Newsletter

When I first walked through the doors of Bozeman Health Foundation as its new president this past October, our mission truly came alive to me. I am thankful for the warm welcome as I continue to meet, listen and learn from caring people like you who strengthen our community every day.

Similar to many health care organizations across the country, we too are in a time of transition—healing, rebuilding and responding in new ways to pressing health needs in our community. The Bozeman Health Board of Director’s national recruitment efforts are underway for a permanent CEO.

This year marks the Foundation’s 25th year anniversary—our silver year. We’ll highlight this and our many other milestones while pulling out all the stops at our Hospitality Gala event in April. This anniversary provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the many accomplishments that all of you have made possible over the years, raising charitable support that has fueled the growth of nearly every department at Bozeman Health. Some of the most significant advancements have been made in cancer care, cardiovascular services, emergency medicine, pediatric specialties and behavioral health services.

Our community’s health care needs continue to grow, increasing the need for additional resources. There is much work ahead and we are poised to build on this incredible momentum with your continued partnership. Together we can continue to make sure our loved ones and neighbors have access to the finest compassionate care, close to home, for generations to come.

With gratitude,

Beth Warner, President
Bozeman Health Foundation

Bozeman Health Foundation hosted its annual PILLARS reception at Riverside Country Club on February 2 in honor of our family of contributors who sustain excellence in health care as pioneered by healers of yesterday. We are endlessly grateful to you—the pillars and leaders of our community—who recognize and value the importance of access and affordability to quality health care. The impact of your generosity truly knows no bounds.

PHOTO: Bozeman Health Foundation Board Chair Andrew Sullivan, MD, speaks to guests at the annual PILLARS gratitude event on Feb. 2, 2023.

Twenty-five years ago, a small group of community philanthropists, leaders and health care providers gathered because they wanted to do something more for the health and well-being of our community: bring radiation treatment and kidney dialysis options closer to home. They called their efforts “Destination Home” and little did they know what their grassroots campaign’s impact would have a quarter-century later.

Over the course of the past 25 years, with careful investing, thoughtful stewardship, continued contributions from our community, and the dedication of board members past and present, Destination Home has grown into nearly $53 million of charitable support raised. But, impact isn’t about the numbers, it’s about the people. Needless to say, the generosity of our partners has touched more lives than the founders in 1998 could have ever imagined.

The heart of our 25th anniversary celebration is this community. The impact we’ve made together — and will continue to make for generations to come — is a reflection of the strength of our partnerships and our dedication to making positive impact on every person who lives, works and plays in southwest Montana. We will be honoring this incredible legacy throughout the year and look forward to sharing the many stories of impact we’ve made together.

Thank you for partnering with us, for supporting us, and for believing in our mission and in our community.

25 YEARS OF IMPACT

As we reflect on the past 25-years, we are reminded of the progress and positive impact we have made in advancing and enhancing health care and specialty services at Bozeman Health locations for all of southwest Montana. At every step of the way, patient care and healing has served as our beacon.

During our silver anniversary, we celebrate with a look back at major milestones made possible by the community’s support that has advanced the growth of our nonprofit, integrated health system. Thank you for walking alongside us as our partners in “Paving the Road to Better Health.”

Look at what we’ve done. Imagine the possibilities of what is yet to come in the work we will do, together.

Serving others isn’t just Kimber McLean’s day job. It’s her life’s purpose.

Which is why it’s no coincidence that you will find McLean volunteering on her days off from her day job as a case manager at Bozeman Health — her most recent volunteer position being with Bozeman Health Foundation and its fundraising efforts for the newly launched Well Beyond Care Fund. The patient care fund will remove barriers and increase access to health care for Bozeman Health patients.

“When I learned about the new fundraising initiative, I wanted to know how I could help,” McLean said. “Afterall, these funds will be tremendously helpful to the patients and their families that the case management department works with every day.”

The vision of the Well Beyond Care Fund provides support for patients across the entire health system who are uninsured, underinsured or lack the financial resources for health needs that go beyond basic care, such as specialty medical supplies and medicines, help with transportation costs to appointments, short-term lodging for patients who must travel for their treatments and much more.

“I feel like it is my mission to provide compassion, support, understanding and guidance for patients and their families during one of the most critical times of their lives,” she said. “Volunteering to help the foundation with its fundraising efforts for this patient fund is one step I can take to help improve patient outcomes and ensure their needs will continue to be met on their health care continuum.

McLean said case managers see first-hand the struggles that some patients face. It’s a real and difficult struggle for many people, she said.

“Having a way to help our patients overcome some of the barriers they face will definitely reduce stress and anxiety and promote health and well-being,” McLean added.

She and the entire case management department are essential to patient care teams. Their roles are critical to improving patient health outcomes and exemplify the true definition of going above and well beyond for patients.

McLean and the case management team will be all hands-on-deck as volunteers for the foundation’s annual Hospitality fundraising event on April 29, of which all proceeds will go toward the Well Beyond Care Fund.

There are several ways to engage in the meaningful work of our mission:

• Share your stories with us
• Volunteer your time and talent
• Make a gift of support

Come for the FUN, Give for the CAUSE and celebrate 25 YEARS OF IMPACT

FOR THE FUN Celebrate Bozeman Health Foundation’s 25th Anniversary dressed in your best silver. This celebration is for our community: the people who’ve given their time, talent and treasure to ensure our communities continue to thrive! You are all an important part of our history, and we are eager for to celebrate you and what our future holds.

FOR THE CAUSE Support community members who may be facing barriers to accessing health care. Your participation and the proceeds from our premiere annual event will launch the Bozeman Health Foundation Well Beyond Care Fund, having a profound and direct impact on Bozeman Health patients who aren’t covered by private insurance or Medicaid and Medicare, and help those who lack other financial resources.

FOR 25 YEARS OF IMPACT A quarter-century is nothing short of extraordinary. Bozeman Health Foundation’s history and legacy is rooted in the generosity of community support. As we reflect on 25 years of impact, we will celebrate the present and toast to future advancements in support of improving health and well-being for people across southwest Montana.

Learn more at bhf.givesmart.com.

In the midst of COVID-19, for the second year Bozeman Health Foundation held its annual Hospitality event virtually, and once again achieved an ambitious philanthropic initiative to support behavioral healthcare services in southwest Montana.

On April 30, about 125 philanthropists and Bozeman Health supporters came together online raising nearly $370,000.

“It truly is a testament to the immense generosity in this community,” said Debra Gill, the foundation’s interim chief advancement officer. “We are grateful for the support as Bozeman Health works toward a full continuum of behavioral health care.”

Continuum of care is a comprehensive system of care that includes an array of health services spanning time and different intensity levels depending on a patient’s unique treatment needs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has upended many facets of everyday life and, as a result, Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital’s emergency room has seen an influx of people seeking mental health care. With the help of proceeds from this year’s Hospitality, plans are underway for increasing inpatient and outpatient care at Deaconess Hospital and expanded behavioral health services in Big Sky.

“This will be a heavy lift, and one that will need support to accomplish,” said Dr. Anne Thomas, Bozeman Health medical director of behavioral health. “This will require (ongoing) robust philanthropic partnerships to achieve. We couldn’t do this without the support of the community.”

Presented by Gill and Bozeman’s Deputy Mayor, Terry Cunningham, the masquerade-themed program took place in the hospital’s lobby and was live-streamed to the homes of viewers all over the country.

Sponsorships led the event with $151,500, followed by an online silent auction raising $13,201. Auctioneer, Pat Busby, pushed the needle further, raising $12,865 during the event’s live auction. The fundraiser culminated in a live-drive challenge for viewers to contribute to a $75,000 match, a challenge that was quickly met, exceeding the match amount by $41,833.

During the event, Gill and Cunningham shared a special announcement of a $1 million dollar gift from an anonymous donor to advance community behavioral health services in Gallatin County. The tremendously generous gift comes from a local family whose lives have been impacted by mental health, a growing crisis so many individuals and families are experiencing.

Next year’s Hospitality event is slated for Saturday, April 29, with the hope we can be back in person.

Bozeman Health Cancer Center at Deaconess Hospital welcomes Dr. Mark Hancock, a highly-experienced medical oncologist, to its team as part of an ongoing commitment to providing expert and compassionate cancer care with advanced technology and treatment options close to home. The expert cancer team includes surgeons, urologists, gastroenterologists, OB-GYNs, palliative care physicians, and pathologists working together along the continuum of care. This mission has been tremendously supported by the generosity of private donations.

DR. MARK HANCOCK Medical Oncology, Hematology
Mark Hancock, MD, is originally from Lubbock and West Texas, then grew up in and around Dallas, Texas. He attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville Tennessee, then back to Dallas for medical school, residency, and fellowship at Southwestern Medical School and Parkland Hospital. After a one-year sabbatical working overseas with Doctors without Borders, he and his wife settled in Missoula, where they had their first child before settling in Denver to raise their family. Hancock established his own private practice before serving as medical director at Colorado’s St Mary Cancer Center and subsequently at UC Health Anschutz Cancer Center. Prior to joining Bozeman Health’s medical team in 2022, he was medical director for the cancer center in Rapid City South Dakota.

At the center of expert, compassionate cancer care close to home, there’s YOU. From the latest advances in technology and treatment to the courageous caregivers who go above and beyond caring for our communities, our every effort is strengthened by the support of our donors. Your generosity embodies the power of philanthropy and the power of community to create greater hope and healing in the lives of our loved ones. Your partnership and continued engagement are valued beyond measure.

From left to right: Dr. Justin Thomas, Dr. Mark Hancock, Dr. Courtney Wagner, and Dr. David Koeplin.

YOUR DOLLARS AT WORK

Bozeman Health’s Cancer Center was largely built by the community, for the community to better meet the needs of its patients, their families, and the staff who care for them. The community’s philanthropic support has left a wonderful and enduring legacy, demonstrating our region’s commitment to health and wellness.

$7M PHILANTHROPIC FUNDING

The foundation has been raising philanthropic support since its inception in 1997 for Bozeman Health’s Cancer Center to bring cancer care close to home for southwest Montana. With a tremendous response from our community during the Destination Home Capital Campaign, a state-of-the-art cancer center was established in 1998 with a new linear accelerator for the provision of local radiation therapy.

5 MAJOR EXPANSIONS, ENHANCEMENTS

In the past quarter-century, philanthropy’s impact on Bozeman Health’s Cancer Center has been tremendous. Since 1998, the center has been extensively expanded and enhanced several times with the latest diagnostic and treatment technology available. The center promotes a team approach to oncology care that comprises surgeons, radiologists, urologists, OB-GYNs, gastroenterologists, palliative care physicians, and pathologists working together to diagnose and treat cancer and close to home. To learn more about the center and future projects, visit bozemanhealth.org/services/cancer-center.

The foundation board aims for diversity of perspective and depth of expertise. We extend a heartfelt thanks to members past, present, and future for their contributions and dedication to Bozeman Health Foundation’s mission.

INCOMING BOARD CHAIR — Dr. Andrew Sullivan, Internal Medicine
Andrew Sullivan, MD, was appointed foundation board chair in June and has been serving on the board since 2019. Dr. Sullivan is a pulmonary and critical care physician at Bozeman Health and is board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, and critical care medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine.

“Working with the Bozeman Health Foundation has been an honor and inspirational to my work as a medical provider. I get to experience individuals in the community give their time and resources to our mission. It reminds me how important our work is and how much people value our efforts and believe in our abilities.”

INCOMING BOARD MEMBER — Dr. Anne Thomas, Medical Director, Behavioral Health
Anne Thomas, MD, is a psychiatrist and integrated behavioral health specialist at Bozeman Health. She earned her medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine. She serves as a college faculty mentor with WWAMI.

OUTGOING BOARD CHAIR, ONGOING BOARD MEMBER — Kris Deason, Security Title, President
Kris Deason has served on the board for six years. Of those, she most recently served one term as board chair and has, by all measures, been instrumental. The foundation is beyond grateful Kris has agreed to serve for another three-year term.

OUTGOING BOARD MEMBER — Robyn Erlenbush, ERA Landmark Real Estate, Broker/Owner
Robyn Erlenbush served on the foundation board for three terms (2013-2022) on the heels of completing nine years on the Bozeman Health System’s board. She has been a tremendous asset, providing consistent and thoughtful guidance for the foundation through several transitions, including serving as campaign co-chair twice.

OUTGOING EX OFFICIO — Katie Daughenbaugh, Bozeman Health System Board Chair
Katie Daughenbaugh, PhD, served on the foundation board during her tenure as chair of the Bozeman Health System board. Her extensive expertise in nonprofit governance process and best practices has been invaluable.

Bozeman Health Foundation welcomes Carmen Price as the system manager of philanthropy communications — a new role for the foundation — who will lead the public-facing messaging and materials in efforts to catalyze broad impact in support of the foundation’s mission. Carmen is a storyteller at heart, starting her career as a journalist. She eventually transitioned into public communications where she honed her skills in public and media relations, marketing, and graphic design. Carmen received her bachelor’s degree in film and photography from Montana State University and her master’s degree in journalism from the University of Montana. She looks forward to developing robust philanthropic communications to strengthen engagement with supporters and cultivate new relationships to expand the investments in the health of southwest Montana. She is inspired in her new role with the belief that everyone deserves access to quality and affordable health care.

Bozeman Health Foundation is growing. We optimistically look to our future with continued growth, building on our success past and present. If you share our enthusiasm for nonprofit, mission-driven work focused on promoting community participation in and financial support of activities to improve community health and quality of life, consider joining our dedicated team. In the coming weeks, check career listings at BozemanHealth.org for job opportunities with the foundation. We look forward to hearing from you and are here to answer any questions you may have.

Every couple of weeks, 93-year-old Fairy Overton gets her hair shampooed, cut, and curled at the salon located just down the hall from her residence at Bozeman Health Hillcrest Senior Living.

“A day here at the salon is always a day I look forward to,” Overton said. “And I don’t have to get in a car and drive downtown, it’s just right around the corner.”

She compared the convenience of the newly renovated Bridger View Salon at Hillcrest to her first beauty parlor experience in the early 1940s. The 18-mile trip on the Trailway Bus to a salon equipped with a permanent wave machine was worth the hassle for a 12-year-old girl who desperately wanted to refashion her quaint pigtails into bouncy Shirley Temple ringlets.

The story was one among many Overton shared with hairdresser Lacey Allen during the salon’s open house on May 27, an event to showcase the salon’s recent remodel.

Made possible by foundation donors, the $50,000 renovation was needed to provide a safer and more efficient salon visit, Hillcrest’s marketing manager, Linda Jo Simkins, said. Residents can now stay in one chair for their entire visit with new ADA accessible hair stations specifically designed for senior clientele. Stations include a porcelain wash basin, a leather salon chair that provides stability and comfort, and a portable hooded hair dryer.

Manicure and pedicure services have been upgraded with a new, luxury spa massage chair and whirlpool foot bath.

Additional improvements made to the onsite salon include updated flooring, paint, cupboards and countertops, mirrors, lights, and a seated waiting area. Simkins said the renovations greatly enhance residents’ experience and contributes to the Bozeman Health mission to improve health and quality of life.

“We are filled with gratitude for the foundation,” she said. “The work that they do and the gift of philanthropy made this project come to fruition.”

From manicures to pedicures and pigtails to ringlets, looking good helps you feel good, Overton said.

“This is senior living at its best,” she said. “We have everything we need here, and the salon is just the icing on the cake.”

Natalie Walhof, a 2022 Manhattan Christian School graduate, handed over an envelope filled with checks and cash to Bozeman Health Foundation in April, money she raised as part of her senior capstone project to go toward supplying Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit with onesies for premature newborns.

The NICU is the first in southwest Montana. The $13.5 million unit opened in 2020, and was made possible through the Caring Forward Campaign and the generosity of foundation donors.

The 17-year-old aspiring nurse knew she wanted to focus her capstone project on helping others, particularly premature babies and their families. In fact, Walhof has known this to be her passion and calling since 2009 when her baby brother, Bryce, was born prematurely at 32-weeks gestation.

Walhof was just four years old but remembers the day, that turned to months, like it was yesterday.

Weeks into her third trimester, Walhof’s mother, Jeanette, learned she had HELLP syndrome, a rare and life-threatening complication in pregnancy. At the time, Bozeman Health didn’t have a NICU, leaving Jeanette’s Bozeman Health medical team with no other choice than to rush her to Billings for an emergency cesarean and post-delivery aftercare. The Walhof family would spend the next several weeks there while Jeanette and Bryce received the intensive care they needed.

Walhof said that while the experience was scary, the healing she witnessed and feelings of faith she was overcome by felt like a calling.

“The miracle of life and birth, and hope and healing that I witnessed changed my life forever,” she said. “I’ve known ever since that I wanted to be a labor and delivery nurse and work in a NICU.”

Walhof presented her story and capstone to her school and church, and in a matter of months raised $4,000 for the recently built NICU at Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital.

“We were really taken back by Natalie’s efforts,” said Lauren Smith, Bozeman Health’s NICU nurse manager. “Her generosity and those who she connected with have made a huge impact.” Smith said with the amount raised, the NICU will be able to purchase more than 1,200 onesies and a few hundred safe-sleeping sacks for premature newborns.

“Countless supporters commented on their eagerness to serve this cause,” Walhof said. “I’m grateful for all of the support I received and I hope, as a result, that many families are blessed and encouraged with onesies.”

Jenny Berger, system manager of volunteer services, said junior volunteers are an integral part of Bozeman Health’s mission.

“Junior volunteers bring enthusiasm to their meaningful volunteer projects while gaining valuable volunteer experience in a professional health care setting,” Berger said. “The impact of their time—and in Natalie’s case, time and fundraising—makes such a difference for the health and well-being of our community.”

Smith said that Walhof’s capstone topic choice and the effort, care, and compassion she put forth exhibits the true heart of what it takes to be a nurse, beyond the skilled training Walhof will acquire in the coming years.

Walhof has been accepted into Colorado Christian University where she will begin her coursework this fall toward becoming a registered nurse. In the meantime, Walhof has scheduled a NICU and birth center tour in June, concluding her senior capstone project in conjunction with her volunteer service with Bozeman Health.

Smith said she hopes the tour will further encourage Walhof’s ambitions of becoming a registered nurse.

“And hopefully the tour will also spark her interest in coming to work as a nurse for Bozeman Health after she graduates with her nursing degree,” Smith said.

In a year full of uncertainty, loss, economic challenges, stress, lock downs and minimal interaction, mental health surfaced as a growing need throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. For the Bozeman and Big Sky communities, the beneficiary of Hospitality 2021 couldn’t be more
appropriate.

On Saturday, April 23, 2021, friends and family - near and far - gathered in small groups for An Evening Under the Stars, Rising Together to Support Behavioral Health in Bozeman and Big Sky, our first ever virtual Hospitality. More than $700,000 raised from Hospitality 2020-2021 will help expand Behavioral Health services, making this our most successful Hospitality event to date.

After making the safety-driven decision to cancel Hospitality 2020, it was with great excitement and
nervousness that we were able to broadcast the event straight from our home, the newly renovated Deaconess Hospital Lobby, to the homes of viewers all over the country. We had people tune in from Montana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and more!

As part of the evening’s program, Katie Mazurek, Bozeman Health Foundation Board member and co-emcee, shared her story - Out of the Shadows. She talked about how difficulties she faced growing up as a child have impacted the work she does today in a positive way, her fight with depression during college, postpartum depression and the depression and anxiety she faced after a cancer diagnosis. She stressed the importance of receiving care; because of the care she received, she is now able to do all the things that are important to her as a mom, spouse and attorney. “I’ve decided to be vocal about it because living in the shadows really harms more people than it helps and we know better than the stigma. It’s not enough to say you shouldn’t feel ashamed, you shouldn’t feel bad. We have to come out and empower people to get the help and support they need and deserve,” Katie shared.

Our sponsors led us into the evening by providing $300,000. Together the silent and live auction featured 82 items and raised more than $75,000. Anchoring the evening’s success was the Live Drive which raised nearly $400,000 in contributions, inspired by matching gifts from the Charles and Peggy Stephenson Family Foundation and The Morton H. Meyerson Family Foundation.

We’d like to extend our gratitude to everyone who joined us the evening of the event: our donors, sponsors, live and silent auction item purchasers, Live Drive contributors and matching donors. A special thanks to everyone who helped us make this event possible, including our many volunteers and The Stargazers, hospitality planning committee. This event would not have been possible without all of you!

Mark your calendars for the 21st Hospitality event scheduled for Saturday, April 30, 2022.

In early June, Bozeman Health announced a collaboration with Seattle Children’s to expand locally available pediatric specialty medicine and behavioral health services in Southwest Montana. This expansion would not have been possible without the support of local residents, Tim and Carmen Sheehy.

The Sheehy’s generous donation, in the amount of $4 million, is the largest gift ever received in Bozeman Health Foundation’s history and helps bolster collaboration with Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Bozeman Health’s collaboration with Seattle Children’s will integrate pediatric specialty providers, who will live in the
Bozeman area and see patients at Deaconess Hospital. Local pediatric specialty care enables our team to take care of more medically complex children at Deaconess Hospital.

The Sheehy’s generosity is funding two pediatric medical directorships, in Cardiology and Surgery, to help Bozeman Health serve NICU, pediatric, and adolescent patients in unprecedented and compassionate ways. Funding for these specialty programs will cover the combination of compensation for physicians and dedicated pediatric trained staff, essential equipment and technology, and innovation funds under the direction of each medical director to help start and enhance their respective pediatric programs.

“This is an investment in the foundation of Southwest Montana, our children. We want pediatric healthcare to become a beacon of excellence in Gallatin County through an unrelenting focus on integrated family healthcare. Carmen and I hope that in several years Bozeman Health will be regionally and nationally recognized for our pediatric healthcare,” shared Tim Sheehy. “Our ability to provide top level care to the children in our community will help make this valley so much stronger, and we’re tremendously impressed by and grateful to have the Bozeman Health team help make our dream of pediatric
excellence come true.”

In 2016, Bozeman Health Foundation launched the Caring Forward Campaign. This ambitious campaign featured five components, one of which focused on bringing a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to southwest Montana. In Fall 2020, this new facility opened and welcomed our first babies. Most families expect to take their newborn babies home a couple days after they are born. However, when families find themselves unexpectedly in the NICU, caring for that critically ill newborn can be difficult; emotionally, physically and economically.

Modeled after our Cancer Patient Care Fund, the NICU Family Care Fund allows Bozeman Health NICU team members to identify needs and assist when possible. Sometimes the baby will require care in the NICU for several weeks while their parents need to stay close by. As a regional NICU, families are traveling to Bozeman and may need assistance with hotel stays, meals, transportation, and child care for older siblings. Your support to this fund will provide comfort and hope to parents experiencing a difficult beginning to their growing family.

Colee Wingo is currently the Director of Sales & Marketing at the Element hotel managed by Kinseth Hospitality Companies. Colee moved to Bozeman in August 1995 after graduating from Converse College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. She began her hospitality career at the Hilton Garden Inn Bozeman when it was still in the pre-opening stage in August 2005. After 14 years at the Hilton Garden Inn Bozeman, she was
recruited to the Element Bozeman property in May 2019 as the Director of Sales & Marketing. Colee served a 2-year term on the Board of Trustees at the Museum of the Rockies as well as served a 3-year term on the Board of Directors at Thrive. She has also been on the Event Planning Committees for Thrive, Eagle Mount, The Museum of the Rockies and Big Sky Bravery. In regards to recognition within her career, Colee was awarded the “2017 Sales & Marketing Person of the Year” by Montana Lodging & Hospitality
Association and she was also awarded the Director of Sales ”Success Award” by Hilton Worldwide. Colee lives in Bozeman with her husband Jon and their 13-year old son, Holden, who currently attends Chief Joseph Middle School.

The Gordon Davidson Scholarship is awarded annually in the amount of $2,000, to a junior/senior student from a Montana community attending Montana State University (MSU), pursuing a degree in accounting through the Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship.

The 2021 recipient, Libby Stromberg, graduated from Bozeman High School in Bozeman, Montana. She is a Junior at MSU pursuing a degree in Accounting through the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Libby is a hard working student and made the dean’s list multiple times. Her goal is to obtain her Masters in Accounting, take the CPA Exam and then pursue a degree in law. She is a member of the International Business Club and Pre Law Club and has volunteered her time with organizations both on and off campus including, the Office of Student Engagement, HRDC and Fork and Spoon.

From the very beginning in 1911, the generosity of our Bozeman Health patients, families, communities and care team has enabled our health system to grow, innovate, and serve those most in need. Philanthropy matters - and has always mattered - as we deliver on our mission to improve community health and quality of life.

Built in 2020 at the successful conclusion of Bozeman Health’s Caring Forward Campaign, our new donor recognition display honors the vital contributions of those who have given over their lifetime and serves to celebrate the lifesaving impact of charitable giving through Bozeman Health Foundation.

Our Pillars Society, with giving levels named for transformative icons in the history of healthcare, reflects the cumulative giving of Bozeman Health’s most generous supporters. It honors our family of contributors who sustain
excellence in medicine today as pioneered by healers of yesterday.

Our Deaconess Ambassador’s Society recognizes those who have chosen to leave a legacy with a planned gift or a gift through their estate plan. We are profoundly grateful to all of those whose names are proudly shared on this new display and hope others are inspired by their leadership and example.

The new donor display is located in the Deaconess Hospital lobby.

Melissa and Dane Bondurant of Livingston were full of joyful anticipation for the birth of their third child. Melissa started to experience some pain and discomfort, and after consulting with their care team at Bozeman Health learned Melissa would be giving birth at 28 weeks due to complications. Needless to say, this caused much stress and anxiety for the couple. And to add to the stress, because the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) had not yet opened at Bozeman Health, they would need to travel to either Billings or Missoula where there would be adequate staffing, equipment and capabilities to care for a premature baby.

This compounded what was already a stressful time for Melissa and Dane, who have two younger children at home in Livingston. The logistical challenge of being with their new born in a distant city, while caring for their other two children at home would be exhausting.

But…miracles happen small and large at Bozeman Health. The morning Melissa gave birth to a tiny, beautiful baby girl, Way Cee, the couple learned the NICU at
Bozeman Health was open and they were able to stay right here in Bozeman. Due to the hard work, collaboration and sheer determination by staff, contractors and
many others, the Bondurant’s and baby Way Cee would be welcomed as the first family to receive care and services in the new facility. So what was a terribly stressful time for the family, turned out to be a time for celebration and gratitude.

Melissa and Dane where impressed by the compassion and dedication of the entire team. “This was a very stressful and challenging time for us, but the team never let that interfere with the quality of care they provided Way Cee,” said Melissa. “The comfort they provided us never wavered. We appreciate the professionalism and
depth of knowledge from the team, who made us feel like family!” Bozeman Health and St. Peter’s Health in Helena collaborated in opening this state of the art Level II NICU, thus expanding services and expertise to southwest Montana. This includes additional staffing and space to increase patient visits as well as expanding telemedicine capabilities. The new NICU has also enhanced respiratory and nutritional programming.

This incredible new facility would never have been possible without the vision of the Bozeman Health board, executive leadership, staff, and the generous support of the community and loyal donors to our Foundation. Together they saw a need and made it a reality. Yes, miracles happen every day, small and large, at Bozeman Health. 

In a year of uncertainty, due to COVID-19, Bozeman Health Foundation was extremely grateful to our community of donors as they rallied around us to support those in need. Below, you will see the top six areas where giving was most prevalent and the total support received in 2020. Thank you!

Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital welcomed the first baby of 2021 on January 1 at 2:41 p.m. Quincy Lane Lowell was born to Michael and Shelby Lowell weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces and measuring 20 1/4 inches. She is Michael and Shelby’s first child and they are all settling into their new roles nicely.

Congratulations Michael and Shelby and welcome baby Quincy!

Thank you to the following businesses that graciously
provided gifts to the Lowell Family:
• Bozeman Health Gift Shop
• Bozeman Health Medical Spa
• Bequet Confections
• Country Bookshelf
• Heeb’s Fresh Market
• Pure Barre

One of Bozeman’s largest and most successful annual charity events, Hospitality typically raises more than $300,000. Due to COVID-19, we made the decision to cancel Hospitality 2020 and now, more than ever, are eagerly awaiting the celebration of Hospitality 2021.

In order to keep our donors, volunteers and staff safe Hospitality 2021 is going virtual! This event will feature a one-of-a-kind silent and live auction and a live drive for cash donations. The beneficiary and theme for the event, An Evening Under the Stars: Rising Together to Support Behavioral Health in Bozeman and Big Sky, is vital as we have seen first-hand the impacts COVID-19 has had on mental health and substance abuse.

Join us on Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 7:00pm-9:00pm in the comfort of your home. We hope you have as much fun with this night as we plan to. Find that perfect white attire, rally a close group of friends and join us as we raise vital support for Behavioral Health. There is no charge to join the live stream, however, we are offering to deliver party boxes, filled with treats and surprises at $50.00 per person. Reserve your party box by calling Bozeman Health Foundation at 406-414-1085 or emailing foundation@bozemanhealth.org 

Celia O’Connor joined the Foundation board in Summer 2020. She moved to Bozeman in 1950 and lived here through college graduation from Montana State University (MSU) and marriage in 1963. She spent six years working part time for a family practice doctor during high school and college. In college at MSU, she was a dual major in pre-med and mathematics. Celia graduated with a BS in mathematics. During her 34 year absence from Bozeman, she picked up a MS in Computer Science and Statistics from Texas A&I. While working for a defense contractor, Celia wrote the software used to evaluate GPS. Her husband and she returned to Bozeman in 1997. They helped found Warriors and Quiet Waters, to provide a healing experience for wounded military veterans. She is a passionate supporter of Bozeman Health, its Cancer Center and the Charity Care they are able to provide to those in need.

Amanda joined Bozeman Health Foundation in November of 2020 as the next step in expanding and broadening her career in fundraising and community outreach. Prior to joining the Foundation, Amanda served as the Member Services Coordinator for Prospera Business Network, and Lead Specialist for The Graduate School at Montana State University. With her years of service to students and area businesses, the transition of matching donors with the needs of our community was a natural fit.

At Bozeman Health Foundation, Amanda is responsible for maintaining the integrity of our donor database, overall office management, and serves as the liaison to the Foundation’s board of directors, finance committee, and finance staff. Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature with options in biological science and psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Amanda and her husband Mark have enjoyed Montana as their home for years, and all of the natural wonders it has to offer.

With the changing economic climate as a result of COVID-19, more and more people are finding this to be a great time to take a fresh look at their estate plans. Bozeman Health Foundation has partnered with a respected national estate planning service to help families explore their legacy-giving options. Thompson & Associates helps people develop values-based estate plans that reflect their values, capture their priorities, outline their intentions, consider tax implications, and protect their assets without pressure to give to any specific cause and at no cost to the individuals.

If you are interested in meeting with Vince or for more information, please call Bozeman Health Foundation at 406-414-1085.

Melissa and Dane Bondurant of Livingston were full of joyful anticipation for the birth of their third child. Melissa started to experience some pain and discomfort, and after consulting with their care team at Bozeman Health learned Melissa would be giving birth at 28 weeks due to complications. Needless to say, this caused much stress and anxiety for the couple. And to add to the stress, because the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) had not yet opened at Bozeman Health, they would need to travel to either Billings or Missoula where there would be adequate staffing, equipment and capabilities to care for a premature baby.

This compounded what was already a stressful time for Melissa and Dane, who have two younger children at home in Livingston. The logistical challenge of being with their new born in a distant city, while caring for their other two children at home would be exhausting.

But…miracles happen small and large at Bozeman Health. The morning Melissa gave birth to a tiny, beautiful baby girl, Way Cee, the couple learned the NICU at
Bozeman Health was open and they were able to stay right here in Bozeman. Due to the hard work, collaboration and sheer determination by staff, contractors and
many others, the Bondurant’s and baby Way Cee would be welcomed as the first family to receive care and services in the new facility. So what was a terribly stressful time for the family, turned out to be a time for celebration and gratitude.

Melissa and Dane where impressed by the compassion and dedication of the entire team. “This was a very stressful and challenging time for us, but the team never let that interfere with the quality of care they provided Way Cee,” said Melissa. “The comfort they provided us never wavered. We appreciate the professionalism and
depth of knowledge from the team, who made us feel like family!” Bozeman Health and St. Peter’s Health in Helena collaborated in opening this state of the art Level II NICU, thus expanding services and expertise to southwest Montana. This includes additional staffing and space to increase patient visits as well as expanding telemedicine capabilities. The new NICU has also enhanced respiratory and nutritional programming.

This incredible new facility would never have been possible without the vision of the Bozeman Health board, executive leadership, staff, and the generous support of the community and loyal donors to our Foundation. Together they saw a need and made it a reality. Yes, miracles happen every day, small and large, at Bozeman Health. 

With the changing economic climate as a result of COVID-19, more and more people are finding this to be a great time to take a fresh look at their estate plans. Bozeman Health Foundation has partnered with a respected national estate planning service to help families explore their legacy-giving options. Thompson & Associates helps people develop values-based estate plans that reflect their values, capture their priorities, outline their intentions, consider tax implications, and protect their assets without pressure to give to any specific cause and at no cost to the individuals.

If you are interested in meeting with Vince or for more information, please call Bozeman Health Foundation at 406-414-1085.

In a year of uncertainty, due to COVID-19, Bozeman Health Foundation was extremely grateful to our community of donors as they rallied around us to support those in need. Below, you will see the top six areas where giving was most prevalent and the total support received in 2020. Thank you!

Amanda joined Bozeman Health Foundation in November of 2020 as the next step in expanding and broadening her career in fundraising and community outreach. Prior to joining the Foundation, Amanda served as the Member Services Coordinator for Prospera Business Network, and Lead Specialist for The Graduate School at Montana State University. With her years of service to students and area businesses, the transition of matching donors with the needs of our community was a natural fit.

At Bozeman Health Foundation, Amanda is responsible for maintaining the integrity of our donor database, overall office management, and serves as the liaison to the Foundation’s board of directors, finance committee, and finance staff. Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature with options in biological science and psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Amanda and her husband Mark have enjoyed Montana as their home for years, and all of the natural wonders it has to offer.

Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital welcomed the first baby of 2021 on January 1 at 2:41 p.m. Quincy Lane Lowell was born to Michael and Shelby Lowell weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces and measuring 20 1/4 inches. She is Michael and Shelby’s first child and they are all settling into their new roles nicely.

Congratulations Michael and Shelby and welcome baby Quincy!

Thank you to the following businesses that graciously
provided gifts to the Lowell Family:
• Bozeman Health Gift Shop
• Bozeman Health Medical Spa
• Bequet Confections
• Country Bookshelf
• Heeb’s Fresh Market
• Pure Barre

One of Bozeman’s largest and most successful annual charity events, Hospitality typically raises more than $300,000. Due to COVID-19, we made the decision to cancel Hospitality 2020 and now, more than ever, are eagerly awaiting the celebration of Hospitality 2021.

In order to keep our donors, volunteers and staff safe Hospitality 2021 is going virtual! This event will feature a one-of-a-kind silent and live auction and a live drive for cash donations. The beneficiary and theme for the event, An Evening Under the Stars: Rising Together to Support Behavioral Health in Bozeman and Big Sky, is vital as we have seen first-hand the impacts COVID-19 has had on mental health and substance abuse.

Join us on Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 7:00pm-9:00pm in the comfort of your home. We hope you have as much fun with this night as we plan to. Find that perfect white attire, rally a close group of friends and join us as we raise vital support for Behavioral Health. There is no charge to join the live stream, however, we are offering to deliver party boxes, filled with treats and surprises at $50.00 per person. Reserve your party box by calling Bozeman Health Foundation at 406-414-1085 or emailing foundation@bozemanhealth.org 

Celia O’Connor joined the Foundation board in Summer 2020. She moved to Bozeman in 1950 and lived here through college graduation from Montana State University (MSU) and marriage in 1963. She spent six years working part time for a family practice doctor during high school and college. In college at MSU, she was a dual major in pre-med and mathematics. Celia graduated with a BS in mathematics. During her 34 year absence from Bozeman, she picked up a MS in Computer Science and Statistics from Texas A&I. While working for a defense contractor, Celia wrote the software used to evaluate GPS. Her husband and she returned to Bozeman in 1997. They helped found Warriors and Quiet Waters, to provide a healing experience for wounded military veterans. She is a passionate supporter of Bozeman Health, its Cancer Center and the Charity Care they are able to provide to those in need.

Bozeman Health continues to be as prepared as possible concerning COVID-19 and is working closely with its community partners to stay informed on the infection rates in our community. They are monitoring and managing carefully to maintain their inpatient capacity, necessary available staffing and required PPE. With the start of school almost upon us and the fall and winter months approaching, Bozeman Health has developed a surge plan should we see a significant rise in cases in our community.

As always, Bozeman Health’s number one priority is keeping the staff, patients, and community safe and healthy. The health system continues to be incredibly proud of the work each care team member does each and every day, however, they continue to ask the community to be diligent in practicing social distancing, wearing face coverings indoors and in public spaces, using good hand hygiene, as well as staying home when not feeling well.

Bozeman Health Clinical Research is also proud to announce plans to participate as a study site for the Phase 2/3 global study sponsored by Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE of an investigational vaccine, BNT162b2, against SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing the current global pandemic (COVID-19). Bozeman Health’s clinical research study site is one of more than 120 global clinical investigational sites that will collectively enroll up to 30,000 participants, non-pregnant adults ages 18 to 85 years old of any gender, race, and ethnicity. It is anticipated that we will enroll several hundred participants.

At a private gathering of more than 100 donors, volunteer leaders and health system executives in the still-under-construction new main lobby of Deaconess Hospital, Bozeman Health and Bozeman Health Foundation announced that the Caring Forward Campaign, which ran from April 2018 through December 2019, received a record-breaking $18,203,895 in gifts and pledges, exceeding its $15,000,000 goal by over 21%.

The Caring Forward Campaign offered donors the opportunity to support four major Bozeman Health Priorities: enhancing critical and intensive care for adults and neonates, expanding community outreach and charity care programs, investing in innovation in cancer and cardiac care and helping to grow the new Big Sky Medical Center. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity and trust provided to Bozeman Health by our donors,” said Robyn Erlenbush, foundation board member and campaign co-chair. “We took a few risks as we launched Caring Forward, including inviting support for programs that help our community’s vulnerable, and our friends and neighbors rallied behind us in ways we never could have imagined. We’re humbled and truly grateful.”

Over the past 18 months, donors have provided just over $1 million in gifts and pledges to support a wide array of new and expanded local behavioral health offerings. Of that total, more than $200,000 in gifts and pledges have been received to support Big Sky Medical Center’s targeted plans.

With much of that behavioral health funding coming in the form of “venture philanthropy,” or philanthropy to help build and grow innovative programs that will ultimately be self-sustaining, Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital, Big Sky Medical Center and several of its primary care clinics have already begun to realize positive results for their patients in need. Additionally, new partnerships with area schools have helped to increase understanding of mental health, to reduce the
stigma around seeking care and to address suicide risk among our community’s young people.

The Charles and Peggy Stephenson Family Foundation, with its strong ties to the Big Sky community, awarded Big Sky Medical Center a $350,000 challenge grant to establish an Integrated Behavioral Health program within the medical center’s primary care clinic. The Stephenson family has already inspired more than $300,000 in new local giving and hopes their generosity will continue to motivate additional donors to support investments in tele-psychiatry, community education and suicide prevention programs, specifically in the resort town south of Bozeman. Yellowstone Club Community Foundation quickly provided an additional $150,000 in essential support. Together with giving from the Spanish Peaks Community Foundation and numerous individual donors, total giving toward that challenge currently stands at $208,800, leaving just over $140,000 still to be raised.

In Bozeman, the Montana Healthcare Foundation has been joined by dozens of individual donors in supporting Bozeman Health’s early work to expand behavioral health services. While several of Bozeman Health Foundation’s leadership level supporters have chosen to make their gifts anonymously, donors Rich Deming and Julie Bennett were among those looking for a way to shine a spotlight on their community’s needs and opportunities to give. In memory of Julie’s sister, Andi, the two chose to establish Bozeman Health Foundation’s first-ever Behavioral Health Endowment Fund.

“We’re truly thankful to all of those who’ve rallied around Bozeman Health, Big Sky Medical Center and our vision for addressing this enormous community challenge,” said Jason Smith, Chief Advancement Officer. “Thanks to the generosity of many, we’re off to a great start, but the work is far from done and the need is far from met.”

Dr. Mark Williams moved to Bozeman, MT in March 2019 as Bozeman Health’s chief physician officer. Dr. Williams received his bachelor’s of science degree in chemistry from the University of Alabama, a medical degree from the University of South Alabama, an MBA from Samford University, and a juris doctorate from the University of Alabama School of Law. He completed his post-graduate medical training in anesthesiology at the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB) Medical Center.

Dr. Williams has more than 20 years of experience in physician leadership and executive roles. He joined Bozeman Health from Palmetto Health System in Columbia, South Carolina, where he served as both the chief clinical officer for the system and the chief academic officer for the USC School of Medicine. Prior to that role, he was the chief physician executive at Brookwood Baptist Health in Birmingham, Alabama. He also held the position of chief medical officer for North Mississippi Health Services in Tupelo for six years before being asked to assume the role of interim chief executive officer. North Mississippi Health System remains the only health care organization to have twice been awarded the National Malcolm Baldridge Award. Along with additional physician leadership roles, after residency, Dr. Williams was an associate professor of anesthesiology and division chief at UAB Medical Center and UAB Health Services Foundation for over 12 years.

Dr. Williams is currently the senior physician leader within the executive team, providing leadership for system-wide professional activities directed at improving the safety, quality, effectiveness, and the overall clinical excellence provided to the community by the team members of Bozeman Health. He joined the Bozeman Health Foundation board in June 2019.

He and his wife Sandi are thrilled to be in Bozeman and to have the privilege to join this growing and innovative health care system. They are also much closer to their two grandchildren and daughter who currently reside in Billings.

​

Courtney joined Bozeman Health Foundation in January 2020. She comes to Bozeman after being with the Gritman Medical Center Foundation in Moscow, ID for over two years as the development program and events coordinator. Before her time at the Gritman Foundation, Courtney worked at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. in Pullman, WA as an event coordinator and marketing specialist. Courtney graduated from BYU-Idaho in 2015 with a degree in Communication, specializing in public relations and event management.

At Bozeman Health Foundation, Courtney is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the donor database, effective office management, and acts as the liaison to the Foundation’s board of directors, finance committee, and finance staff.

Courtney married her husband Jonathan—who is currently in the WWAMI Medical School Program at MSU—in December 2019 and moved to Bozeman after living in North Idaho for 26 years. In her free time, Courtney enjoys antiquing, volunteering for organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Distinguished Young Women, and watching current and past seasons of Gonzaga Men’s Basketball.

Bozeman Health Foundation’s 19th Annual Hospitality event was held April 27,2019. Proceeds from the event, We Can Be SUPER Heroes: Celebrating the Hero in
Us All will support our region’s first neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The event welcomed costumed heroes of all types, from The Incredibles, Wonder Woman
and Thor, to NICU parents, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, health care workers and first responders. Total proceeds, all in support of our region’s tiniest and most fragile
patients, surpassed $500,000 this year!

As part of the evening’s program, Matt Elwell shared his experience as the parent of a baby who spent more than 120 days in a NICU.
His heartfelt remembrance of the tense days and sleepless nights culminated in attendees meeting his now 14 year old daughter,
Campbell, who joined him as his date for the event. Her sweet, shy smile lit up the room!
Together, the popular live and silent auctions featured more than 100 items and packages, and raised more than $94,000. Propelling
the night’s success was the Live Drive with a total of $306,500 in contributions, including a match gift from the Lehrkind family and
Dr. Mark and Sandi Williams totaling $75,000, and a $75,000 anonymous gift.

We’d like to extend our gratitude to our all of the event attendees, our sponsors, live and silent auction item donors, match donors,
Live Drive contributors, and our friends and emcees John Parkes and Matt Elwell, who helped make Hospitality 2019: We Can Be SUPER
Heroes a wild success. A special thanks to the many volunteers and the Marvels, the Hospitality planning committee, for their countless
hours and hard work that helped bring the event to fruition.

Mark your calendar for the 20th annual Hospitality scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2020.

• $2.85 million in new gifts and pledges
• Over $1 million in charitable impact across Bozeman Health
• $310,908 in pledges and contributions from just over 577 Bozeman Health employees
• $28.8 million in total assets under management
• $16.3 million in total assets in long-term endowment

$1.1 million
In gifts and pledges from more than 110 physicians. Special thanks to our medical staff for more than tripling their remarkable generosity made toward the Emergency Department campaign.

Mindy joined Bozeman Health Foundation in May 2018 as development coordinator, eager to start a new career in the non-profit sector. Prior to working at the foundation, Mindy worked in the Conference and Event Services Department at Montana State University and has extensive experience in the customer service and planning industry. Originally from Pennsylvania, Mindy attended Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in public relations. After graduation she started her career at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa where she worked for five years before deciding to start a new adventure in Montana.

In July 2019, Mindy moved into the role of system manager of special events and donor stewardship. In her new role, she is charged with managing the foundation’s annual Hospitality auction, organizing other foundation events throughout the year, creating the foundation’s publications including Dividends, and helping ensure our donors experience our gratitude and realize the impact of their generosity. With all Montana has to offer, you can find Mindy and her husband Matt hiking, skiing, fishing, volunteering, and spending time with their four legged feline.

Funded by several donors, the Gordon Davidson Scholarship was established upon Gordon’s retirement in honor of his longstanding service to Bozeman Health. He retired in 2018 as chief financial officer after a career that began at Deaconess Hospital in 1997. His service to the health of our community included decades of fiscal oversight, serving as interim CEO twice, and a long tenure with Bozeman Health Foundation’s finance committee, campaign committees, and board. One $2000 scholarship is awarded annually, intended for junior/senior students from Montana communities attending Montana State University (MSU), pursuing a degree in accounting through the College of Business. The 2019 recipient, Bronson Myrstol, graduated from Shields Valley High School in Clyde Park, Montana.

Bronson spent summers working on a cattle ranch outside Casper, Wyoming, since 2013, instilling integrity, honesty, responsibility, and true character in him. He’s a junior at MSU pursuing a degree in finance through the Jake Jabs School of Business and Entrepreneurship with the intention of completing a master’s in accounting.

An active and engaged student, Bronson is a member of the finance club, accounting club, Beta Alpha Psi accounting club, and a student member of the Montana Society of Certified Public Accountants (CPA). After reaching his goals of achieving both a CFA and CPA, Bronson intends to pursue a career in wealth management right here in Montana, so he can raise a family in the Shields Valley where he grew up.

Bozeman Health Foundation has been granted a generous $350,000 capstone grant by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust in support of the new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital. The Foundation’s Caring Forward Campaign is committed to raising $6 million toward the capital expenses of the ICU. Toward that goal, to achieve the $350,000 grant, only $1.9 million remains. We are excited to soon offer tours of the site as construction moves forward, to spotlight the amazing new space, and welcome our community to learn more about why supporting critical care is so important.

M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust was created by the will of the late Melvin J. (Jack) Murdock, who was a co-founder of Tektronix, Inc., in Beaverton, Oregon, and a resident of Vancouver, Washington. Since its establishment on June 30, 1975, with a bequest of about $90 million, the Trust has focused its grant making efforts primarily in five states of the Pacific Northwest: Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon. The Trust’s current assets are valued at about $1 billion, and over the life of the Trust, more than $900 million has been distributed through more than 6,000 grants.

Bringing a child into the world is one of the most gratifying of life’s experiences. But for parents of babies born premature or with medical complications, the time surrounding their children’s first weeks of life can also be frightening and stressful. Bozeman Health plans to add a new superpower, a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), to help ease that burden and better serve the newest and tiniest members of our community. To give that effort a huge boost, funds raised at Bozeman Health Foundation’s Hospitality 2019: We Can Be Superheroes will benefit the new NICU, which is slated to open in 2020.

A NICU combines advanced technology with a team of highly trained health care professionals to provide specialized care to medically fragile newborns. Currently, babies born at Bozeman Health who need this level of care are stabilized and transferred to a NICU at another hospital—usually Billings, Missoula, or Great Falls. “When a baby is transferred out of town, it’s not usually a quick stop,” explains Kim Kusak, RN, Nurse Educator at the Family Birthing Center. “These families can spend weeks or even months away from home, which can create a huge financial and emotional strain.”

Giving birth to a sick or premature baby can be an unexpected change in course for any family. Being forced to quickly uproot and travel to another city for a prolonged medical stay only compounds the feeling of crisis. “Parents of sick babies want to be home with their support system around them,” observes Kim Herring, RN, Bozeman Health’s Director of Nursing. “Having our own NICU could prevent transfers for higher level babies.”

A Bozeman NICU will also benefit families in the smaller communities surrounding Bozeman, adds Susan Connell, RN, Manager, Family Birth Center. “Babies from areas like Ennis, Sheridan, and White Sulphur Springs will be able to come to Bozeman. The families won’t be in their own communities, but they won’t have to travel quite as far.”

In 2018, more than 1,100 babies were born at Bozeman Health and approximately 20% needed some sort of special care. The new NICU, to be located in the future women and children’s tower, will accommodate high-tech equipment, such as ventilators, incubators, and monitoring equipment. It will also feature a specially trained team of providers led by a neonatologist due to come on staff this spring. “A NICU team is more than nurses and doctors,” notes Herring. “It includes pharmacists, respiratory therapists, nutrition services, speech and occupational therapists, and more.”

As construction on the facility continues, Family Birth Center staff will coordinate with a variety of hospital departments to build competencies. “We want to make sure everyone across the continuum is ready to treat these tiny patients,” explains Kusak. “For example, imaging will require special, smaller x-ray plates and radiologists who can read the images and the lab will need to able to run tests from a tiny amount of blood. We will be also be working very closely with the neonatologist, lactation specialists, and the pharmacy to supply oral and IV nutrition to these patients.”The most common problems addressed in the NICU are those related to premature birth, according to Kusak. Babies born before 32 weeks usually have underdeveloped lungs, which means that breathing is difficult. The NICU will provide specialized equipment and highly trained staff to address this most essential function. adds Kusak.

“This is a really exciting time for us here at Bozeman Health as we prepare to care for the smallest and most vulnerable patients in the valley,” says Connell. “I’m feeling optimistic about the upcoming fundraising efforts,” adds Kusak. “Our community wants to support families and the NICU is a great way to do that.”

Jim was born and raised in Havre, Montana. Graduating from Havre High School in 1982 and from Northern Montana College in 1987, he received a Bachelor’s degree in Business and a minor in Information Technology.

Jim began his banking career at US Bank in Havre in 1979 and after college he began working at Three Rivers Bank in Kalispell as a junior lender. He continued working in the banking industry working his way up to Executive Vice President of Big Sky Western Bank in Bozeman in 2013 and then being promoted to President in March of 2014. Last June, Big Sky Western Bank merged with First Security Bank and Jim is now the President/CEO of First Security Bank.

Jim’s volunteer and community work dates back to his time in Kalispell where he was chairman of the Board of the Kalispell area Chamber of Commerce and also served as President of the Kalispell Downtown Association. He served on the board of the Gateway Community Center and the Kalispell Police Commission as secretary. Jim was also board chair for two years while serving on the board of the Samaritan House, the local homeless shelter.

Jim’s involvement in the Bozeman community currently includes serving on the Board of the Bozeman Health Foundation as Treasurer, and chair of the Finance Committee as well as the Finance Committee of the YMCA and board chair for the Prospera board of directors. He is a member of the Gallatin College Advisory Board and the Sunrise Rotary Club and a past board member for Bozeman Fiber.

Jim and his wife Lori have one daughter, Jaymie who is married and lives in Kalispell. In his free time, Jim enjoys golfing, skiing, racquetball, running, biking, ping pong, playing guitar and spending time with my family.

Emily Heard, of Billings, Montana, and Neil Rodenbeck, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, met on the slopes of Red Lodge Mountain Resort. With a shared passion for Montana’s outdoors, the two began dating and fell in love. In early 2016, Emily and Neil were overjoyed to learn they were expecting their first child. They’d planned to have children at some point, but were surprised when they found out they were going to have twins. As Emily’s pregnancy progressed, she faced complications. She developed preeclampsia and sought treatment at the Family Birth Center at Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital.

“I was really sick and I was worried we weren’t going to be able to have the babies here, because I found out that as great as Deaconess is, they were without a true NICU,” Emily said. “That caused a lot of stress.”

Emily and Neil’s twins, Silas and Axel, were born at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital prematurely at just 33 weeks and 3 days. Luckily, they didn’t need supplemental oxygen and both were doing well, but Emily’s delivery was complicated. She had both a natural vaginal birth and a Caesarean section.

Silas and Axel were transferred to the Special Care Nursery at the Family Birth Center where they were held in new incubators—made possible through past charitable support—to keep their body temperatures stable. After two weeks in the Special Care Nursery at Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital, Axel developed necrotizing enterocolitis, a condition of the bowel that required a higher level of care right away. Because there was no pediatric surgeon able to treat his condition in Bozeman, Axel was flown to a NICU in Missoula. Neil, Emily, and Silas travelled separately to Missoula to be with Axel. They remained in the NICU there for two and a half more weeks.

“There was a lot of stress at that time because we had one baby that was doing well and kind of on his own and we were new parents but not in our home,” Emily said. “That was really hard—to be able to care for one baby that was healthy, but have another of our babies very sick in the NICU. It was hard staying at the hospital.”

“You’re already stressed out about just having had two children, especially when things didn’t go as planned, and adding that extra level of stress where you have to be away from your home and family is really hard,” Emily said. “It would be good to offer that extra level of care in Bozeman so people could stay with their families and not have to be hundreds of miles away.”

After two and a half weeks in Missoula, Emily and Neil returned to Bozeman with Axel and Silas. The boys are now healthy and doing well, finally bringing a sense of normalcy to the family and the kind of joy that Emily and Neil imagined all along.

“When I could hold them in the nursery for the first time, it was a pretty cool feeling,” Neil said. “Seeing them laugh for the first time and knowing they are part of your life, that little ‘coo’ you get to hear—experiencing that every morning is amazing.”

The Caring Forward Campaign has received record-breaking support from the local physician community. Recent gifts from Dr.’s Anne & Chris Rich brought total physician contributions to $1,003,371. Since that gift, more physicians have been inspired to give as well bringing the total contributed amount to date to $1,053,000.

Bozeman Health Psychiatrist, Dr. Anne Rich shared, “Many people in our community and in Montana face issues with mental health. The lack of providers and resources to help people who suffer from mental health disorders is reaching a crisis level in our community. If Bozeman Health is going to further its mission to provide exceptional health care to our community, we must also provide mental health care. Unfortunately, there continues to be a stigma around mental health that affects people’s willingness to seek out care, but also to donate money and resources to this cause. I am happy that my husband and I are putting 100% of our donation to the Caring Forward Campaign to strengthen the mental health services at Bozeman Health.”

Bozeman Health Foundation has always been strongly supported by physicians and the diverse priorities within the Caring Forward Campaign have allowed our physician community to designate their resources to the area(s) that mean the most to them individually. The majority of gifts received from physicians have been in support of Critical and Intensive Care, though the other priorities including Community Outreach and Access, Innovation and Excellence in Cancer and Cardiac Care and Big Sky Medical Center have benefited from the generosity of this community.

“The level of commitment that our physicians have shown with their generosity is a powerful message to the community showing that we are dedicated to providing quality healthcare in Bozeman and Southwest Montana. We hope it inspires more people to get involved,” shared Dr. Andrew Sullivan, Critical Care physician and chair of the Caring Forward medical staff steering committee.

For more information about the Caring Forward Campaign, please call the Bozeman Health Foundation office at 414-1085.

UPDATE: December 2019

Physician giving to date has grown to more than 115 physicians committing just over $1.25 million, a remarkable four times the prior campaign's investment. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community's physicians.