Vim & Vigor - Spring 2011 - Community Healthcare - (Page 3)

COMMUNITY BRIEFS A Mission of Mercy, A Century of Care A new book chronicles St. Mary Medical Center’s history R ooted in humble beginnings that included a primitive tar-papered structure on a dirt road in Gary, St. Mary Medical Center today exists with the same caring commitment that the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ practiced while tending the sick in the early 1900s. THE PEOPLE AND THE PROGRESS The book St. Mary Medical Center: A Mission of Mercy, A Century of Care artfully chronicles the hospital’s journey from those humble beginnings to becoming the impressive, state-of-the-art facility that it is today. An extensive collection of reﬂections from past patients, employees, administrators, volunteers and physicians threads throughout the pages. All helped shape the history of the hospital as it grew from Mercy Hospital in Gary to St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart. “Seeing the past laid out in such a beautiful book is a ﬁtting tribute to the thousands of individuals who have made St. Mary Medical Center the special place it is today,” says Janice Ryba, CEO. “Each story carries the spirit of the individuals. You can almost feel their pride and caring welling up from the pages.” Compiling and researching more than 100 years of history was the task of editor Jane Bomberger, who also completed the history books of Community Hospital and St. Catherine Hospital. “Researching these histories was such a pleasure,” Bomberger says. “I’ve met so many wonderful people who are thrilled to have their contributions to the hospital recognized and documented. While the book is an extensive presentation of that history, their stories are the true treasures inside.” “I’ve found that we’re all working toward the same thing— helping sick people feel better and live healthier. It makes me feel like I have a large, extended family.” —JIM WADE, MANAGER OF PLANT OPERATIONS the best possible care for the patients they serve,” Ryba adds. “The book truly illustrates that throughout our history, we are still carrying on the same values, mission and caring that deﬁned the original caregivers more than a hundred years ago.” By Mary Fetsch CALL HISTORY IN THE MAKING In addition to personal testimonials and quotes, the book features historical contexts for each of the hospital’s milestones. Readers will be able to trace how the hospital transformed with the advent of new technologies and medical advancements and with changing demographics and shifting populations. “Despite all these changes, there is a constant presence of people who go above and beyond in providing St. Mary Medical Center: A Mission of Mercy, A Century of Care is the third historical publication of the hospitals of Community Healthcare System. The book is available for $30 in the hospital gift shop or by calling 219-947-6011. All proceeds benefit the St. Mary Medical Center Endowment Fund. Book It Vim & Vigor · SPRI NG 2011 3

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2011 - Community Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2011 - Community Healthcare
Contents
Community Message
Community Briefs
Solutions for Relief
Helping the Medicine Go Down
Beating Breast Cancer
A Workout for Every Mood
Don’t Fail Your Heart
If Your Bones Could Talk
Healthy Travels
Over 40 and Fabulous
Do-It-Yourself Health?
Fighting Words
Balancing Act
Giving & Getting
The Heart of Rehab
Spotlight on St. Mary Medical Center
Spotlight on Community Hospital
Spotlight on St. Catherine Hospital
Prescription for Safety

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2011 - Community Healthcare