Page 12 - Innovation-Spring-2016

GENEROUS GIFT

HONORS YOUNG PATIENT

According to Lao Tzu, “From caring comes courage.” they dedicated the gift in Caleb’s honor. “Knowing that over
Every day this statement is proved true in the Emergency the years Caleb has been a ‘familiar face’ in the Emergency
Department of Marian Regional Medical Center as the Department, honoring him in this way seemed to be a perfect
medical staff provides essential care under demanding fit,” states Connie.
circumstances. Their work is only part of the story. Patients
and their loved ones often display great courage while “When we heard about the gift, we were touched,” Caleb’s
struggling to overcome serious health issues. One excellent father, Kurt Kruse, comments. “The Chun family could have
example is that of 21-year-old Caleb Kruse. chosen to make this gift in honor of anyone; it is phenomenal
that they decided to honor Caleb in this unique and
When Caleb was only six weeks old, it was discovered that exceptional way.”
he was born without pulmonary artery muscular tissue in
his lungs, making it difficult for his lungs to expand and You, too, are invited to partner with Marian Regional Medical
contract. Throughout Caleb’s life he has undergone multiple Center by investing in the health of the community through
lung surgeries and three open heart surgeries. Due to his lung support of the Emergency Services Expansion Project. Naming
and heart abnormalities, Caleb has had countless Emergency a room or special feature of Marian’s Emergency Department
Department visits and inpatient stays at Marian. Longtime is a meaningful way to honor a loved one, extraordinary
family friend Connie Chun rightly describes Caleb as a fighter. individual or cherished organization in perpetuity.
“In addition to being a fighter, he’s a good kid who has become a
great young man.” When asked about the impact of her family’s generous gift in
support of the Marian Emergency Services Expansion Project,
Connie works in Surgical Services at Marian and her husband Connie concludes, “Through our donation I hope that other
Kalfred Chun, DDS, MS, is a local orthodontist. Caleb is the children and adults will benefit from the wonderful services
son of one of Dr. Chun’s longtime employees, also named offered to patients. As a Marian employee, I know first-hand
Connie. Recently Kalfred and Connie generously donated how donating locally makes a significant impact in the lives
$10,000 to sponsor a private patient exam room in the of our patients. And I hope others will be inspired to support
Emergency Department in support of the Emergency Services Marian in order to make our community a better place for all.”
Expansion Project. Making this gift even more significant,

12 Left to right: Kalfred Chun, DDS, MS, Connie Chun, Al Schultz, MD, Connie Kruse, Caleb Kruse, Kurt Kruse, Christine Sewell,
12
RN, Emergency Department Senior Assistant Nurse Manager, Tauny Sexton, RN, Senior Director of Emergency/Trauma Services.