the medical center. Firelands is
very efficient in giving patients the care they need. Patients
in this community don’t need to travel elsewhere; they can
get what they need right here. That’s why I like practicing at
Firelands.
I earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Neuropsychology from Novi
Southeastern University. I spent one year interning at the
Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Then, I completed a two-year fellowship in Houston at TIRR
Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation and Research Hospital.
In college, I was drawn to how the brain works, so I
pursued neuropsychology. What I like about neuropsychology
is that I get to use medicine, instead of just doing
psychological therapy. My specialty is very investigative and
research-oriented. I like being able to piece things together
to come up with a diagnosis and treatment plan with
other specialists.
I am from Michigan, so I wanted to ultimately live in the
Midwest, to be closer to family. I liked the small-town charm
of this area, and having big-city access to Cleveland and
Toledo. I liked the idea of laid-back living near the lake and
that my wife and I could focus on our family here. The area
has good schools for our kids and I have a short commute to
work, meaning I can spend more time with my family.
When I came to Firelands, I knew I would be building a
program from the ground up and that was exciting for me.
I was also attracted to Firelands because everyone here
takes a team approach to treating patients. No matter what
specialty or administrative level, everyone has an open
door policy, which really fosters collaboration. In addition,
Firelands has a system-wide respect for psychology, giving
me a place on the medical staff and access to all the
resources associated with that. I enjoy evaluating a wide
range of patients, from adolescents going through the
Concussion Clinic, to elderly dementia or rehabilitation
patients. It is fantastic for our community to have access to
this type of evaluation locally, instead of traveling to Toledo
or Cleveland to see a specialist.
13
14
Robert Johnson, D.O., Pediatric Hospitalist,
Scott Campbell, M.D., Emergency Medicine,
Pediatrix Medical Group
ER Docs, Inc.
I received my medical education from Michigan State
University. My residency was at MetroHealth in Cleveland. I
served one year as the Chief Resident and another two years
at MetroHealth in their Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
My life’s dream was to become a pediatrician. Kids get
sick quickly, but they also get better quickly. They never have
self-inflicted illnesses and kids are resilient. As I received
my medical training, I realized I wanted to be a pediatric
hospitalist instead of a pediatrician. I wanted to be in the
hospital, performing procedures and helping acutely ill
children.
I am from the Midwest and I knew I wanted to settle in the
Midwest. I like how hard-working, low-key and friendly the
people are in this area. I also love roller coasters, so I was
excited to practice in the place that is home to Cedar Point!
I like that Firelands has the only non-affiliated pediatric
unit between Toledo and Cleveland. Because of the nonaffiliation, I am able to send children to the institution where
they can receive the best care and to the best sub-specialist
I can find if they cannot be treated at Firelands. I like having
the autonomy to make the best decisions for our patients
and their families. Next year, we are adding licensing as a
Level II Nursery, and that will mean that we can keep even
more babies and families together.
I went to medical school at the University of Toledo and
completed my residency at St. Vincent in Toledo. I have been
with ER Docs, Inc. and with Firelands for 23 years.
As an undergraduate at Adrian College in Michigan, I
needed a healthcare job to list on my resume for medical
school applications. I became an orderly at the emergency
room at Bixby Hospital in Adrian during my freshman year
of college. I knew from that moment on I wanted to be in
emergency medicine. I tried other specialties and tried to
convince myself that I wanted to do other things, but in the
end, the ER felt like home. I just fit in with that mentality. I
say it is “organized chaos” in an ER; you either love it, or you
hate it. I love it.
I am from Akron and trained in Ohio, so I wanted to stay
in this area. I flew Life Flight as a flight physician out of
Toledo and had picked up patients at Firelands. That’s how
I met some of the physicians from ER Docs, Inc. I had been
practicing in an urban, academic institution in Toledo and I
wanted to move to a community hospital setting. I also love
the lake, the islands, boating, skiing and summertime here.
I think that the best emergency medicine is practiced
in community hospitals. We take care of everything. In
large institutions, other specialists and teams take over
immediately and ER physicians are just an intermediary. I
wanted to be in an environment where there were enough
services and specialties to take care of patients when
needed, but allowed ER physicians to care for them, too.
I also enjoy that we operate as an independent ER group
of physicians. We only serve Firelands and take a personal
approach to our care. We are invested in this community and
when we see our patients outside of the hospital, we want
to know they are doing well and received the best care they
could. I think having good healthcare providers locally really
trickles down to the community and affects the health and
well-being of everyone.
W. Scott Sheldon, D.O., Interventional
Cardiology,
Sherif Zaky, M.D., Pain Management,
North Ohio Heart
I went to Medical School at Ain Shams University in Cairo,
Egypt and also received my Master’s Degree and Ph.D.
there. I completed my residency in Anesthesiology at the
Cleveland Clinic and another residency in pain management
at University Hospitals in Cleveland.
I chose to practice pain management because I love
seeing how the quality of life for patients is drastically
improved through treatment. Given a patient’s diagnosis,
it is my job to explore all the treatment options available.
Sometimes I help manage their pain with lifestyle changes
or physical therapy; sometimes it is with surgery or medicine.
It truly makes my day when people come in and tell me that
because of a therapy I prescribed, they can do things they
never thought they could do.
I was impressed by the pleasantness of everyone at
Firelands and the community as a whole. The people in this
area are kind and laid-back. I liked that the environment was
less stressful than that of a big city. Of course, my family
likes the lake. I believe being in a community setting (instead
of a large research-based hospital) means that I can form
close relationships with my patients.
My approach to pain management matches well
with the overall goals of the staff and administration at
Firelands. I appreciate the support I have from my nursing
staff and from the administration at Firelands because
they understand the need for pain management in our
community. I truly care about long-term outcomes. I am able
to achieve this through working with the other members of
the Spine Center team, like the surgeons, physical therapists
and acupuncturist, and ultimately deciding what is best for
the patient.
I went to medical school at Ohio University and earned a
Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology. I did my residency
training in Internal Medicine, a fellowship in Cardiology and
an Advanced Fellowship in Interventional Cardiology, all at
the Cleveland Clinic.
I’ve had an innate interest in cardiology since childhood.
My father is a cardiologist and two of my brothers passed
away from congenital heart defects. When I went to college
and earned a Master’s in Exercise Physiology, I became
extremely interested in how the heart works. That interest
solidified my career path of cardiology and in particular,
interventional cardiology.
I trained in northeast Ohio at the Cleveland Clinic and
have family in northeast Ohio. When I joined my group, they
were expanding the practice west of the Lorain area, which
brought me to Sandusky.
At first, I was practicing at both Providence Hospital and
Firelands Community Hospital. In the early years before
the merger between Providence and Firelands, Firelands
truly had (and still has) a long-term commitment to the
community and to growing the cardiology program in this
region to meet the needs of the population. When the merger
occurred, the newly formed Firelands Regional Medical
Center further developed the cardiology program.
I truly enjoy working here because I find a great sense of
camaraderie amongst the staff, especially between me and
the staff in the Cath Lab. Firelands has a great environment.
Firelands focuses on doing what is best for the patients all of
the time. We serve so many visitors and tourists when health
care needs arise and the care provided at Firelands is truly a
safety net for our community.
Firelands Physician Group
15
16
The Best Medicine
For An Emergency
A trip to the emergency room is rarely an
enjoyable experience for anyone. The staff at Firelands
Regional Medical Center knows this. This year, emergency
room visits have reached historic numbers in our region.
Influenza has spiked numbers at hospitals nationwide
and Firelands Regional Medical Center is no exception. In
order to address the health needs of the community, the
physicians and staff in Firelands’ emergency department
have implemented new practices and refined their teambased approach to bring the best emergency medicine to
you, when you need it most.
“We really take a team approach in how we care for
our patients,” says Bill Turton, RN, director of emergency
services. “By utilizing the team approach, things can happen
all at once. We can give the physicians all the necessary
information needed to treat the patient quickly and safely.”
And it is quite a team. In recent months, the Firelands
emergency department has appointed a nurse practitioner
to see patients in the Quick Care section of the emergency
room. These patients are sick enough to be in the ER, but
may not need bed space in the fast-paced environment
of the primary ER. The patients are still seen by a boardcertified physician, according to Turton, but are first treated
by the nurse practitioner, a common model now used in
numerous physician offices and clinics.
Surveys reveal that many patients are dissatisfied with
wait times during an ER visit. Firelands’ ER staff is now
using a “pull until full” philosophy, taking patients directly
to any of the 30 ER beds that are available and performing
triage services in the room, instead of first ushering them
through a series of preliminary areas. In addition, Firelands
has implemented a “liaison” team member, who rounds
to patient beds and waiting areas and keeps patients and
families informed about their visit and their expectations
for care.
Keeping patients and their families better informed,
along with change-of-shift bedside reporting that includes
the patient and providers in the conversation about their
care, has improved the emergency department’s patient
satisfaction in overall care by 183%.
“
We rea lly ta ke a
tea m approach in
how we ca re for
ou r patie nts
”
17
Donors Make It Possible
For Dorsey To
Just. Keep. Moving.
As a fitness instructor, Tim Dorsey has dedicated
his life to helping people climb the mountain of weight loss
and wellness. In late 2014, Tim never thought he would be
the one who would need help moving his own “mountain”…
but this mountain wasn’t physical fitness. This mountain
was cancer.
The 34-year-old father of three and newlywed husband
recalls having strange symptoms for about six months,
before he was diagnosed with stage 4 nasopharyngeal
cancer on December 17, 2014. “The first symptom I had
was numbness in a tooth on the right upper portion of my
mouth,” Dorsey said. “The dentist said my teeth were fine. I
also had a constant ringing in my ears so I saw Ben Murcek,
DO. That’s when it all began.”
Dorsey underwent a CT scan and an MRI, which ultimately
led to the discovery of a tumor behind his sinuses, one
18
that had fingers reaching down his face and into his ear,
causing his perplexing symptoms. As a self-employed fitness
instructor, Tim did not carry health insurance for himself
and had always been very healthy. Now, Tim and his family
were facing an incredible challenge and his uninsured health
status meant the challenge was not only physical, but
financial as well.
That’s where donors to The Foundation for Firelands
Cancer Program Fund made a major difference in Tim’s
life. With the help of Vinay Gudena, MD, and Mersiha
Hadziahmetovic, MD, Tim reviewed options for treatment,
grappling with the idea of alternative therapies, but settling
on an aggressive regimen of radiation and chemotherapy.
“Dr. Hadzi made time to speak with me about treatment
options, clearing her schedule to make sure I understood
what needed to happen. That one-on-one time and genuine
concern isn’t always something you get with a physician,”
Dorsey said. “She told me that I needed to follow this
treatment plan. She feared that without treatment, it was
possible I wouldn’t live to see my daughter’s birth in March. I
knew what I had to do and I trusted her and Dr. Gudena.”
Tim credits his physical fitness with powering him
through a rigorous schedule of treatment; however, he still
endured weeks of painful mouth sores, nausea, fatigue and
soreness as the chemotherapy and radiation took its toll not
only on the cancer, but on him. Donations to the Firelands
Cancer Program Fund helped Tim receive prescription
“magic mouthwash” to soothe mouth sores and make food
palatable. He also received assistance with anti-nausea
medications, port placement for his treatment, gift cards for
nutritional needs, and fuel cards for transportation to and
from treatments and physician visits. The fund also paid for
acupuncture as prescribed by his physicians for the host of
side effects that accompany chemotherapy and radiation.
“I think the assistance (provided by donated funds) is
really amazing,” he says. “You live day to day, thinking
about advancing yourself and your family, but life happens.
We had some money saved, we both had good jobs, but we
could never have afforded cancer. We would’ve been done,
financially. Because of people in this community caring about
the lives of others, we are able to get through this time with
the help of a lot of incredible people.”
Since the beginning of his journey, Tim and his wife,
Kayla, have used Facebook to journal the ups and downs of
the fight of their lives. Tim’s raw, honest and inspiring posts
have been viewed, “liked” and commented on by thousands
of people. In late May, Tim and his family shared their best
news to date: scans revealed that his tumor is gone.
“My wife told me a few days before that she knew the
scans were going to be clean. We had prayed for this news
and we had fought so hard to move this mountain. She just
knew it. She actually wrote the long Facebook post three
days before my appointment,” he said.
Now, with his “mountain” moved, Tim is back in his
“home” – his gym – focusing once again on helping others
achieve their best physical fitness. But, he won’t soon forget
the help he received from so many people in our community.
“Thank you,” he said. “I knew going into this would be
the fight of my life, but I didn’t know how many people
would stand behind me. Thank you for the financial support,
the kind words, and the prayers. People tell me I’m an
inspiration, but what is really inspiring is how much
people care.”
“
I kn ew goi ng int o
thi s would be the
fig ht of my life, but
I did n’t kn ow how
ma ny people would
sta nd behind me.
”
19
What
Happened To Me?
Randy Fredrick is the picture of health. The
48-year-old dad of two lifts weights nearly every day. He tries
to eat a healthy diet, doesn’t smoke, and keeps himself in
good shape. Randy Fredrick doesn’t look like someone who
would have a heart attack. But on January 25, 2015, he did.
Randy went to work as he normally does at 5 a.m. He had
been experiencing some burning in his chest for a couple
of days, but didn’t think much of it. After his shift, he went
to the gym per his normal routine, and worked out for an
hour. When he came out of the gym, Randy knew something
was wrong.
“I felt pressure on my chest, and I thought maybe it was
the compression shirt I was wearing. I took that off, but
it didn’t help,” he says. “My first thought was, ‘I can’t be
having a heart attack. This is just heartburn’. “
Randy began to perspire and noticed tingling in his hands
and arms as he drove away from the gym. He did what he
calls the “macho thing” and as he drove past the fire station,
his symptoms were getting worse. He turned his truck
around and pulled into the station, knowing they could help.
The Perkins Fire Department emergency responders
20
hooked Randy up to their Lifenet® system which transmits
an EKG and vital information to the ER physician and the
Firelands Regional Medical Center Cardiac Catherization Lab.
The system, made possible by donations to The Foundation
for Firelands, allows the medical team to prepare for
treatment as the patient is being transported to the hospital.
Randy remembers being calm during the ambulance
ride to the hospital, and he remembers entering through
the doors at Firelands. After that, he doesn’t remember
anything. That’s because Randy went into cardiac arrest in
the emergency room, as they prepared him for the Cath Lab.
Sarah Potts, RN, a nurse in the Cath Lab, was called in
that Sunday afternoon.
“Once you were in the lab, we had to move very quickly to
get your artery unblocked,” she told Randy later. “We knew
we only had a short window of opportunity to keep your
heart muscle from becoming even more damaged. Our team
worked really hard to get you prepped and get that artery
open as fast as we could.”
Door-to-balloon time refers to the measurement in
minutes it takes caregivers to get a patient from the medical
center doors to opening an artery. The American Heart
Association standard for door-to-balloon time is less than 90
minutes. In Randy’s case, the team got him in and unblocked
his artery in just 45 minutes, potentially saving more of his
heart muscle, states Firelands Heart Center director Tina
Ammanniti.
From there, Randy was moved to Firelands ICU, where
he woke up the next day with just one question: “What
happened to me?”
ICU nurses Rachelle Lessick, RN, and Samantha Bussert, RN, gently explained to Randy that he had a heart attack,
but that the physician had opened his artery, placed a stent
in it and that he would be able to recover and return to his
normal life soon.
“I knew this was coming,” he told them, citing a family
history of heart disease. “I just didn’t know it would be this
“
soon. I thought if I exercised and ate fairly well, I could put it
off longer than I did.”
Randy is thankful to everyone who played a part in saving
his life that day and is thankful that every piece of the puzzle
worked out just the way it did.
“The day I was discharged, I went back to the Perkins Fire
Department to get my truck,” he said. “No one was there.
If this had happened to me on another day, I may not have
gotten to the hospital in time.”
Randy hopes his story will save someone else. “I tell
everyone I know not to ignore the symptoms. It might not be
heartburn; it might be a heart attack,” he says. “I’m thankful
that I could get the care I needed in a timely manner and
that all the facilities and providers I needed were right here.
I didn’t need to go anywhere else, and I definitely didn’t have
the time. I received the best care right here at Firelands.”
I can’t be having a heart attack
”
21
Ruth Frost Parker
She probably walked by the silver letters on
the ceiling soffit hundreds, maybe thousands of times as
she made her way to a meeting, appointment, or to visit
the gift shop. But the letters weren’t important to her, even
though they spelled her name. In fact, thousands of people
have walked by and read those same silver letters as they
entered the registration area and main lobby of Firelands
Regional Medical Center: Frost-Parker Foundation. But for
Ruth Frost Parker, her philanthropy was never about silver
letters, proclamations, newspaper articles or plaques. Ruth
Parker cared about our community and advocated tirelessly
for the kind of Sandusky she always knew and loved. On
February 14, 2015, “Sandusky’s quiet lady” passed away. It
is her legacy and her dedication to the financial health and
well-being of Sandusky that will live on forever.
Ruth’s love of medicine and her concern for the
health of everyone in our area began at a young age.
She graduated from the College of Wooster in 1945 with
a degree in biology and promptly trained as a medical
technologist at Northwestern Medical School. She worked
in vaccine production at Parke-Davis in Detroit, Michigan
and then in a commercial lab in California before coming
back to Sandusky to work as the Chief Medical Technologist
at the former Good Samaritan Hospital. She married
William (Bill) Parker in 1954. He died in a private plane
crash in 1985. The couple had three children and six
grandchildren. In 2012, Ruth shared photos of her time at Good
Samaritan with the Firelands Regional Medical Center
Laboratory team and was delighted to tour the state-ofthe-art, recently renovated facilities. She amazed the team
with stories of lab procedures from her time as chief, and
Ruth attending 2012 Hearts in Flight Jubilee
with Valerie and son, John Parker.
22
Ruth (top row, se
cond from left) wi
th her
colleagues at wo
rk in the Good Sa
maritan
Hospital Laborato
ry.
Ruth on
A Lifetime Of Paying It Forward
marveled at the technology available today.
Ruth Parker was a dear friend to Firelands Regional
Medical Center for many years, supporting health in our
community both personally and through the Frost-Parker
Foundation. She served on the Board of Directors for the
medical center and then on The Foundation for Firelands
Board of Directors as secretary. Her vision for bringing
health care to everyone and for making hospital stays
better for patients led to countless gifts in support of
patient care. When she identified a need, Ruth rose to the
occasion to meet that need, whether through funding of
equipment, underwriting fundraisers, or funding capital
projects. Since 2005, Ruth Parker and the Frost-Parker
Foundation have invested more than $600,000 in The
Foundation for Firelands in support of patient care at
Firelands Regional Medical Center.
In 2012, Ruth called The Foundation for Firelands and
told staff that she had friends who had difficulty with
laboratory tests because of small veins in their arms
and hands. She wanted to help her friends and others in
the community by purchasing a piece of equipment that
uses LED lights to identify veins underneath the skin.
Ultimately, Ruth purchased two of these devices which
have made testing much easier for countless people at
Firelands. This is just one example of the quiet ways Ruth
made a difference in the lives of so many people.
Where good was being done, Ruth Parker was often a
driving force behind it. And not just at Firelands Regional
Medical Center, but throughout the Sandusky area. She was
a force behind so many benevolent, kind, compassionate
2.
a tour of the Firelands Laboratory in 201
and worthy causes, as broad in nature as could be. Her
devotion to her church, the United Church of Christ, led
to a variety of gifts including a pipe organ. Perhaps her
most profound UCC-related accomplishment was her
vision for Parkvue Community, a faith-based senior living
facility that has met the end-of-life needs for thousands
of people, including Ruth herself. She also loved to help
children in need. Ruth helped to establish Michael’s House,
a comfortable, safe environment where children who were
victims of abuse could be interviewed by law enforcement
to help bring their abusers to justice. She supported
Bowling Green State University, her husband’s and son’s
alma mater, extending her kindness into education.
The arts also received attention from the Frost-Parker
Foundation, through gifts that revived the Sandusky
State Theatre in the early 1990s, to support for Firelands
Symphony Orchestra and other worthy causes. In truth,
Ruth Parker personally, and through her foundation, drove
an incredible amount of good through organizations and
causes too numerous to list.
For her friends at Firelands Regional Medical Center,
Ruth Parker’s passing marked a sad end of an incredibly
compassionate and profound friendship. But our sadness
can’t last too long. We have far too many things to be
thankful for because of Ruth Parker and the Frost-Parker
Foundation. Ruth wouldn’t want us to be sad. She would
want us to continue our work, quietly and tirelessly, like
she did…helping each and every person in their time of
need and making our community a better place for all.
Pictured above: Valerie and (son) John
Parker; Ruth Parker, (son) Jim
and Julia Parker, and (daughter) Allison
and Peter VanHartesveldt.
23
Firelands Speakers’ Bureau Is
24
Trusted
Families are increasingly using the internet as a major source
of advice regarding their health. But little is known about the accuracy of medical
information obtained online. In an age where information about health is at our
fingertips, but isn’t always reliable, doesn’t it make sense to seek out the most
trusted sources about your health?
Firelands Regional Medical Center has compiled a Speakers’ Bureau, a group of
experts who will speak about a variety of health-related topics from atrial fibrillation,
exercise and nutrition, memory and brain health as we age, to cancer screening
and fertility.
“People are more proactive with their health than ever before,” says Firelands
Speakers’ Bureau coordinator Rene Mihalic. “There are so many resources here
at Firelands and we’d like to share the vast amount of knowledge we have with
our community.”
Mihalic schedules speakers from the bureau for groups of all ages, missions, and
sizes. She has everyone from kindergarten classes to retired auto workers interested
in learning how to prevent and treat illnesses throughout life.
“In the coming year, we’d like to expand our offerings to include more topics
on wellness and to target people of all ages,” she says. “Firelands has so many
specialties, knowledgeable physicians, and skilled staff. As a community asset, it is
our responsibility to educate and inform as many people as we can about how to live
their healthiest lives, and about the wealth of resources available at Firelands to help
them achieve their health goals.”
Some of the most notable topics presented in 2015 were: “ElderCollege: The
Aging Brain” by Neuropsychologist Nick DenBesten, PhD, at Bowling Green State
University-Firelands Campus; “Atrial Fibrillation” presented by Cardiologist Hassan
Ibraham, MD, at the Sandusky Yacht Club; presentations on CPR and AED training
by staff from the Firelands Heart Center to Ford UAW retirees; and the importance of
cancer screenings for members of the Firelands 55+ Club.
For more information on booking the Firelands Speakers’ Bureau for your school,
church, civic organization or other group, call Rene Mihalic at 419-557-7722.
Resource
atrial fibrillation,
exercise and nutrition,
memory & brain health,
cancer screening,
fertility & more
Volunteers
Volunteers at Firelands Regional
Medical Center work side-by-side with
employees every day in more than 40 different
departments to ensure our patients are receiving
the best care possible. The more than 260
volunteers who give of their time and talents do
everything from transporting patients within the
medical center, to stocking medical supplies, to staffing
the Firelands Regional Medical Center Auxiliary Gift Shops,
to delivering mail to various departments. Our dedicated
volunteers provide invaluable service to patients and
have been an essential part of Firelands Regional
Medical Center and its predessor hospitals for decades.
We hope you will join us in extending our
most sincere appreciation to these
kind individuals listed below.
Marta N. Adelman
Julie A. Alexander
Heather R. Amezquita
Morgan L. Andrews
Zuriana C. Antonio
Diane C. Apling
Joyce K. Baaske
James E. Balduff
Sherryl L Balduff
Rhea L. Banks
Gabby M. Barnes
Madison A. Baum
Marilyn A. Beckman
Betty K. Behlmer
Madalynn E. Belinge
Nancy L. Bickley
Marcus Binette
Cinda L. Binger
Pat A. Bricker-Cook
Charles Briehl
Mary Ann Briehl
Susan C. Brooks
Samuel R. Bunting
Lynn Buschman-Johnston
Earlene J. Butler
Lois A. Camp
Katlyn C Canada
Jake Caponi
Ann W Cassidy
Patricia A. Cassidy
Margaret Cheatham
YuQing Chen
Steve Christman
Marla K. Chudy
Kaelin A. Cockrell
Ingrid Coiffard
Paula M. Colaizzi
Stephanie J. Conkey
Debbie A. Conner
Jim Cremean
Marjorie Cremean
Janet A. Croom
Lois A. Cruse
Ann L. Daniel
Yvette M. Darden-McDonald
Lois Dean
Dennis L. Deitenbeck
Gary L. Desmond
Kay L. Dickens
Christy R. Dickman
Matt D. Dombrosky
Jerrian L. Dorsey
James M. Drumm
Angela L. Dubbert
Joni A. DuFresne
Kay B. Eash
Pauline Edens
Jessica M. Efaw
Jerry P. Ehrhardt
Patricia Ellington
Bonnie M. Faber
James E. Fanning
Jerry Fantozzi
Jacob Feicht
Anekia Fenderson
Trudie A Ferguson
Holly E. Finkenbine
Kathy Fitz
Geneva A. Flahiff
Mary Ann Fox
Sally L. Franzen
Andrew M. Franzen
Andrew J. Freeh
Janet L. Freehling
John L. Garlock
John L. Garlock, Sr.
Peg Garvin
Maggie M Gehrlein
Arlene M. Gilbert
Charlotte A. Gillmor
Jack S. Girard
Chris Goodman
Agnes M. Gosser
Dorothy A. Gowdy
Brenton A. Green
Donna J. Greulich
William J. Griffiths
Elizabeth R. Growel
Nancy L Gruver
Sandy L. Guba
Ritchey F. Hansen
Sue Harmon
Rol Hart
Pam S. Hartung-Kellem
Wendy Hartwig
Marilyn S. Hedberg
Virginia Herhold
Beverly R. Hillis
Rose M Hoelzer
Teresa M. Hoelzer
Helen J. Holl
Joanne Hosey
Judith A. Hoskin
William E. Hoskin
Mattie R. Irby
Dena L. Jacobs
Gladys L. Janssen
Walt R. Johnson
Eric Johnson
Sarah N. Jolliff
Ellen L. Jones
Trey Jones
Peyton J. Jorden
Nathan M. Kafity
Helen M. Keilman
Sharon L. Kendell
Donna J. Kieffer
Sherri L. Klenk
Sophie C. Knauer
Lorie A. Koehl
Monica M. Koelsch
Dhanush Kota
Kristina E. Kovalik
Melissa A. Kuns
Shirley N. Langdon
Verna J. Lehrer
Philip C. Lenos
Sharon L. Lentz
Peggy A. Lenyo
Brianna Lewis-Giffaw
Caroline P. Linden
Emily C. Lipstraw
Betty L. Livingston
Linda F. Lombard
Ann M. Losey
Thomas L. Lovitt
Kevin E. Lowery
Mimi D. Luberger
Mary Ann Lublow
Pat A. Mandrik
Rosemary A. Mantey
Shirley A. Mapus
Renetta A. Matso
Bev L. Matthews
Kate D. McBride
Jim S. McClain
April L. McCormack
Mary E. McDonald
Sharon S. McGinn
Misty S. Melton
Jean Miller
Elder Missionary
Bud Mitchell
Cecilia Moffett-Hesch
Connie J. Montgomery
Deborah L. Montgomery
Louise W. Moon
Emma K. Moore
Vera J. Moore
Joyce E. Mulaney
Betty Munafo
Kim A. Murray
Virginia M. Neuman
Brandy N. Neustel
Olivia M. Newell
Keith E. Newton
Louise A. Newton
Priscilla Nguyen
Darlene A. Nickles
Morgan C. Odell
Charles E. Odums
Corrine M. O’Hara
Tim G. Ohlemacher
David L. Omlor
Susan J. Omlor
Irene A. Opp
Mabel E. Opper
Thomas C. Orihel
Paige M. Ortner
Jennifer E. Paiz
Barbara L. Parker
Suzanne Parker
Patty D. Pascoe
Edwin E. Pawlowski
Mary E. Pierson
Beth N. Pitts
John J. Planthaber
Cindy A. Plue
Kayla M. Porter
Mary M. Potts
Kimberly M. Price
Jean A. Puckrin
Sylvia T. Ramon
Erica Reber
Vicki L. Reber
Millie A. Reed
Dolores M Ritzenthaler
Hayley D. Roll
Ginny I. Rosebrook
Dorothy A. Ruffer
Brenda J. Saferstein
Stephanie Salkind
Sara Samstag
Marty E. Sawicki
Darcy R. Schild
Lauren N. Schmid
Marcia A. Schutt
Jean A. Seeholzer
Darcene Selby
Nathan J. Shriver
Kelly R. Skaggs
Helen J. Skelton
Amanda A. Sloan
Vicki S. Smith
Linda J. Solet
Bud Sonick
Carolyn S. Spayd
JoAnn T. Spore
Larry L. Stansberry
Nelson H. Statt
Ruth Steele
Gary R. Steiner
Virginia M. Steiner
Paul F. Stengel
Phyllis Stengel
June M. Stephenson
Carolyn Stough
Brenda K. Strack
Leanne K. Strack
Janet C. Stradtman
Annette R. Tamburrino
Anna Tanaka
Riki O. Tanaka
Deanna E. Thompson
Julie Trejodeleon
Kristin S. Troesch
Ellen M Troike
Rebecca M. Trout
Sharon L. Turini-Kent
Connie Turley
Mary C. Tursky
Donna J. Van Auken
Susan C. Van Barg
Nancy S. Viviano
Ashley F. Waddington
Darlene L. Walk
Rosemary Walland
Joan D. Walter
Terri Washburn
Cecelia M. Weaver
Nancy G. Weeks
Ruth West
Mary Lou White
Ginny M. Wicker-Piddock
Jill M. Wilhelm
Janice E. Williams
Dorothy R.Windau
Gloria A. Winkel
Abby L. Wiseman
Flo Young
Raymond A. Young
Bethany A. Zettler
Allison A. Ziehm
25
Outstanding Giving
Deserves Outstanding Recognition
In 2013, The Foundation for Firelands proudly
inducted 53 charter members into the Legacy Society.
This distinguished society recognizes individuals and
organizations that have given $15,000 or more cumulatively
to The Foundation for Firelands since 2005, in support
of patient care at Firelands Regional Medical Center.
The kindness and extraordinary generosity of the Legacy
Society members has truly made a difference in the lives of
thousands of people in our region. This society recognizes
the commitment of those who have given at the highest
level to ensure quality health care is available to everyone.
We commend each of these individuals and organizations
for their selfless dedication to the health and welfare of our
community, both now and in the future.
In 2014, 20 more members were inducted, bringing the
total count of The Foundation for Firelands Legacy Society
to 73 members. Both charter members and those newly
inducted in 2014 received beautiful crystal awards with their
names and levels of giving etched on the faces. These crystal
pieces were given as a symbol of the magnificent light that
each of these donors has brought to patients at Firelands
Regional Medical Center. They also signify the beauty
of philanthropy and the good work achieved by selfless
generosity.
In total, members of The Foundation for Firelands Legacy
Society have given more than $4 million in support of the
health and well-being of everyone who lives, works and
plays in our region. Please join us in thanking and further
recognizing these outstanding individuals and organizations:
T h e ki n d
ext ra o rdi
n e ss a n d
n a ry g e n
e ro s ity o
th e Lega
f
cy Soci et
y me mb
h a s t ru ly
e rs
ma de a
dif fe re n c
e.
26
The Foundation for Firelands
Bronze Level
Christopher and Jane Arnold *
The John Bacon Families **
Bank of America Merrill Lynch *
Bettcher Industries, Inc. **
Buckeye CableSystem **
Kenneth E. and Janet N. Conway **
The Erie County Medical Society **
First Energy Foundation **
John and Nanette Frankel **
Joseph and Olive Hert **
Janotta & Herner, Inc. **
Dr. Fredric and Connie Itzkowitz *
Lee and Sandra Jewett **
Kalahari Resorts *
Bryan Kasper *
KF Ventures *
The Kiwanis Club of Sandusky **
Dr. Carlos and Susan Lowell *
Mathews Ford Lincoln *
Mark Advertising **
Lee and Anne McDermond *
Dr. W. Patrick and Elaine McGuinn *
Duff and Gina Milkie *
Daniel J. Moncher and family *
The Paul Motry Memorial Fund **
Allen and Diane Nickles and Erin Thompson **
O. E. Meyer Company **
Poulos & Schmid Design Group *
Ruth Frost Parker **
David and Paula Rengel **
The Sandusky / Erie County Community
Foundation **
Sandusky Register **
Dr. Mark and Wendy Schmiedl *
Bev and Jim Schrickel *
Mary and Mel Stauffer **
Carol Steuk **
Jim and Heather Stouffer *
The Stouffer Family and Catawba Island Club *
UIS Insurance & Investments *
Vacationland Federal Credit Union *
Leon J. and Mary Ellen Weiber **
James O. and Norma K. Wible **
Carl and Jessica Will *
* denotes a 2014 inductee
** denotes a Charter Member
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Auxiliary
Legacy Society
Silver Level
American Colors, Inc. **
Civista Bank **
Girls Night Out **
Daniel and Laura Keller **
Robert J. Kromer, DO **
Beth and Bob Mathews **
Carolyn and Chuck Rainger **
Dr. Amy and J.J. Reese **
Chuck and Julie Stark **
Martin and Mary Tursky **
Mary and Tom Wolf **
Dr. Vicenta Gaspar-Yoo and Dr. Bo Yoo **
Gold Level
The Joseph Burnham family **
The Paul and C.J. Pheiffer family **
NOMS Healthcare *
Thomas and Christine Routh **
SEI **
Bill and Alice Springer **
The Walter E. Terhune Trust KeyBank National
Association **
The Michelle Wightman and Karrie Wieber
Charitable Foundation **
Sapphire Level
The Sidney Frohman Foundation **
Charles and Evelyn Scott Merz **
George L. Mylander **
The Mylander Foundation **
Arthur and Carol Wolfe **
Platinum Level
The Frost-Parker Foundation **
The Randolph J. and Estelle M. Dorn Foundation **
Diamond Level
Firelands Regional Medical Center Auxiliary **
George C. Matthes **
Mary B. Myers **
The Sam S. and Rose Stein Foundation **
The Firelands Regional Medical Center Auxiliary operates the
hospital’s gift shops and conducts special sales throughout the
year to raise funds to purchase equipment and to meet other
needs within Firelands Regional Medical Center. During 2014, the
Firelands Auxiliary provided the lead gift of $250,000 to the new
Center for Women and Newborns along with the following:
·
Telemetry Components
·
Portable Vital Sign Monitors
·
Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedules
·
IV Pumps
·
Portable External Defibrillators
Holly Amidon
Tina Ammanniti
Linda Armstrong
Jane Arnold
Joyce Baaske
Sherryl Balduff
Joyce Barnes
Mary Bauer
Arlyn Bensch
Nancy Bickley
Ruth Brandle
Maura Braun
Mary Ann Briehl
Mary Ann Brown
Janis Burke
Mae Butler
Lianep Carrion
Ann Cassidy
Sandy Cattano
Margaret Cheetham
Ingrid Coiffard
Ann Daniel
Amy Davlin
Darlene Decker
Christine Dickman
Lou Dickman
Kay Eash
Bonita Faber
Mary Fenker
Janet Fletcher
Mary Ann Fox
Peg Garvin
Mary Gebelle
Jamie Geretz
Mitzi Grad
Donna Greulich
Faye Groscost
Elizabeth Growel
Deb Gundlach
Marilyn Hansen
Beth Hartz
Marilyn Hedberg
Virginia Herhold
Rose Hoelzer
Helen Holl
Leona Holzmiller
Joanne Hosey
Bill Hoskin
Judith Hoskin
John M Hoty
Mattie Irby
Karen James
Anne Johnstone
Nancy Keller
Sari Kelley
Roberta Kessler
Donna Kieffer
Sara-Lu Kosel
Connie Lamb
Stephanie Lawerence
Gerry Lehrer
Sharon Lentz
Peggy Lenyo
Betty Livingston
Kathy Loparo
Mary Ann Lublow
Christine Mack
Dorothy Malinovsky
Sharon Malone
Karen Mann
Shirley Mapus
Beverly Matthews
Barbara Mayer
April McCormack
Anne McGookey
Nancy McKeen
Nancy McPeek
Jean Miller
Dan Moncher
Connie Montgomery
Louise Moon
Vera Moore
Robert Moore
Betty Munafo
George Mylander
Connie Napper
Pam Nesgoda
Virginia Neuman
Diane Nickles
Barbara Nielsen
Gail Paraskevopoulos
Ruth Parker
Ginny Piddock
Mary Pierson
Beth Pitts
Mary Potts
Holly Price
Linda Reichenbach
Linda Ricci
Dolores Ritzenthaler
Virginia Rosebrook
Nancy Ross
Ruth Ruthsatz
Brenda Saferstein
Sara Samstag
Marty Sawicki
Peggy Scherer
Marcia Schutt
Jim Sennish
Jackie Sharp
Pat Sizemore
Vicki Smith
Rosaria Sortino
Jo Ann Spore
Alice Springer
Ruth Steele
Sandra Stierhoff
Susan Stockdale
Lois Szabrak
Annette Tamburrino
Hedy Todd
Kristin Troesch
Sharon Turini-Kent
Mary Tursky
Martin Tursky
Holly Valko
Karen Vargas
Nancy Viviano
Rosemary Walland
Joan Walter
Elaine Waterfield
Cecelia Weaver
Lois Weiland
Julie Wenzinger
Barbara Wenzinger
Ruth West
Mary Ellen Wieber
Helen Williams
Gloria Winkel
Mary Jane Young
Evelyn Zeller
Auxiliary President Vera
Moore (pictured left) and
Vice President Donna Kieffer
(pictured right).
27
Our 2014 Generous Benefactors
The 5th District Academy of the Ohio
Osteopathic Association
Annie Aaron
Larry and Mary Aaron
Michelle Acierto
Thomas and Marta Adelman
Advanced Neurological Associates
Margaret Alcala
Beth Alcala
Dexter Alexander
Butch Allendorf
Bill and Katie Allendorf
Amy Alley
Alma’s Cookies
Alice Alt
Holly Ambrose
American Colors, Inc.
American Legion Riders Association,
Chapter 83
American Quality Stripping
Jackie Amison
Tina Ammanniti
Ancora Capital
Susan Andres
Louise Anthony
Sandy Anthony
Judy Arheit
Jerry and Janice Arkebauer
Mike Armour
Linda Armstrong
Chris and Jane Arnold
Artino Ford
Erica Ashford
Association of Marina Industries
Rana Atassi
John Aunspaw
Cesare and Andrea Avallone
Christopher Avendano, MD
AVI FoodSystems
Tom and Marilyn Aylward
Joyce Baaske
Michael Babiuch, MD and
Pat Babiuch
John Bacon
Robert and Audrey Bahn
Jackie Bain
Nicki Baker
Brittany Baker
June Baker
Ellen Baker
Lisa Balconi
William K. Balzer, PhD
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Bar North Bistro
Bob and Sharon Barnes
Joyce Barnes
Barnes Nursery
Barnes Wendling
Rosario Barone
Carol Barone
Baron’s JJ Ltd.
Dan and Mary Bauer
Cheryl Bauer
Mary Bauer
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Baumgardner
Mary Kay Baumgartner
Lyon Baumler
Sandie Beal
Amy Beatty
Jean Beaulieu
Tara Beckley Oman
Alice Beckman
Susan Behrens
David and Anne Belden
Dave Belinge
Jennifer Bell
Belle Soiree
The Bellevue Manufacturing Company
28
Chris Belmont
Steven Bendetta
Sheldon Benkey
Andy and Marlene Benko
Arlyn and Candace Bensch
Berardi’s Family Kitchen
Berardi’s Family Restaurant
Terri Bergman
Tracy Berlin
David and Peggy Bertsch
Julie Bertsch
Julia Beverick
Robert Beverly
Delores Bialorucki
Shelly Biggert
Tammy Biglin
Giovanni and Patricia Bignoli
Ann Bingham
Debbie Bingham
Melinda Bishoff
Alisa Bishop
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Blakely
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Blakely
Theresa Blakely
Michael Blank, MD and Kari
Ketvertis, MD
Jennifer Blankenship
Jason Blanton
Zack Blau
Blue Ribbon Meats
Bob Evans
Martha Bodde
Laurie and Bob Boehk
Tom and Joyce Bohlander
Katherine Bohn
Amy Bohn Green
Celina Bolding
Sandra Bonawit
Carol Boraski
Patricia Bordner
Bottle to Glass
Amy Bowers
Kimberle Bowie
Brittany Boyd
Leroy and Deborah Boyer
Allyson Brady
Richard and Debra Brady
Margaret Brainard
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Brake
Brandy’s Beauty Salon, LLC
Joe and Phyllis Bransky
Frances Brennan
William and Angela Brickner
Bridge Homecare Partners
Tony and Tiffany Bring
Jeffrey Brittan
Brohl & Appell, Inc.
Denise Brown
Nancy Brown
Terri Brown
Karen Brown
William Bruner, DO
Morgan Bruno
Barbara Brunow
Bryan Thom Entertainment Inc.
Danielle Buathier
Jan Bucholz
Buckeye CableSystem & Telesystem
Jim and Joyce Buderer
Anna Bundren
Mel Burns
Therese Burns, DVM
Heather Lynn Bushkuhl
William Butler III
Justine Byington
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Cada
Celene Cahlik
Scott Campbell, MD and Paula Campbell
Julie Campbell
Cancer Services/Girls Night Out Event
Sharon Carbary
Sandra Carpenter
Rene Casali
Catawba Island Club
Laurie Caughill
Matthew Cavanagh
Cedar Point
Tracy Chapman
Steve Charfield
Jacque Chasteen
Margaret Cheetham
Tricia Chervenak
Chip and Shelly Chesbro
Paula Chesser
Matt Chill
Jena Chiow
Christian Roberts Salon and Spa
Mr. and Mrs. Ciesinski
Russ and Ginny Ciphers
Civista Bank
Jacquie Clark
Holly Clayman
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Clemens
Barb Clemons
Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Cavaliers
Clinical Specialties
Sue Cloak
Amanda Cloud
Mark and Mary Cmar
Susan Coe
Marc and Ingrid Coiffard
David and Julia Colavincenzo
Patrick Collins
Community Hospitalists, LTD.
Larry Cook
Tonia Copsey
Coronet Jewelry
Janice Cottier
Gary Couts
Shawn Covey
Bill and Joan Crawford
Dave and Patti Crawford
Creative Cuisine
John and Lisa Crescimano
Bill and Laura Criscione
Jason and Darlene Crooks
Nazzarena Crooks
Marcy Crow
Alexandria Cruey
Katie Crum
Megan Cuevas
Julie Culp
Mr. and Mrs. James Cundari
Barbara Curran
Barbara Curtis
Connie Dagg
Kathy Dahmen
Lindsay Damschroder
Marge Danklefsen
Nicole Danner
Cathy Davenport
Ben E. Davis Family
Amelia Davlin
Frank and Mary Lou Dawson
Mike and Marlene DeCaro
Nichole Dehn
Dennis Deitenbeck
Brenda Delamatre
Helen Depinet Family
Benjamin Dennis
Daria Deno
Michelle Denslow
Gina Denslow
Ashley Dickman
Carol Dickman
Pat Didion
Zachary Didion
Valri Didion
Jaime Diewald
Rita Disalvio
Cindy Donahue
Anita Donahue
Joseph and Kathy Doyon
Heather Dreschel
Tara Dunlap
Amy and Kevin Durbin
John and Donna Durbin
Brian Duttera
D’Vine Design
Eagle Isle Destination and Day Spa
Eats N’ Treats
Mary Ebert
Edgewater Graphics
Lisa Edwards
Terrie Ehrnsberger
Deborah Eisenhauer
Essam Elashi, MD
Elyria Country Club
Energy Control, Inc.
Dan and Kate Erf
Erie County Community Foundation
Erie County Department of Natural
Resources
Erie County Deptartment of Human Services Employees- Local 3616 AFSCME - Ohio Council No. 6
Roberta Espejo
Jim and Linda Estle
Evolve Recycling
Exposure Marketing & Promotion Inc.
The Eye Team
Kerry Fairfax
Robert Falkenstine
Brenda Falknor
Judi Farmer
Genevieve Ferenc
Wendy Ferrara
Donna Ferrell
Melissa Ferrell
Chris Fetter
Melissa Fetter
Findley Davies, Inc.
Gail Finn
Sean Finneran
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Auxiliary
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Board of Directors and Administration
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Home Health Department
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Human Resources Department
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Infusion Center
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Materials Management Department
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Medical Records Department
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Nursing Staff
Firelands Regional Medical Center
One South Employees
Firelands Regional Medical Center
School of Nursing Faculty and Staff
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Quality Department
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Sunshine Fund
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Safety and Security Department
Firelands Transitional Care
First National Bank of Bellevue
Kathie Fischer
LaVerne Fish
Lenora Fisher
Fitzgerald Automotive Group
Julie Flesher
Janet Fletcher
Marcia Fordham
Dawson Foster
Wayne and Sandra Foster
Foster Chevrolet-Cadillac, Inc.
Brian Fox
Nick Fox
John and Nanette Frankel
Ruth Franklin
Domonick and Leah Frausto
Freedom Boat Club
Donald and Anna Friday
Melvina Fritz
Dan Frohman
The Sidney Frohman Foundation
The Frost-Parker Foundation
Helen Frye
Jill Funkhouser
Rennie Funni
Lawrence and Kathleen Furlong
Erika Furst
Roger and Judy Gahn
Michael Gallagher
Jennifer Galloway
Sarah Gardner
Nancy Garris
Bo Yoo, MD and Vicenta Gaspar-Yoo, MD
Gateway Consultants Group, Inc
George C. Matthes Trust
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Gerber
Jamie Geretz
Michelle Geretz
Linda Geretz
Sharron Gerome
Mr. and Mrs. Norris Gessinger
Lupe Gessner
Ghostly Manor Thrill Center
Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs
Rachel Gibson
Mary Gieger
Molly Gilbert
Philip and Cora Gilbert
Gilmore, Jasion, & Mahler, LTD
Jesse Gingrich
Jack and Dottie Girard
Michelle Girvin
Patricia Giudice
Kerry, Jann and John Glann
Kimberly Godfrey
Marcia Goff
Golden Acorn
Golden Rose Florist
GolfTEC
Elizabeth Good
Joan Gorant
Agnes Gosser
William Gosser
Elaine Graham
Gerald Graham and Emily Moore
Robin Grathwol
Glenda Gray
David Grayson, MD
Great Lakes Brewing Company
Great Wolf Lodge
Martha Greenham
Mary Grieger
Beth Grieves
Gary and Judi Griffith
Robert Griggs
Marie Grimm
Wallace Grinnel, Sr.
Ann Groff
Vinay Gudena, MD
Jerry and Shannon Guerra
Peggy Guerra
Roger and Deb Gundlach
Gundlach Sheet Metal Works, Inc.
Mary Ann Gustovich
H & B Window Cleaning, Inc.
Dennis Haar
Amber Haas
Mersiha Hadzihmetovic, MD
Cindy Hale
Matt Hamlin
Denise Hammill
Earl and Dorothy Hammond
Scott and Margaret Hammond
Penny Hampton
Suzanne Hanley
Sandra Hansen
Lucille Hanson
Harley Ellis Devereaux
Eric Harmon
Lute and Susan Harmon, Sr.
Diana Harple
Debra Harren
Jesse and Sara Harris
Kellie Harris
Mr. and Mrs. Hart
Hart Advertising, Inc.
Allen Hartenstein
Ginger Hartman
Beth Hartz
Joel and Peggy Hassinger
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Haughawout
Gloria Havel
Huck and Julie Hayes
Joseph and Olive Hert Trust
Mary and Charles Heefner
Susan Hehr
Heidelberg Distributing Company/
Wine Trends
Heather Heiland
Chris Henderly
Sarah Henkel
Tracie Henson
Emily Hermes
Julie Herrig
Timothy Herron, MD
David and Sharon Herzer
Amanda Hewitt
Lou and Don Hibbard
Joseph and Mary Ann Hickey
Steve Higdon
Mary Jane and Frank Hill
Dianne Hillman
Debbie Hinkle
Carrie Hinkley
Shenell Hinton
Eugene and Ann Hippler
Jan Hirt
Robin and Regina Hite
HMC
John and Gloria Hoelzer
Deanna Hofstatter
Linda Hohler
Ellen Hohler
Helen Holl
Lydell Hollinger
Loraine Holt
Pam Holzaepfel
Home Brew Ohio
Stanley Homerick
Kevin Homerick
Cheryl Hoover
Lisa and Todd Horchler
Susan Hosang
John and Sherry Hoty
Hoty Enterprises
Kathryn Howell
Dan and Tina Howell
Kathy Hower
Debra Howman
Vicki Huffmon
Mr. and Mrs. John Hufnagle
Terence Hunady
Brooke Hunt
Lavel Hunter
Beverly Huston
“I Do” Cakes
Industrial Nut Corporation
Interstate Batteries
Frederic Itzkowitz, DO and
Connie Itzkowitz
Karry Jackson
Carl and Karne James
James A. Bertsch Jeweler and Gifts
Janotta & Herner Inc.
Anna Jasper
JDRM Engineering, Inc.
Gayle and Rick Jeffrey
Carly Jenkins
Jet Express Sandusky
Lee and Sandra Jewett
Jim’s Pizza Box
Area Children Realize
True Meaning Of
Christmas Spirit
For most people, the holiday season is a busy time. Days are spent
decorating, shopping, wrapping, baking and spending time with
family. But for four Sandusky children, the true meaning of the
holiday season emerged amidst all the hustle and bustle of those
around them.
“Our kids were playing outside one mid-December day when they
came up with the heartfelt, creative idea to help others in need,”
says mom, Samantha Pohorence.
Macy Pohorence, Isaac Pohorence, Mazzy Reyes and Bella Drum landed
on a seasonal, fun idea: they would sing Christmas carols and ask
neighbors and people in passing cars to donate money for patients at
Firelands Regional Medical Center. The kids made a sign advertising
their singing and donation request, hoping to attract attention. Much
to their surprise, many people stopped to make donations and listen
to their songs as they stood outside for hours singing “at the top of
their lungs”, according to Pohorence.
The kids told Samantha they wanted to immediately take the money
to Firelands Regional Medical Center and help those who could not
be home for the holidays. They were so excited when they arrived at
Firelands and gave the money to the Information Desk workers.
“Each one of the kids expressed how wonderful it felt to give to those
in need,” Samantha said. “For them and for us, it wasn’t about the
money. It was about the kids deciding, on their own, that they wanted
to help others. That is truly what the season is all about.”
29
Lowell Johnson
Lamarr Johnson
Ernie and Sheri Johnson
Rhonda Johnson
Bernice Johnson
Johnson Photography
James Johnston and Maren Jennings
Anita Jolley
Tamara K. Jones
Shelly Jordan
Phillip Jordan
K & K Home Furnishings
Dale and Kimberly Kaiser
Kalahari Resorts
Melissa Kaple
Donna Kaser
Mary Beth Kaser
Bryan Kasper
Jerry and Cynthia Kasper
Kasper T.S., Inc.
Janice Kasprzak
Ted Kastor
Roberta Kastor
Mark and Bobbi Kastor
David and Royan Kaylor
Margie Kayser
Paul and Julie Keech
Sandra Keeney
Dan and Laura Keller
Margaret Keller
Richard Keller, MD and Michaele Keller
Jennifer Kelsch
Natalie Kempton
Connie Kendrick
Jennifer Kent
Janet Kerepesi
Joan Kessler
KeyBank National Association
Kharma Spa
J. Bruce Kijowski
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph King
Roxanne King
Kingston of Vermilion LLC
Roger and Vicki Kinney
Brett and Beth Kinzel
The Kitchen’s Bounty
Kiwanis Club of Sandusky
Connie and Philip Klausz
Beth Kluding
Chris Knallay
Mary Knerr
Mr. and Mrs. George Knight
Belinda Knoll
Barbara Knopp
Margaret Koenig Urban
Loretta Koepp
Christopher and Jennifer Kolar
Loretta and Joseph Koly
Dennis and Susan Kopco
Melinda Koskela
Peter and Marsha Kowalski, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Kozlowski
Edward and Delores Krause
The Kreimes Co., Inc.
Robert J. Kromer, DO Sonya Kuhar, MD and Robert Kuhar
Lori Kuns
Andra Kurtz
Kayla Kurzen
Jessica Kusser
Debbie Kyle
La La Lucy, LLC
Paul Laffay, DO and Elizabeth Laffay, DO
Lake Erie Crushers
Lake Front Publications
Lakeside Chautauqua
Lamar Advertising
Christina LaMarca
Connie Lamb
Deborah Lane
Thomas LaRose
Raquel Larson
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Lauby
Mr. and Mrs. Billy Lavey
30
Cathy Leber
Mellice Lee
Erika Leitgeb
Hannah Lendrum
Laurie Lepley
Jen Lesch
Jackie Levanduski
Tracy Lewis
Colleen Lewis
Steve and Sharon Lichtcsien
Elaine Lichtcsien
Anita Lieser
Kylene Liphart
Lisa Wilson Acupuncture LLC
Rosemary Lizzi
Gloria Lloyd
Kathy and Edward Loparo
Carlos Lowell, DO and Susan Lowell
Joan Luby
Tracy Lucas
Laura Lucia
Linda Lusted
Robert Lutz
Ted Lux
Kula Lynch
Marilyn Lynch
Terry Lyster
M.T. Business Technologies Inc.
David and Christine Mack
Jason Mack
Mack Iron Works
Mad River Harley-Davidson
Dennis Maerkisch
MAJ Enterprises
Dave and Barb Majoy
Mary Majoy
Rick Mako
Jeff Malone
Margaret Manion
Marcy Manion
Rashelle Manley
Leona Mann
Deborah Manner
Shirley Mapus
Michael Maraone
Mark and Elizabeth Marinik
Mark Advertising
Natalia Markelova, MD
Dennis and Patricia Martin
Mary B. Myers Trust
Darlene Maschari
Eric Mast, DO and Jody Mast
Bob and Beth Mathews
Rob and Jamie Mathews
Mathews Ford Sandusky Inc.
Deanna Mathis
Christina Matijasic
Matilda’s Home and Cabana
Beverly Matthews
Ronald and Myrna Matthews
Mary Matthias
Keri and John May
Catherine Mayle
Tim and Lisa Mayles
Lisa Mayse
Paul McAllister, Jr. and family
Jim and Sue McBride
Mike and Carol McCall
Ted and Joan McCann
Helen McClelland
Jason and Kimberly McClure
Lawrence McCormack, MD and
April McCormack
Lee and Anne McDermond
Claudia McDonald
Rick and Sharon McDowell
Eric McElhone
Suzanne McFee
Karen McGee
Anne McGookey
Angela McGrady
William P. McGuinn, MD and
Elaine McGuinn
Jay and Jody McKillips
Joe McNulty
Robin McNulty
Dennis and Ruth Meade
Stephanie Meadows
Medical Mutual
Meijer
Jaynee Meisler
Jeff Melson
Jodi Menkhoff
Dru and Tahnee Meredith
Sarah Merrick
Brad and Leslie Mesenburg and family
Josh and Kara Mesenburg
Mesenburg Creative Catering
Michael Messier
Jeanne Metzo
Michelle Wightman and Karrie Wieber
Charitable Foundation
Jessica Mickley
Rene Mihalic
Duffield and Gina Milkie
Eugene and Karen Miller
Shirley Miller
James and Martha Miller
Joanne Miller
Jennifer Miller
Phyllis Miller
Vicki Miller
Bruce Miller
Ann Millott
Laura Mincheff
Ken and Gracie Missler
Karen Mock
John and Jo Moffitt
Ralph Mominee, Jr.
Judy Monaghan, PhD and Bill Monaghan
Tina Monarch
Dan Moncher
Allen Montelauro
Louise Moon
Rob and Kathy Moore
Connie Moore
Dawn Moore
Eric Morgan
David and Bonnie Morlock
Matthew Moss
Mary Mount
Mountaineer Park, Inc.
Christopher Mruk, PhD and Marsha Mruk
Eric M. Muehlhauser
Allan and Katheryn Mueller
Kathleen Mulvin
Marisa Munafo
James and Shirley Murray
Tami Murray
John Muscetta
Jenniene Musser
William and Linda Muthig
Josephine Myers
Delinda Myers
George Mylander
The Mylander Foundation
N2Y, Inc.
Annette Nasonti
Sandra Nearhood
Barbara Neikirk
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Kimberly Nemeth
Erin Nesbit
Donna Nesbitt
Dustin Ness
Deborah Neuhart
New Horizons Baking Company
Agnes Nickle
Allen and Diane Nickles
Darlene Nickles
Jane Niedermier
Niedermier Sunoco
Debra Niehm
Barbara Nielsen
Robert Nielsen
Rebekah Nims
Pamela Nims
Jason and Jamie Ninke
No. 2 Dog Waste Removal Company
NOMS CosMedic Solutions and Spa
NOMS Foundation
Deborah North
North Coast Surgical Associates
North Shore Contracting, LTD.
Northcoast Surgical Associates, INC
Northern Flyer Racing Enterprises
Norwalk Custodial Services, Inc
O.E. Meyer Co.
Karl Oberer, DO
Laura Obergefell
Oglesby Construction, Inc.
Marianne O’Halla
Chris and Tina O’Hara
Duane and Jane Ohly
Julia Olah
One Charming Day Events
Ed and Julie Opfer
Dana Opfer
Michelle Orshoski
John Orzech
Kristina Osborn
Dorothy A. Osborn
Mark Oswald
Dale and Cathy Owens
Victoria Pace
Dennis and Heidi Painter
Carol Painter
Candace Panyard
Jennifer Papineau
Ruth Parker
Christopher Parnell, DO and Bethany Parnell
Carolyn Parrish
Kenneth Parschauer, DO and
Lucy Parschauer
Parschauer Eye Center
Ron and Warrenette Parthemore
Kathy Parzynski
Patina46
Vernon and Susan Patterson
Paul Fox & Sons Excavating LTD.
Paul Motry Memorial Fund
Victoria Pavel
Payne Nickles & Company
Sara Peck
Patricia Pepitone
Deb Perrin
Heidi and Lew Peters
S. Baird Pfahl, MD
Mark and Sheila Pfanner
Doug and Margaret Phares
Matthew Pickworth
Cindy Pinckley-Wolph
Joanne Pinto
Danette Piper
Plante Moran
Skip and Nancy Plesnarski
David and Victoria Pletcher
Dustin Plue
Plum Brook Country Club
Ronald and Jackie Pocock
Chris Poggiali
Samantha Pohorence
Bradley and Laura Pohorence
Faith Poock
Richard and Janine Porter
George and Michelle Poulos
Poulos + Schmid Design Group, Inc.
Kathy Poyer
James Preston, DO and Kathleen Preston
John Pribanic
Chris and Shelley Price
Holly and Joe Price
Julianne Pringle
Providence Care Center
Dave and Kay Proy
Jeremy and Lisa Pruitt
Sue Pumphrey
Debra Racette
Chuck and Carolyn Rainger
Louis Ralofsky, MD and Michele Ralofsky, MD
Randolph J. & Estelle M. Dorn Foundation
M. Hamad Rashid, MD Donald Rausch
Robin Reaves
Patricia Redding
Monica Reeves
Dean J. Reichenbach, MD and
Linda Reichenbach
Brian and Melissa Reinbolt
Joli Reising
Cindi Reiter
Reminger Co., LPA
David and Paula Rengel
The Research and Educational Foundation of The Ohio Hospital
Association, Inc.
Helen Resutek
Matt Reville
RFC Contracting Inc.
Paul and Linda Ricci
Ruth Rice
Mr. and Mrs. Greg Rich
Marla Richardson
Vera Richardson
Chris Richardson
Rosemary Riedy
Dorry Rimboch
Susan Rindfleisch-Cobb
Rick and Mary Ringholz
Mary Ringlein
Jessica Ripley
Angela Risaliti
Mary Ellen Ritzenthaler
Val, Steve and Matthew Ritzenthaler
Nancy Rivera
Beverly Robertson
Robison, Curphey & O’Connell, LLC
Rick and Joanna Rocco
Amy Rockwell
Don and Tanya Roesch
Dave and Cathy Rogers
Rita Rohlf
James and Laurie Rohrbach
Myron Rosebrook
Kelly Ross
Richard and Lavinda Ross
Betty Roth
Tom and Christine Routh
Mark Rowland
Janine Rowland, Ashley Ruffing
and Ben Palsa
Sally Anne Royston
Ronald Ruble, PhD
June Rupp
Kelley Rupp
Karen Russell
Tom and Jean Russin
George Ruta
Ruth F. Parker Living Trust
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center
Kenneth and Sylvia Ruthsatz
Jackie Ruttino
RxPreferred Benefits
JH Marty Ryu, DDS
S & H Blinds and Floors
Neal and Nancy Sabino
Sylvia Sackett
Lynn Sackett
Rosa Said
Kim Salwan
Cynthia Samaritoni
Sam’s Club
Kim Samstag
Mary Samstag
Eugene Sanders, PhD
Etta Sanders
Sandusky Elks Charitable Foundation
Sandusky State Theatre
Sandusky USBC
Carol Santalucia
Susan Sartor
Ryan Sautter
Marty Sawicki
Sawmill Creek Golf Club
Sawmill Creek Resort
Sawmill Creek Shops
Scarlett O’Hair Salon and Spa
Terri Schaeffer
Amy Schafer
Janet Schandorsky
Tracey Scher
Harris Schild, MD and Heidi Schild
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Schindley
Nannette Schirg
Alaina Schirg Blakely
E. Vincent Schlicht, MD and
Celeste Schlicht
Greg and Stacie Schmid
Mark Schmiedl, MD and Wendy Schmiedl
Diane Schnell
Bill and Susan Schnellinger
Rebecca Schnittker
Ann Schott
Michele Schrader
Kim and Scott Schreiner
Bev and Jim Schrickel
Raymond Schuck
Barbara Schulman
Tara Schuster
Brad and Laurie Schwab
Mr. and Mrs. Dan Seamon
Patricia Sebolt
Kelley Seeholzer
SEI
Jim and Jody Sennish
Mathangi Seshadri
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Sesher
Nikki Severson
Tom Sharpnack
Karen Sheehan, MD and Brian Cockrell
W. Scott Sheldon, DO and Lisa Sheldon
James Shelley
Martin Shelley
Deborah Shenigo
The Family of Betty Shepherd
Sherwin Williams
Teresa Shetzer
John and Janis Shriver
Denise Shults
Glenn and Betty Shupe
Dan and Elaine Shupe
Dave and Lori Shupe
Melinda Shuty
Rick and Aleta Sieger
Siemens
Joe Siggins
James and Barbara Silver
The Silver Lady II
Terry and Lee Simon
Simplex Grinnell
Elizabeth Skrinak
Tammy Slauterbeck
Small City Taphouse
Darrel Smallwood
Donna Smallwood
Tom Smerillo
Smily Gillig
Dorthea Smith
Greg Smith
Judy Smith
Kitty Smith
Patricia Smith
Katherine Smith
Jacqueline Smith
Gerald Smith
Mark Smith and Kristin Cusick
Vicki Smythe
Daniel Sobocinski
David Sommer
Sonic Drive-In
Sortino’s Little Italy Ristorante
South Shore Marine
Southeast Marketing
Julie Sowecke
Spa Kalahari
Kim Sparks
Bob and Martha Speers
Ryan Spicer
Jim and Laura Spicer
Michael and Joann Spisak
Joann Spore
Peter Spore
Sporting Enterprises, Inc.
Alice Sprau
Jim Spreng
Carol Spring
Bill and Alice Springer
David and Jessica Springer
Jim and Kim Springer
John and Amy Springer
Janet Sprow
Craig and Sue Stahl
Ron Stalle and Lucille Walker
Amy Stamm
Charles and Marian Stanley
Rose Stanley
Terry and Cynthia Starkey
Mel and Mary Stauffer
Lata Stefano, DDS
Sean Steffanni
Charlie Steffanni
The Sam S. and Rose Stein Foundation
Tresa Steinmetz
Carol Steuk
Bill and Jessica Steuk
Lisa Stevens
Rosalind Stevenson
Carrie Stewart
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc.
Martin and Sandra Stites
John and Becki Stock
Susan Stockard
Ashely Stockmaster
Jim and Heather Stouffer
Leanne Strack, DO
Heather Strader
Courtney Straub
Jeff and Melodie Streng
Alan and Jody Strickling
StructureTec Corporation
Studio 53 Salon
Matthew Sullivan
Gregory A. Surfield, MD
Susan’s Electrolysis and More, LLC
Ihor and Marilouise Suszko
Vickie Sutter
Eugene and Carol Swain
Deborah Swanson
Marilyn Swayngim
Douglas Swearingen
Swerve Bike Shop
Joanne Szulc
Karen Tank
Christina Tanna
Aaron Taylor
Charles and Susan Teagarden
Donald Terek
Thomas and Lori Theisen
Bryan Thom
Ron Thompson
Jodie Thomson
ThorSport Racing
Thunderbird Hills
Thomas and Deborah Timm
Title Boxing Club
Pasquina Toccaceli
Toft Dairy, Inc.
Toledo Mud Hens
Toledo Walleye
Patricia Tomko
Robert and Mary Toney
Melisa Torres
Wayne Towslee
Traditional Marble & Granite
Robert Traut
Tammy Trent
Tri-Motor Heritage Foundation
Tromi Corporation
Donald and Daiga Trotter
Kathy Trueman
Sharon Turini-Kent
Martin and Mary Tursky
Elaine Turton
Bill Turton
Tusing Builders
UBS
Alice Ulicki
The Ultimate Software Group, Inc.
The Uniform Place, Too
UIS Insurance and Investments
University Hospitals Seidman Cancer
Center at Firelands Regional
Medical Center Staff
Vacationland Federal Credit Union
Susan Vanbarg
Veronica VanNess
Albert Vargas, MD and Karen Vargas
Madeline Ventline
Thomas and Cheryl Vickers
Michael Vickery
David and Ann Voight
Joe and Kareen Voight
Volstead Bar
Frances Voltz
Barbara Vonthron
Wadsworth Solutions
Mark Wagner
Wagner Electric Sign Co.
Fred Walcott
Bill and Ara Lou Waldock
Jack and Jill Waldock
Pamela Wallace
Kim Walter
Justin Ward
Shelly Warnement
Dave Warner
Warner Diesel Filtration
Warnike Tile and Carpet Company
Charles and Elaine Waterfield
Cecelia Weaver
Jill Weilnau
Robert Wensink
Kathy Werner
Westbrook Country Club
Ryan, Nikki and Chad Whaley
Debra White
Monica White
Shaye Whittaker
James and Norma Wible
Wickens, Herzer, Panza, Cook
and Batista Co.
Lee and Mary Ellen Wieber
Lynda Wilbert
Robert and Jill Wilhelm, Jr.
Mike and Allison Will
Carl and Jessica Will
Shelly Williams
Julie Williams
Laura Willis
Lisa Wilson
Mary Wilson
Patti Wilson
Gloria Winkel
Tim Wise
Barbara Wisehart
Eric and Jennifer Wobser
Tom and Mary Wolf
Billy Wolf
Carol and Art Wolfe
Amy Wolfe
Kam Wong, MD and Lo Wong
Chen Wong
Craig and Darlene Wood
Laura Work
Vicki Workinger
Gerald Wright
Dawn Wright
Teresa Wright
Kelley Wyatt
Susie Wyse, MD
Jim and Kit Wysor
Holly Yetter
Amanda Yetter
Karen Young
Kristy and Ray Young
Sherif Zaky
Mariam Zamindar
John and Lauren Zarvis
Mary Lou and Julius Zeck
Stewart and Judy Zerkle
Janet and Eldon Zimmer
Christina Zimmer
Renee Zubler
William Zucker, DDS and Maribeth Zucker
Brad Zura
31
Memorials
Richard Arn by
Rick Mako
Ms. Debra White
Robert J. Bahn by
Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Bahn
James Balduff by
Sandra Nearhood
Frank Bechtel by
Mr. and Mrs. Rol Hart
Bill and Alice Springer
Lisa Benkey by
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Medical Records Department
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald (Jaynee) Meisler
Patricia Benson by
Tina Ammanniti
Kevin Homerick
Andra Kurtz
Shellie Manley
Jeff Melson
Kathy Poyer
Nan Schirg
Thea Smith
Ron Stalle and Lucille Walker
Rolan J. “Lan” Bingham, DO by
Robert J. Kromer, DO
The 5th District Academy of the
Ohio Osteopathic Association
Bill and Alice Springer
Carol and Arthur Wolfe
Michael J. Blakely by
Jerry and Jackie Baumgardner
Alice and Mark Blakely
Jerry and Dorothy Blakely
Theresa Blakely
Kris and Dennis Cada
Erie County Department of Human
Services Employees
Keith and Karen Gerber and Family
Joseph and Elma King
Sharon and Bill Lavey
Joe McNulty
Bruce A. Miller
Jerry and Kay Schindley
Sandusky USBC
James Branco by
Dr. and Mrs. E. Vincent Schlicht
Dr. Joseph Browne by
Barbara A. Nielsen
Doris Buckingham by
Dr. and Mrs. E. Vincent Schlicht
Carol A. Camp by
Patricia and Alvin Didion
Donald D. Chime by
Dr. and Mrs. E. Vincent Schlicht
Deborah Claar by
Debe and Dick Brady
Nick Cullen by
Dr. and Mrs. E. Vincent Schlicht
Helen C. Dean by
Kenneth and Sylvia Ruthsatz
Annie DeCaro Barone by
Dr. Judy Monaghan and Bill Monaghan
Mary C. Dick by
Bill and Alice Springer
Barbara Dreffer by
Dr. Judy Monaghan and Bill Monaghan
Bill and Alice Springer
32
Dr. Paul Ernst by
Dr. Robert J. Kromer
Dr. Judy Monaghan and Bill Monaghan
Barbara A. Nielsen
Dr. and Mrs. E. Vincent Schlicht
Bevy E. Fish by
LaVerne J. Fish
Kathryn M. Forster by
Mary and Dan Bauer
Rene Mihalic
Bill and Alice Springer
Mary Gallagher by
Administration and Board of Directors
of Firelands Regional Medical Center
John Glenn Green by
Dr. and Mrs. E. Vincent Schlicht
Donal Goff by
Marcia Goff
Tony Gorant by
Joan M. Gorant
Robert Grad by
Dr. Judy Monaghan and Bill Monaghan
Henry Grey by
Nancy Plesnarski
Pat Grinnell by
Wallace J. Grinnell, Sr.
Loretta and Joseph Koly
Donald R. Hamer by
Barbara A. Nielsen
Lee E. Hillis by
Patricia and Alvin Didion
Cynthia Ann Hippley by
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gibbs
Ms. Barbara J. Knopp
John Hoelzer by
Dr. and Mrs. E. Vincent Schlicht
Bob Holl by
Helen Holl
Garrett Holmes by
First United Church of Christ, Marblehead
Karen Kiser Dicken by
Mark and Sheila Pfanner
Bill Kiss by
Dr. and Mrs. E. Vincent Schlicht
Deborah L. Laughlin by
Dr. and Mrs. E. Vincent Schlicht
Isadore “Issy” Lichtcsien by
Ann Bingham
Administration and Board of Directors
of Firelands Regional Medical Center
Dr. Robert J. Kromer
Dr. Judy Monaghan and Bill Monaghan
Ruth Frost Parker
Dr. and Mrs. E. Vincent Schlicht
Bill and Alice Springer
Mel and Mary Stauffer
Carol Steuk
Tom and Mary Wolf
Carol and Arthur Wolfe
Francis Link by
Dr. Judy Monaghan and Bill Monaghan
Jane Long by
Dr. Judy Monaghan and Bill Monaghan
Joseph Majsterek by
Joseph and Mary Ann Hickey
Jackie Levanduski
Helen F. McClelland
Connie Manner by
Faculty and Staff of Firelands Regional
Medical Center School of Nursing
Mr. and Mrs. James Shelley
Mr. and Mrs. Gene Swain
Paul McAllister, Sr. by
Mr. Paul McAllister, Jr. and Family
Timothy McGuinn by
Administration and Board of Directors
of Firelands Regional Medical Center
Carol Miller by
Bruce A. Miller
Jean Mischler by
Karen and Carl James
Jack Mulaney by
Barbara A. Nielsen
Rajan Nainee by
Dr. Judy Monaghan and Bill Monaghan
D. Christine Norman by
Karen and Carl James
Bill and Alice Springer
Myram Ogden by
Dr. Judy Monaghan and Bill Monaghan
John Paul Pheiffer by
Debe and Dick Brady
Administration and Board of Directors
of Firelands Regional Medical Center
Vicki Miller and Konrad Haake
Daniel and Laura Keller
Dr. Robert J. Kromer
Association of Marina Industries
Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Lee McDermond
John and Linda Jo Moffitt
Bill and Alice Springer
Carol Steuk
Bill and Ara Lou Waldock
Wickens, Herzer, Panza, Cook and
Batista Co.
Leon and Mary Ellen Wieber
Gloria Winkel
Tom and Mary Wolf
Arvilla Pletcher by
Mr. and Mrs. David Pletcher
Dr. W. G. Romp by
Marlene and Mike DeCaro
William P. Scheid by
Robert J. Kromer, DO
Dr. and Mrs. E. Vincent Schlicht
Bill and Alice Springer
Mel and Mary Stauffer
Carol Steuk
Carol and Arthur Wolfe
Thomas Schukle by
Nancy Plesnarski
Dorothy Jane “Doddie” Shaw by
Bill and Alice Springer
Betty J. Shepherd by
Administration and Board of Directors
of Firelands Regional Medical Center
Joan and Jerold F. Luby
Rob and Kathy Moore
Valarie and Stephen Ritzenthaler
Janine Rowland, Ashley Ruffing and
Ben Palsa
Donald and Donna Smallwood
Bill and Alice Springer
Janet and Eldon Zimmer
Bob Shiff by
Bill and Alice Springer
Pat Sizemore by
Dr. Judy Monaghan and Bill Monaghan
Clare Steinberger by
Dr. Judy Monaghan and Bill Monaghan
Larry A. Uhl by
Dr. and Mrs. E. Vincent Schlicht
Joseph P. Ulicki by
Alice Alt
Brandy’s Beauty Salon, LLC
Giovanni Bendetta
David and Peggy Bertsch
Sue and Larry Dress and Family
The Helen Depinet Family
Joseph and Kathy Doyon
Genevieve Ferenc
Artino Ford
Anna and Don Friday
Charles and Mary Heefner
John and Gloria Hoelzer
Donna J. Kaser
Rene Mihalic
Josephine Myers
Marianne O’Halla
Faith Poock
Helen Resutek
Ruth Rice
Betty Roth
Barbara and Jim Silver
Dorothy Siska
Daniel Sobocinski
Niedermier Sunoco
Ihor and Marilouise Suszko
Vermilion Road Warriors
Don and Mary Ellen Yontz
Andrea Vecchio by
Nancy Plesnarski
Dr. Andrew James Vecchio by
Dr. Judy Monaghan and Bill Monaghan
Nancy Plesnarski
Jane Vecchio by
Dr. Judy Monaghan and Bill Monaghan
James E. Walker, DO by
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Robert “Bucky” Walter by
Bill and Alice Springer
Thomas Warren by
Dr. and Mrs. E. Vincent Schlicht
James Alfred Weisheit by
Ryan and Sarah Anstead
Terry and Joan Bebee
Dan and Karyn Dye
Ann and Rod Kerry
Dean and Teresa Pflaummer
Cade and Brooke Renfro
Jim and Bev Schrickel
Lynn and Diane Schrickel
Dave and Mary Vogel
Lynda R. Wilbert
Richard Howard Williamson, Jr. by
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Administration and Board of Directors
Audrey Windau by
Veronica VanNess
Elma Elizabeth Wright by
Gerald Wright
Don J. Young, MD by
Marlene and Mike DeCaro
Karen Young
Tributes
Brendan W. Bauer, MD by
Lee and Terry Simon
Brian A. Baxter, MD by
Lyon Baumler
Martin H. Beerman, MD by
Louise Moon
George L. Mylander
Larry Bennett by
Roger and Judy Gahn
Jeffrey A. Biro, MD by
George L. Mylander
Dale E. Braun, MD by
Theodore Lux
Reagan E.A. Bristol, DO by
Daniel and Cynthia Brake
Paul J. Bruner, DO by
Giovanni Bendetta
Rennie Funni
William D. Bruner, DO by
Diane Schnell
Darrin R. Bunting, DO by
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Cook
Jill Weilnau
Kamal Chaban, MD by
Daiga and Donald Trotter
Thomas R. Conley, DO by
Donna Ferrell
Kenneth and Sylvia Ruthsatz
Thomas R. Conley, DO and Staff by
Mr. and Mrs. David Pletcher
David L. De Groh, DO by
Marlene and Mike DeCaro
Anthony J. DeRiso, MD by
Neal and Nancy Sabino
Michael J. Felter, MD by
Gloria Lloyd
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Corporate Health Staff by
Dr. David J. Grayson
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Human Resources Employees by
Jody McKillips
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Medical Staff by
Mary and Dan Bauer
Betty and Bill Frankel by
John and Nanette Frankel
James P. Gallagher, MD by
Julia Olah
Susan A. Gallagher, MD by
Rosemary Riedy
Jeffrey A. Garman, DO by
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Miller
Vicenta C. Gaspar - Yoo, MD by
Louise Moon
David C. Girvin, DO by
Melvina M. Fritz
Jennifer W. Gould, MD by
George L. Mylander
Teagan Marie Gower by
Teresa Shetzer
Dr. Arthur G. and Geraldine V. Groscost
by
Leon and Mary Ellen Wieber
Vinay K. Gudena, MD by
Kathy and Dan Seamon
Northern Flyer Racing Enterprises
Sue Harmon by
Eric Harmon
Robert L. Hill, MD by
Stan Homerick
Ted and Joan McCann
Hassan M. Ibrahim, MD by
Marlene and Mike DeCaro
Earl and Dorothy Hammond
Fredric H. Itzkowitz by
Louise Moon
Steven P. Jackson, DO by
Louise Moon
Birthday Tribute: Josephine Kalamasz
by
Wallace J. Grinnell, Sr.
Richard R. Keller, MD by
Margaret Cheetham
Margaret S. Keller
Kari M. Ketvertis, MD by
Mariam Zamindar
Paul C. Laffay, DO and Staff by
Mr. and Mrs. David Pletcher
Jonathan F. Leake, MD by
Agnes Nickle
Martin N. Lesnak, DPM by
George L. Mylander
Carlos G. Lowell, DO by
George L. Mylander
Carol Steuk
JohnLyster by
Ronald and Myrna Matthews
Eric E. Mast, DO by
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Russin
Birthday Tribute: Helen McClelland
by
Wallace J. Grinnell, Sr.
W. Patrick McGuinn, MD by
Marlene and Mike DeCaro
Louise Moon
George L. Mylander
Brian R. Murphy, MD by
George and Luella Knight
Ronald and Sandra Sesher
Michael W. Murray, MD by
John “Jack” Pribanic
George L. Mylander for 50 years of
service to FRHS by
Bill and Alice Springer
Karl L. Oberer, DO by
Mr. and Mrs. Norris J. Gessinger
George L. Mylander
John M. Parschauer, DO by
George L. Mylander
Allison M. Petznick, DO by
Sandra C. Carpenter
Amy M. Reese, MD by
Liz Skrinak
Dr. Charles J. Reichenbach by
Dean and Linda Reichenbach
Cancer Center Tribute Wall - Wanda Ross by
Firelands Infusion Center
Thomas Roth by
His Friends at the Firelands
Cancer Center
James Sennish by
Denise Brown
Connie Dagg
Kathe Dence
Anita Donahue
Ruth Franklin
Bev Huston
Tracy Lucas
Jody McKillips
Matthew Moss
Danette Piper
Kay Proy
Lynn Sackett
W. Scott Sheldon, DO by
Marlene and Mike DeCaro
The Springer and Baker Families by
Ellen Baker
Leanne K. Strack, DO by
Marlene and Mike DeCaro
Gregory A. Surfield, MD by
Louise Moon
John M. Swain, MD by
Valarie and Stephen Ritzenthaler
Robert J. Vaschak, DO by
Joyce K. Baaske
Maribeth and Richard Ringholz
Patrick R. Waters, MD by
Marlene and Mike DeCaro
John “Jack” Pribanic
Thomas B. Williamson, MD by
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Clemens
Earl and Dorothy Hammond
Jeff and Judy Haughawout
Agnes Nickle
Kam M. Wong, MD by
Valarie and Stephen Ritzenthaler
James J. Wysor, MD by
Shirley A. Mapus
Bo H. Yoo, MD by
Louise Moon
Mylander Memorials
George L. Mylander made gifts in memory of:
Franklin E. North
Mary L. Gallagher
John Pheiffer
Francis D. “Bud” Link
William A. Kernell
Weston Joseph Vassallo
Sally Ann Steuk
Anne Slessman Eishen
Isadore “Issy” Lichtcsien
Rolan J. ‘Lan’ Bingham, D.O.
William P. Scheid
Paul Frederick Ernst, D.D.S.
Katharine Bechberger Schneider
Maurice Parker Fenton Jr.
B. Robert Shiff
Patrecia C. Bryant Sizemore
Mariane Flattery
33
2014 Financial Statement
This financial statement reflects the 2014 operating results for Firelands Regional Health System.
Our Income
Revenue from 43,629 patient days of service provided to 9,158 patients.................... $197,923,382
Revenue from supporting services and care rendered for Ambulatory,
Emergency Department, Home Health, other Outpatient and Physician Services.. $354,211,963
Total revenue from these services........................................................................$552,135,345
Less
Hospital Contractual adjustments to third party payors....................................................... ($314,890,655)
Cost of care underwritten for persons without the ability to pay for their
hospital services and bad debt....................................................................................................................($10,772,477)
Net revenue from patient services....................................................................... $226,472,213
Plus
Other operating revenue................................................................................................$21,044,851
Equals
Total Operating Revenue.......... ……………………………………………………..$247,517,064
Our Expenses
Salaries, wages and employee benefits................................................................................................$128,380,892
Supplies, purchased services and general expenses...................................................................... $90,407,595
State of Ohio imposed Franchise Fee.......................................................................................................... $2,586,093
Depreciation................................................................................................................. $14,680,755
Interest expense..................................................................................................... $3,723,209
Total Operating Expenses..........................................$239,778,544
Amount Available to Reinvest to
Transform Healthcare in our Region.......................... $7,738,520
34
The Foundation For Firelands
Development Tea m
Alice Springer
Director, Development
419-557-7151
[email protected]
Christine Mack
Development Coordinator
419-557-7152
[email protected]
Jessica Mickley
Development Assistant
419-557-7150
[email protected]
The Foundation for Firelands is committed to improving the health
and well-being of our community. Our role is to promote and facilitate
charitable support of patient care at Firelands Regional Medical Center.
On behalf of the patients served by donors during 2014, THANK YOU!
This publication was produced by
Email us: [email protected]
The Foundation for Firelands
1111 Hayes Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870
419-557-7150
Foundationforfirelands.com
o
t
u
o
y
T h a n k d o n o rs
r
u
o
l
l
a
35