Kristin Baldeschwiler’s Story
Donor gifts to support cancer patients mean the world to Kristin Nobody has a plan prior to being diagnosed with cancer. It’s usually the farthest thing from anyone’s mind. But thanks to donor support of cancer services in Greater Toledo, Kristin Baldeschwiler was able to receive specialized cancer care from the health care provider she…
Read MoreMeet Kathy McCarthy
Why I Give: To honor my family and the care they received Kathy McCarthy has a special place in her heart for Mercy Health — St. Vincent Medical Center. After all, that’s where her parents met. For nearly four decades, Kathy has donated to support the important work that she and her mother saw firsthand…
Read MoreMeet Mara Barnes
Why I Give: To continue my calling as a caregiver As a nurse at Mercy Health — Lorain Hospital, Mara Barnes spent her career caring for others. After retiring in 2022, she’s continued that mission by giving to the Mercy Health Foundation. “One of the first principles I’ve learned is you don’t give because you…
Read MoreAndrew Bajda’s Story
Donor gifts brought comfort to Andrew’s family during a hard time The hearts of the Bajda family were captured by a song. When Andrew Bajda’s mother was in hospice care, Pastor John Jackson sang “You Are My Sunshine.” The sweet melody put a smile on his mother’s face and soothed Andrew’s soul. It was all…
Read MoreMeet Maria Sanko and Dino Guagenti
Why We Give: To support the women in our lives here in Lima Maria Sanko and Dino Guagenti might be cousins, but they are as close as siblings. Not only do they work together at CCR Realty in Lima, but they also share the same philanthropic goals. Both Maria and Dino are loyal donors to…
Read MoreMichelle Barry’s Story
Donors provided the technology that saved Michelle’s life Delivering a baby on Mother’s Day seems like any new mom’s dream scenario. But for Michelle Barry and JC Setty, their first day of motherhood was more like a nightmare. Thankfully, donor gifts were there to save Michelle’s life. Michelle began experiencing complications in her pregnancy after…
Read MoreTom Simmons’ Story
Tom’s heart and mind are strong today thanks to donors Tom Simmons is a lifelong resident of the Lima region. He is a native of nearby Ada, Ohio, where he still lives and works as a college athletic director. Because of donors, this lifelong resident has the chance to live a long life. “My arrival…
Read MoreJocelyn Ruiz’s Story
Jocelyn’s birthing experience was better thanks to donor generosity As a working mom with two sons, Jocelyn Ruiz is not used to sitting still. Thanks to donors, she didn’t have to when she was in labor with her latest child, Elijanel. Donor gifts provided the Mercy Health — Veard Family Birthing Center with remote fetal…
Read MoreEstine Tipton’s Story
Thanks to donors, Estine has great care close to home As a member of the hospital auxiliary, Estine Tipton is passionate about the care Mercy Health — Marcum and Wallace Hospital provides. She’s especially grateful for the outpatient infusion clinic donors support with their gifts. “I can’t take pills because of my stomach. So, I…
Read MoreJeff Hix’s Story
Jeff has the best equipment for his care, thanks to donors When Jeff Hix experienced intense abdominal pain and vomiting last June, he immediately feared the worst. He has experienced a small bowel obstruction before. Despite being in significant discomfort, he drove himself to the Mercy Health — Marcum and Wallace Hospital emergency department. “They…
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