This article first appeared in the Rushville Republican on December 6, 2016.
In 2005 Shannon Cagle Dawson became a founding member of the newly formed Rush Memorial Hospital Foundation Board. She has remained a committed board member and shares why she believes in the mission and vision of the RMH Foundation. Shannon stated “Having already received excellent care at Rush Memorial Hospital I was happy to lend a hand with whatever skills and enthusiasm I could do to help fundraising efforts. I understood that people were holding on to old impressions of the hospital and that did not match my experience. I wanted to understand those impressions, but bring people to a new understanding of what Rush Memorial hospital is now and what it could become. My family’s personal healthcare experiences have made me a cheerleader for local healthcare.”
She went on to explain some of the changes that have taken place due to donor giving. “As a parent I was so glad to see the pediatric office move into a more appropriate setting and for Dr. Kedo and staff to have an improved work environment. The acquisition of the digital mammography machine was another proud moment along with favorite Walk-In Care Clinic.”
“Caring for the community is what the folks who work at the hospital do. They should not have to worry about how every need to do their jobs will be met or how every improvement will be funded. This is the value of giving and why I give to the RMH Foundation. The staff does good work for all of us. When the RMH Foundation is able to make things better in the hospital, through financial support of needed items within the hospital, we are making things better for all of us.”
Shannon shared final thoughts. “I realize that RMH is not in a position to provide all the manners of care that hospitals in larger communities can accomplish. But I have never had friendlier, more helpful service, coming from people that I know personally. I am so glad I have the ability to get such good care right in my own county.”
Faith Mock, Executive Director of the RMH Foundation added, “Shannon has been a committed board member to the RMH Foundation. Her media expertise and her commitment to the needs and growth of Rush Memorial Hospital have made her a great team player. Thank you, Shannon, for helping us to continue our quest in supporting the hospital as RMH works to meet the ever growing health needs of our community.”
For more information concerning the Rush Memorial Hospital Foundation or how you can become a “Friend of the Foundation” call the RMH Foundation Office at 765-932-7568 or stop by the RMH Foundation Office at the corner of 13th and Main Streets. As Helen Keller stated “Alone we can do so little, but together we can accomplish much.”
