BRIGHT SPOTS
This year's COVID-19 crisis has created challenges for us all, but we’ve also seen incredible examples of support and caring. Moving forward, we’d like to highlight as many stories of generosity, selflessness and inspirational actions as possible.
If you have an example of a “Bright Spot” that should be celebrated, please email Chief Administrative Officer Angelia Foster at foster.angelia@marshfieldclinic.org or Dan Baulch at dbaulch@bdch.org with the details. In the near future, these stories will be shared on our website and will be linked on the intranet.
Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do to serve our communities’ needs!
An Encore Performance
AUGUST 6, 2020 — The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult on many industries, and the music industry is no different. Solo artists and groups alike are typically touring the country and giving their fans a taste of live music and on-stage performances that can’t be replicated by streaming services or mp3s.
Pamela Moyes has seen the band O-Town seven times over the years and watched them perform in-person as recently as January. A patient with Marshfield Medical Center-Beaver Dam’s Hillside Hospice program, Moyes had hoped to see them a few more times this year before COVID-19 canceled the group’s 2020 tour plans. Pam’s mother, Dottie Nee, was devastated for Pam, unsure if she would ever get to see them perform again.
Enter MMC-BD team member Tammy Kasuboski. Tammy personally wrote to O-Town’s manager on behalf of Pam and Dottie, and the group was happy to grant Pam one last wish. They recently performed a personal, 45-minute concert for Pam over Zoom, singing and chatting with Pam the entire time.
“I think O-Town is basically my influence to keep fighting still,” Pam told the Beaver Dam Daily Citizen.
To learn more about Pam and her story, click here.
Making the Most of Her Talents
JULY 15, 2020 — When the COVID-19 pandemic changed the health care landscape nearly overnight and put medical grade personal protective equipment at a premium, Marshfield Medical Center-Beaver Dam team member Tammy Flick quickly found where she fit in.
“I’ve gone on mission trips before and paying things forward is where my heartstrings are. Helping is something I have to do,” Tammy said. “I like to sew anyway, so it was a great way to use my talents for a cause bigger than myself.”
Initially, Tammy began crafting hand-sewn maks for our hospital, understanding the incredible need for non-clinical staff, patients and visitors. When the demand for masks began increasing by the public at demand, Tammy expanded her reach by sewing for friends, friends of friends, family and friends of her family.
“I was doing this as a volunteer because of the great need I saw, but some people felt compelled to pay me,” Tammy said. “So I turned around and took that money and got in touch with a local food pantry to help them out.”
Tammy expanded her offerings to quilted bags and other creative products, and as the donations continued to come in, she continued her donations to the food pantry. She also used some of the donations to buy a 100-yard roll of elastic, ensuring she could make many more masks.
“I really want to make sure everybody stays health and safe, and making masks for people is one way I can possibly do that.”
Lori Ehrke Answers Her Call
June 18, 2020 — Lori Ehrke personifies selfless dedication to serving the needs of our community wherever, however and whenever we are called. Her story is a definite Bright Spot.
Lori was teaching at Kids Care when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and she was placed into the Marshfield Medical Center-Beaver Dam labor pool. She eagerly accepted a 2nd-shift position with our Environmental Services team. Appreciating the critical nature of her work, Lori quickly felt a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment as she supported her new team members.
Lori felt such a strong connection to ensuring our facilities provided a safe environment for patients to receive care that she applied for a full-time position with EVS and was hired.
“Lori told me that she is willing to do anything necessary to help anybody, and I think it speaks perfectly to the attitude that Lori brings with her on a daily basis,” said Mel Bruins, MMC-BD Chief Talent Officer.
We are incredibly thankful for the inherent sense of calling Lori brings to work each day and recognize that our calling, or our “why,” is a significant reason why we are able to successfully care for our patients, residents and children every day. Thank you, Lori, for being a Bright Spot at MMC-BD!
