1. health and fitness

Caring Partners
Spring/Summer 2015
Your gifts | Your impact | Our thanks
Your gifts make a difference
PAGE 4
Imagine Lecture honors
David Winter, M.D.­
— 2015 features
KSTP-TV
sports anchor
Joe Schmit
PAGE 8
The gift of
music supports
scholarship
fund
PAGE 10
Eau Claire couple has
a lifetime commitment
to area health care
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mayoclinichealthsystem.org/giving
“Our confidence in the Mayo system
and doctors is one of our primary
reasons we’ve continually
supported the organization.”
Maureen Homstad
FROM THE COVER:
Benefactors Jon and
Maureen Homstad
recently were honored
as Heritage Award
Life Members for their
support of Mayo Clinic
Health System.
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Benefactor story
A lifetime commitment to area health care
Jon and Maureen Homstad are big believers in giving back. For decades, the Eau Claire
couple has supported a host of nonprofit organizations and civic causes — not only financially,
but also with their time and talents.
“It’s always been important —
always,” Maureen says.
Mayo Clinic Health System in
Eau Claire is among the many
organizations on the receiving end
of the Homstad’s generosity. The
Homstads, long-term committed
benefactors and members of the
Caring Partners annual giving
program since 1979, have committed
more than $100,000 to Mayo Clinic
Health System through the years,
propelling them into the welldeserved position of Heritage Award
Life Members.
For Jon, a retired CPA and
partner at Wipfli, an accounting
and business consulting firm in Eau
Claire, it seemed natural to give
back to an organization he’s been
connected to since childhood.
He and his three siblings all were
born at Mayo Clinic Health System
in Eau Claire, then called Luther
Hospital, and he’s been a loyal
patient ever since.
“We’ve used the clinic and
hospital as our health care facilities
for many, many years,” Jon says.
“The clinic was a very large client of
mine, so I used to work with them
frequently, and I knew many of the
doctors. We just always felt that
Mayo Clinic Health System has been
a wonderful facility.”
Maureen shares her own longterm connection to the health
system. She noted that both of
their daughters were born at
Mayo Clinic Health System and that
she belonged to the auxiliary for
years. Additionally, upon moving
to Eau Claire, her first roommates
were recent graduates of the Luther
Hospital School of Nursing.
“And marrying Jon — and his
family’s connection to Mayo Clinic
Health System — for better or
worse, that was my choice,”
she jokes.
Jon credits his father, Erwin, for
instilling an early appreciation of the
value of nonprofit organizations.
“He was on many boards and
committees, and was one of the
original incorporators of the
UW-Eau Claire Foundation,” says
Jon, past president of the YMCA,
United Way and UW-Eau Claire
Foundation. “He told me at an early
age that ‘You should get involved
with some of these organizations.’
So UW and the YMCA, our church,
Trinity Lutheran, and the clinic
and hospital became important
organizations for us to be involved
in supporting.”
Maureen, a retired English
teacher, has been active teaching
English as a second language
to Hmong refugees while also
involving herself with causes such
as the Bolton Refuge House, Literacy
Volunteers, Big Brothers Big Sisters,
The Boys and Girls Club and her
church.
Although the Homstads live in
Naples, Florida, six months of the
year, they say their hearts are
in Eau Claire.
“Our confidence in the Mayo
system and doctors is one of our
primary reasons we’ve continually
supported the organization,”
Maureen says, noting that both
she and Jon have personally
benefitted from the expertise of
Mayo specialists from time to time.
Maureen had an aneurysm repaired
while Jon underwent knee and hip
replacements.
Jon reminisced about a former
client who also lived in Florida for
part of the year. Then in his 80s, he
and Jon spoke about moving back to
Eau Claire permanently so he could
be closer to his health team should
his health status decline.
“I think about that,” Jon says.
“We’re not getting younger, and
our health isn’t getting a whole lot
better. It’s something we’d probably
do, too, and it’s because of Mayo.”
“If I had anything really
major done to my body, unless it
was absolutely necessary to go
immediately to a hospital where
we’re at in Florida, my confidence is
in Eau Claire at Mayo Clinic Health
System,” he continues. “I would
head back on the plane the next
day to get it done if time permitted.
Anything major, if at all possible, I’m
going to be back in Eau Claire for
my health care.”•
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3
Your Community
We couldn’t do it without you —
thank you for your support !
In the last five years, there have been many construction projects underway and
completed throughout our region. Following are highlights of just some of the many
projects undertaken to support patient needs. Thank you to our patients, benefactors
and communities for your continued support.
New hospital entrance
Eau Claire
In 2011, the With Open Arms campaign supported the construction of
a five-story, 358,000-square-foot building, which included:
•A new Family Birth Center and Obstetrics &
Gynecology Department
•An integrated Cancer Center featuring radiation
oncology, chemotherapy treatment rooms,
physician exam rooms and a separate entrance
•New, larger rooms for patients with heart
conditions
•Expanded outpatient operating rooms and
Surgery Center
Individual patient room
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•An auditorium for community and staff
education
• New hospital entrance and lobby
“
Due to my prolapsed umbilical cord, I needed
an emergency cesarean procedure and was sedated
for the birth of my daughter. When I woke up in
the recovery room, my husband was right by my
side, along with a nurse that had already printed
out pictures of Emery when she was first born.
The Special Care Nursery was wonderful. Our
daughter had her own room. It was very private,
yet there was room to have visitors and not feel
crowded. I had my own room in postpartum, but
I was able to spend the majority of my time in
the Special Care Nursery alongside Emery. My
room was great. Everything was customizable
to my needs — the large bathroom with shower,
the remote control blinds, temperature settings
and lighting options. Some of these details may
seem unimportant, but they made my experience
very comfortable. The medical staff was ready and
waiting for us the minute we got to the door with
a plan in place to get Emery delivered as quickly
as possible. Everyone I encountered during my
stay was pleasant and caring. Our birthing story
wasn’t ideal, but everything turned out to be just
fine. Emery’s grand entrance, I’m sure, is just a
glimpse of things to come as she gets older.
“
“The glory of medicine is that it is constantly
moving forward, that there is always more
to learn. The ills of today do not cloud the
horizon of tomorrow, but act as a spur to
greater effort.” Dr. William J. Mayo
“
I have nothing but good things to say
about the Cancer Center. I would be there
for three hours, and each time I brought
a book and Sudoku, but I never opened a
book. It was nice to look outside through the
floor-to-ceiling windows that lightened all
the rooms in the area. The nurses were so
friendly and explained my treatments to me,
and volunteers were so helpful and friendly
helping me with anything I needed. The
cancer guide also was very helpful, answering
any questions we had. In the waiting room,
there was always a jigsaw puzzle to work
on — I love working on those. I just have
nothing but good things to say.
“
Erin Fisher, patient, Eau Claire
Family Birth Center’s Level II Special Care Nursery
Joyce Larkowski, patient, Chippewa Falls
continued on page six
Albert J. and Judith A. Dunlap Cancer Center entrance
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5
Your Community, continued from page five
New patient
entrance in Osseo
Osseo
“
The new space is beautiful. Being an older volunteer, I’ve seen the
hospital and clinic develop into the excellent facility it has come to be. It’s
so nice that patients can drive up to be dropped off at the entrance. While
volunteering, I saw kids come in with their parents and they’d run right
over to the children’s waiting area, which is so nice for them.
“
Construction of a 14,000-square-foot
clinic began in August 2013 and opened
for patient occupancy in April 2014.
Features of the space include new
patient and pediatric waiting areas,
a new procedure room, and an
improved appointment area with
increased privacy and telemedicine
capabilities to connect patients with
Mayo Clinic specialists. The updated
space allows for future growth to meet
patient needs.
Edith Oftedahl, volunteer, Osseo
Barron
“
I am so appreciative of being able to have my health
care needs met in my hometown. The new clinic
addition provides additional exam rooms, which allow
me to see my physician in a timely manner. I appreciate
the friendly staff and pleasant décor, which makes my
visits more pleasing. It is great to know that when
a question or concern arises I can call Mayo Clinic
Health System and someone will listen.
“
Pat Thornby, patient, Barron
In 2012, Barron’s construction project was completed to
include an additional 5,840 square feet for the clinic to
allow for the expansion of primary and specialty care
services. Included were 17 exam rooms, seven physician
offices, a procedure room, sight and hearing testing
room, nursing station, outpatient lab area, remodeled
and expanded waiting area, expanded appointment area
and a private patient financial services office.
The project also included a new 11,000-square-foot
Emergency Department with seven private exam rooms,
a triage room for assessing the level of emergency care
needed, a trauma suite, procedure room, family waiting
area and two-bay, drive-through ambulance garage.
The project saw the relocation of the chemotherapy
area to a larger, more convenient area to accommodate
additional patients.
Over the years, your gifts and support made a world of
difference both to you — our patients — and to us.
Thank you
from Mayo Clinic Health System
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“
When I have an exceptional
experience in the community, I step
up to say it. Overall, our experience
in the Emergency Department was
very good. The nurse triage was
set up in a private way so others
couldn’t hear our discussion.
Everything was so thorough and
relayed to me in a way that I could
communicate to my son.
“
Carrie Lecheler,
patient’s mother, Menomonie
Menomonie
In the fall of 2013, Menomonie opened the
6,500-square-foot Emergency and Urgent
Care Department. Each year in Menomonie,
27,000 patients are seen in the department.
The project increased the department’s
capacity to provide the highest level of
emergency care and expanded urgent care
to the Menomonie area. The benefits to
patients, staff and the community include an
entrance where patients are greeted by staff
in a welcoming registration area, a private
triage room to discuss concerns regarding
patient visits, and private exam rooms where
patients are seen rapidly by urgent and
emergency care providers.
Child-friendly pediatric exam room
Meet our Community
Development staff
Anna Sizer
Community Development Director
Anna Sizer is new to the Community
Development team this year, taking on the
role of director. Anna works closely with
internal and community leaders, benefactors
and volunteers to support patient care,
education and research through fundraising
activities and events. Anna’s primary
responsibility is in the Eau Claire area,
but she also works with the team in the
northwest Wisconsin region.
Anna can be reached at 715-838-3908
or [email protected].
Maria Seibel
Development Specialist
Maria Seibel has been employed with
Mayo Clinic Health System for 27 years.
Through her years of employment, she has
worked in a variety of roles to complement
her professional growth. Maria particularly
enjoys working with volunteers, benefactors
and community leaders.
Maria may be contacted at 715-577-7728
or [email protected].
Julie Schmit
Development Coordinator
Julie Schmit, based in Eau Claire, supports
the Community Development Department.
She is an Eau Claire native and has worked
at Mayo Clinic Health System for more than
21 years. Julie lives in Eau Claire with her
husband, Terry. They have two grown
children and several grandchildren.
Julie can be contacted at 715-838-3219
or [email protected].
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7
Legacy story
IMAGINE
Imagine Lecture commemorates
David Winter, M.D.
2015
Imagine
Lecture
Join us Thursday, Sept. 10, as Joe
Schmit, award-winning broadcaster
and author of “Silent Impact:
Influence through Purpose, Persistence
& Passion,” gives a lecture on the
profound power of your influence. The
presentation will reveal the secret to
making the people around you better,
just by being there. Schmit’s authentic
style will rally the audience to
embrace their own power of influence.
For more information,
call 715-838-3219 or email
[email protected].
The Imagine Lecture, established in 2011, honors David
Winter, M.D., celebrating his life and inspiration. It is a series
of lectures from guest speakers — all with different types of
inspirational stories and wisdom to impart.
Dr. Winter died in 2010 at age 47 after a battle with colon
cancer. He was an avid student of life, always studying,
researching, learning and striving to improve. As a visionary
in the field of radiology, Dr. Winter worked tirelessly to
streamline and implement processes to improve patient care.
“What drove him professionally was his passion about moving
things forward. He was able to talk to people and help them see
a vision,” says Terry Borman, M.D., Imagine Lecture committee
member. “He was a doctor’s doctor. He had respect from his
colleagues for his quality of work and level of professionalism.”
He nurtured his relationships with everyone around him, and
spent countless hours listening, teaching, leading and mentoring.
“Dave was a very personable and likeable guy,” says his widow,
Terry Winter. She talks about how bright and intelligent he was.
“He loved his work. He had a passion for life, and when something
sparked his interest, he was fully committed to learning everything
he could about it. He would want people to think of him as a good
person. I’d known him since I was 16, and he was my best friend.”
Dr. Winter also was athletic and committed to staying fit, and
was willing to try almost any sport. He was a swimmer and a tennis
player, and he windsurfed and sailed. He was a snowboarder and a
skier. He biked and skated and ran. Terry adds that he also played
hockey up to the year he passed away. “When he decided to try
something, no matter what it was, he researched and learned how to
do it properly,” says Terry.
He loved all styles of music. Originally a trumpet player in his
youth, he learned how to play piano and guitar to take him to a
different place. Always striving to improve himself and his skills, he
brought a guitar with him nearly everywhere he went and played as
much as he could.
During his life, he shared a very special place with his sons Alec
and Lucas — Camp Highlands for Boys, a boys camp located in
northern Wisconsin. Alec and Lucas started attending camp at the
continued on page 11
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Estate planning
10-Minute Check-In
An Annual Review of Your Estate Plans Can Prevent Future Trouble
As the year gets underway, remember to take the necessary steps to update your estate plans
so they reflect any life changes you experienced within the past year. Use the following checklist
to see if you are prepared for anything unexpected that could come up in the future and for the
management and distribution of your assets after you are gone.
• Review your will, checking for any changes
that may need to be made because of a change
in your life or that of a beneficiary’s, tax law
changes, or because you want to add a gift to
Mayo Clinic Health System in your plans.
• Include in your estate plan a health care power
of attorney to guide your family and health
care providers when you are unable to make
decisions for yourself.
• Check that the executor you’ve named is still
the qualified individual you want to manage
your estate, resolve claims, minimize taxes
and distribute the designated portions of your
estate to your chosen beneficiaries.
• Be sure you are comfortable with the guardian
named in your will for those under your care.
If your dependents were minor children who
are grown now, does a guardian still need to
be listed?
• Update beneficiaries designated for your
insurance and retirement plans to make
sure you haven’t named a deceased loved
one or former spouse. Name backup
beneficiaries, too.
• Make sure the titles for your assets reflect your
current circumstances and wishes, so they go
to the people and organizations you intend.
• Implement a plan that minimizes federal
estate taxes. One possible solution is to leave a
charitable gift to Mayo Clinic Health System.
If you’d like more information on how you can support Mayo Clinic Health System, call Community
Development at 715-838-3219, or visit mayoclinichealthsystem.org/giving.
© The Stelter Company. The information in this publication is not intended as legal advice. For legal advice, please consult an attorney. Figures
cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes include federal taxes only.
State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results.
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9
Memorial fund story
Couple provides entertainment and establishes
a memorial fund in memory of their son
For Jim Kerr, it started with a love for singing and a visit with a good friend.
In 2000, Jim shared a tape of his music with a friend from Cumberland
during one of their visits. Impressed, the friend shared the tape with his wife
who worked at the local nursing home. Captivated by the angelic tunes, she
encouraged Jim to play for residents.
“ I’m elated and so
proud to see a
scholarship come
forward. It’s the
best kind of
memorial for him.”
Mary Kerr
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Since then, Jim and his wife, Mary,
have volunteered for retirement
homes, nursing homes and assisted
living facilities in other communities
in Wisconsin, including Barron,
Bloomer, Cumberland, Dallas,
Frederick, Prairie Farm and Rice Lake.
As they share their love for music
with local residents, they also provide
an opportunity to fund the education
of future medical providers in
honor of their son who was a family
medicine physician with Mayo Clinic
Health System.
Jim and Mary’s son Chris died on
Aug. 18, 1999, when he was hit by a
car as he rode his bicycle home from
work. Dr. Kerr joined Mayo Clinic
Health System in Barron in September
1996, and became a well-respected
and adored physician. In his loving
memory, Jim and Mary worked with
Joel Bormann, M.D., and the Mayo
Foundation to provide their son’s
memory with the most heartfelt
memorial, the Dr. J. Chris Kerr
Memorial Fund.
“I’m elated and so proud to see a
scholarship come forward,” Mary
says. “It’s the best kind of memorial
for him.”
Before Dr. Kerr provided medical
services in Barron, he served four
mayoclinichealthsystem.org/giving | Learn more | Donate
years in the air force in Ramstein,
Germany, tending to the wounded
and providing medical care to troops.
All proceeds received when the
Kerrs perform go into the established
memorial fund. The Kerrs say in
addition to the scholarship, simply
brightening someone’s day with their
singing and volunteer work honors
the spirit of their son, as he touched
many lives during his time as a
physician.
“So many times, residents are
brought out in wheelchairs, and you
don’t think they’ll be able to hear
or realize what’s going on until the
music starts,” Mary says. “When
it starts, they light up, and it’s so
heartwarming to see.”
The Kerrs soon will leave the area
to move to Oshkosh where they say
they will continue to volunteer and
serve their community with their
service work.
“I’d like to thank the community
with all our heart,” Jim says. “It’s been
a joy to be of service to Mayo and be
a part of all the wonderful gatherings.
We’ve met so many wonderful people
throughout the years.”•
SCHOLARSHIP
Dr. Winter, continued from page eight
The Dr. J. Chris Kerr Memorial Fund,
part of Mayo Clinic Health System – Northland, has available a
$1,000 yearly scholarship, renewable up to four years, for
college students enrolled in medical school. Those applying
must have graduated from a high school in Barron County.
Contact Jessica Marek at 715-537-9960 for an application.
The application deadline is June 1, 2015.
Donations to the fund are welcome and can
be mailed to: Dr. J. Chris Kerr Memorial Fund, Mayo Clinic Health
System – Northland, 1222 E. Woodland Ave., Barron, WI 54812.
Jim and Mary Kerr honor
their son’s memory by
sharing music. Proceeds
from their performances
support a memorial
scholarship for students
attending medical school.
age of 10. The camp teaches a
wide variety of life skills and
has provided Alec and Lucas
wonderful experiences in the
north woods. “He wanted to share
all the things he loved in life with
our boys, and Camp Highlands
was very special to him,” Terry
says. “Being close to family and
his love of the north woods really
drove his decision to work in
Eau Claire.”
The Imagine Lecture was
created in Dr. Winter’s honor to
recognize his legacy of continually
improving, learning, sharing,
teaching and acting on his vision.
The lecture series has spanned a
number of broad topics and
brought diverse speakers to the
area, including a Voyager space
mission scientist and a sports
adventurist. In 2011, Dr. Winter’s
father, Robert Winter, M.D., a
world-renown orthopedic
surgeon, was the first presenter.
A committee is in the process of
selecting the 2016 keynote speaker.
The Imagine Lecture is funded
entirely through donations and
is open to the public. This year’s
speaker is Joe Schmit, KSTP-TV
Minneapolis sports broadcaster
and author of “Silent Impact:
Influence through Purpose,
Persistence & Passion.” The
lecture will take place Thursday,
Sept. 10, 2015 at 7 p.m.
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1221 Whipple Street
Eau Claire, WI 54703-5200
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Mayo Clinic
If you do not wish to receive fundraising
information from Mayo Clinic Health System,
please email [email protected], or send
a note to Mayo Clinic Health System, Community
Development, PO Box 4105, Eau Claire, WI 54702.
Please allow four to six weeks for the change to
take effect. You may receive one more mailing
during this time.
Upcoming Events
Half Moon Dragon
Boat Festival
Mayo Clinic Health System
will host its inaugural Half Moon
Dragon Boat Festival Saturday,
Aug. 8, at Half Moon Lake. The
event will benefit hospice care
and support bereavement
services in our communities.
For more information, please visit
mayoclinichealthsystem.org/
halfmoondragon.
Imagine Lecture
Thursday, Sept. 10
Details on page eight.
Golf Dates
Wednesday, June 10 — Whitetail Golf Course in Colfax
Proceeds benefit Hospice.
Thursday, July 16 — Osseo Golf Course
Proceeds benefit ongoing clinic expansion projects in Osseo.
Event Recap — Love Lights
Thank you for contributing to our
2014 love light campaign supporting
hospice services. In 2014, more than
2,200 names were submitted as
tributes, in honor of, in memory of,
and for those in the military. Seven
hundred and ten donors contributed
approximately $16,000 to support
hospice services for Mayo Clinic
Health System.
Caring Partners
Caring Partners is published twice yearly for the friends
and benefactors of Mayo Clinic Health System.
Information for Caring Partner stories is provided by
Mayo Clinic Health System medical professionals. If you
have medical questions about these stories and how they
affect your health, please contact your physician.
To learn more about Community Development
opportunities, News and Events, FAQs and more visit:
mayoclinichealthsystem.org/giving.
Wednesday, July 29 — Rolling Oaks Golf Course in Barron
Proceeds benefit bereavement programming.
Thursday, Aug. 13 — Bloomer
Memorial Golf Course
Proceeds benefit the
Emergency Department
renovation project in Bloomer.
Registration is available online
at mayoclinichealthsystem.org/giving.
Select the location of the event you plan to attend.
Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire includes:
Mayo Clinic Health System – Northland, which has a
medical center in Barron, Wis., and clinics in Cameron,
Chetek and Rice Lake, Wis.; Mayo Clinic Health System
– Chippewa Valley, which has a medical center in
Bloomer, Wis., and clinics in Chippewa Falls and Colfax,
Wis.; Mayo Clinic Health System – Oakridge, which
has a medical center in Osseo, Wis., and a clinic in
Mondovi, Wis.; Mayo Clinic Health System – Red Cedar,
which includes a medical center in Menomonie, Wis.,
and clinics in Elmwood, and Glenwood City, Wis.
To make a donation
Mail checks to:
Mayo Clinic Health System, Community
Development, PO Box 4105, Eau Claire, WI
54703-5200
To make a donation online:
mayoclinichealthsystem.org/giving
Call: 715-838-3219
MAYO CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM
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