A Legacy Within a Legacy

Generosity is a family affair for Janet and Roger DeBard. The couple created the DeBard Johnson Foundation, Inc., in 2003 as a resource for charitable giving that would endure through multiple generations. It started with the birth of Roger and Janet DeBard’s first grandson, Jack, from daughter, E
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A Collaborative Approach to Care

When someone we love is diagnosed with a life-threatening condition, comfort and quality of life are paramount.  “Many physicians and providers have not been trained to discuss end-of-life issues. The amazing Hospice and Palliative Care of the Wood River Valley team facilitates what can be a chal
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It Takes a Valley

Everyone knows that one person who seems to have it all, through it all, and a winning attitude to boot. The one that makes you ask, “How does she do it?” At St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center, that person is Siobhan Jameson. And when the wife, mother of twin infant girls, and operating room
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Pediatrics Made Possible

“I feel really lucky to be able to practice in this unique community,” says pediatrician Katie Quayle, MD. “It feels really great to know the community is committed to pediatrics.”  This past year, community generosity made full-time pediatrics possible. Gifts to the Pediatric Services Endo
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Compassionate Care in Action

A patient with serious mental health conditions and a reading disability visited St. Luke’s Center for Community Health for help understanding his social security papers. Caseworkers recognized the patient was anxious. A little deeper probing revealed he needed new tires for his car so he could m
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Exceeding Expectations

Nancy Cord didn’t know if she could do it. When she was asked to be the co-chair for St. Luke’s Wood River’s new hospital campaign, she questioned her capability of raising the $12 million needed to build our new community hospital.  Whether she thought she could or not, she did. And actually
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Generosity Exemplified

A simple handwritten note on a ukulele reads, Breathe in, Breathe out. The ukulele is a daily reminder for Buddy Wilton. “I breathe in with gratitude and out with generosity,” he says. Together with his wife, Shay Doll, the couple exemplifies the spirit of generosity. Shay’s second nature is t
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Back to Playing Hard

Jesse Foster is always on the go. He likes to play hard. Whether ski racing, mountain biking, hiking or rock climbing, Jesse pushes himself intensely.  It was no surprise that when he experienced severe lower back pain, Jesse was hesitant to proceed with surgery. As a physical therapist and the man
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A Healing Team

Tom Watson and his beautiful golden retriever, Fischer-Rose, are part of the St. Luke’s Wood River family. After volunteering weekly for seven years as part of the hospital’s Pet Therapy program, it’s hard to imagine the hospital without Fischer-Rose.  “We try to give back as much as we can
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Supporting Mental Health

Susanne Choby, MD, loves the mountains.  “There’s something about mountains that speaks to the human condition, who I am on the most fundamental level,” she says. “The mountains feel good for my mental, physical and spiritual health. They are beautiful, majestic, full of imperfections and g
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