When I began my role with the Franciscan Foundation this August, I was filled with hope and possibility of how I would help make a difference in our community. As a volunteer for many years, I had always cherished the mission, values, and people within the Franciscan organization. I have not been disappointed and, in fact, my hopes and expectations have been exceeded. My professional and personal life have merged with a common purpose of being in service to those who are in need of care.

We are continually inspired by the generosity of our community in supporting us as we work in creating healthier communities. In August, we received a generous gift from a donor who had received charity care at St. Joseph Medical Center many years ago. He had come into an inheritance and told me that he wished to give back for this care, which in his words "saved his life". We don't always realize the profound impact that we have in someone's life.

I am sustained by the energy of my colleagues in supporting our mission and values. This has been an exciting year for the Foundation and Franciscan Health System as we face the changes in health care. Our system continues to grow through the proposed affiliations announced earlier this year with Highline Medical Center in Burien and Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton, both of which will allow us to create a larger network of providers for our patients.

During these short days and long nights we are always drawn to light - often through the flame of a candle or the lights on a tree. This light is a reminder of the hope that we have in our hearts and lives. You represent that light and in the spirit of Christmas, you are also a gift to us.

On behalf of the Trustees and staff of the Franciscan Foundation, we thank you for being that light and gift to us and wish you a blessed Christmas and health and happiness in the New Year.

With gratitude,

All funds will help purchase endoscopic ultrasound equipment for the Advanced Endoscopy Lab, which will allow gastroenterologists to see high quality images not achievable by conventional CT, MRI, or ultrasound. This state-of-the-art, life-saving equipment assists physicians in better identifying cancers at early stages. As a result, various medical specialties develop a more precise diagnosis and treatment plan better suited to each patient, sometimes without the need for surgery.

Black & White, a retro-themed evening that took guests back to the glamorous Gatsby era, featured the Casey MacGill Trio and vintage performance troupe Sister Kate. The dance floor overflowed with Ball guests, enjoying the popular music of NiteCrew. 

Ready to raise money for the cause, Master of Ceremonies Luke Burbank, Ball Chair Dr. John Gregory Carrougher, Director of Special Events Shelley Harris, Ball Chair Mrs. Gretchen Carrougher, and Auctioneer Kevin Joyce

Well-deserved recognition for this spectacular event is due to the Ball Chairs, Dr. Greg and Mrs. Gretchen Carrougher for their dedicated efforts. "This year's St. Joseph Ball to benefit the Advance Endoscopy Lab was a tremendous success!  This is in a large part due to the insightful planning committee and the generous support of our philanthropic community.  Gretchen and I were honored to chair the event, and are excited about the medical benefits the proceeds will bring.  Giving is such an important part of our collective success and we would like to thank all those who participated," said Dr. Carrougher. 

"We could not have achieved this incredible result without everyone's hard work, time, and commitment," stated St. Joseph Medical Center President, Syd Bersante. Franciscan Foundation President Greg Unruh added, "This was an exciting journey under the leadership of the Carroughers. We are extremely grateful for their hard work along with that of our many invaluable volunteers. 

Next year's St. Joseph Medical Center Ball will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2013.

Mrs. Alene "Pat" Farr

Alene "Pat" Farr has been a valued friend to Franciscan Health System for many years. She was born in Finncastle, Virginia in 1922 and was a WWII nurse who did extensive transport duty in the Atlantic and Pacific, her first ship being the Queen Mary. Her late husband, Stephen, was stationed in Fort Lewis, WA, and they lived in Lakewood for more than 30 years.

After the war she spent time in England, Italy, and Egypt. When she was in Alexandria, Egypt, she and four of her friends decided to go to Cairo. When she was asked what she planned to do there, she replied that she planned on meeting the King of Egypt, which she did. After her visit, when an officer asked her if she met the King, she replied, "Well, of course".   When he didn't believe her, one of her friends standing by said, "Oh, yes she did - and she danced with him".

Pat worked at Lakewood General for 18 years, which became St. Clare Hospital in 1990. When she was a clinical coordinator, she made rounds to all of the patients every day, "In a community you have a lot of repeat patients, so they become friends". She and Stephen established two endowments which support the maintenance of the gardens at St. Clare Hospital and at Hospice House in University Place. Pat says "Steve and I both believed in making our community as good a place to live as possible".

Pat and Stephen each established a scholarship which supports the Franciscan Health System employee scholarship program. Pat's scholarship assists St. Clare Hospital nursing students in CNA, RN, or BSN programs. She attends the Scholarship Luncheon every year so she can meet the recipients of her scholarship.

The employee scholarship program makes a real difference to St. Clare Hospital employee recipients. Cheryl Dann, a 2012-2013 recipient, writes "By awarding me the Alene G. (Pat) Farr, RN Endowment Scholarship, you have lightened my financial burden and helped me focus my time and energy to the most important part of being a student - learning. I am truly honored and humbled to receive this award. I know someday I will be able to help and inspire others just as this scholarship has helped and inspired me".

If you are interested in supporting the scholarship program, please contact Jon Calder, (253) 428-8415 or joncalder@fhshealth.org in the Foundation office.