Message from the 2009 President and Executive Director

The Thomas Memorial Hospital Foundation had another successful year in fundraising and in funding much needed programs and projects. We deeply appreciate all the support we receive from employees, sponsors, auction donors, board and committee members along with all the other volunteers who help make these events huge successes.

We are pleased to report that the Foundation provided 29 Thomas Hospital employees with over $29,000 in educational scholarships. Expanding their knowledge and skills benefits the patients served by the Hospital.

Funding was made possible for a new Pneumogram machine that monitors a newborn’s heart rate, breathing and oxygen saturation in the blood. Apnea problems have been related to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). With early detection, it is our hope that this technology will save lives. New phototherapy lights were also purchased to provide newborns treatment for high bilirubin (jaundice.) Providing new infant car seats to newborns of indigent families continues to be an important project for the Foundation Board.

We are most grateful to The Segal & Davis Family Foundation for their continued funding of the Baby Bed Project. This project provides indigent infants born at Thomas with a safe and comfortable start in life.

If you have ever had blood drawn, you know the pain and discomfort that can occur when the nurse cannot locate a good vein. The Foundation funded the purchase of a VeinViewer Imaging System, revolutionary technology that locates and projects real-time images of veins onto the surface of the skin. This state-of-the-art technology reduces the need for multiple sticks and decreases risk of infection.

Other ongoing projects included the Flu Shot Program, The “GAP” Fund and the Home Health Care Fund which provided money for patients who do not have the financial means to purchase medicines and medical supplies for their continued recovery at home. Along the same line, the Rashid Family Endowment earnings provided for working families who struggle to secure medical needs for themselves and their children.

We cannot end our report without mention of The Thomas Promise Capital Campaign. We are most appreciative of all the volunteers who have worked diligently to assist us in our fundraising efforts. Many thanks go out to all donors who are helping to make the new Clinical Pavilion a reality. As we write this message, we are pleased to report that we are closing in on the $6 million mark and look forward to exceeding this minimum goal that was set at the beginning of the campaign. With the addition of surgical suites, the new obstetrics floor, the private rooms and a new café, patients and their families will receive the benefits for many years to come.

On behalf of the Foundation staff and board members, we would like to thank all of you for your continued support. We celebrate you for being a part of our team and the progress we made in touching lives and making a difference in our community.

Best Regards,

Allan McVey, President

Sandy C. Zando, Executive Director