Our lives are defined by memorable moments, opportunities and relationships. Holding a new born baby, landing that first job, friends and family all shape who we are and leave a lasting imprint upon us. Reflecting on my history with Memorial Health Care Systems (MHCS), there have been many defining moments.

 It all started back in 1968 when Eva Einspahr, RN, director of nursing, asked me to join the team at Memorial Hospital. As a recent graduate from Mary Lanning Nursing School, I was excited about the opportunity to work in Seward. My new job included various shifts at the hospital as well as working in the operating room. I settled into the evening shift and became the full-time supervisor.

 In 1975 my husband, Myron, and I were married and I shifted into the role of “farm wife.” We were blessed to have our son and daughter, both born at Memorial Hospital. During their childhood we had visits to the emergency room and appreciated the availability of excellent medical care close to home. The legacy of medical care continued throughout the years and included the birth of our granddaughter in May 2015. Her arrival marked four generations of care to our family as her great-grandfather was born in the Seward Hospital.

In October 2015, we found ourselves back in the emergency room when our son had a four-wheeler accident. Memorial Hospital not only provided the emergency care needed but has been instrumental in his recovery through physical and aquatic therapy. Just two months following our son’s injury, our doctor discovered a leaky aortic valve during Myron’s pre-op exam. Once again, we found ourselves grateful for the attentive medical personnel at MHCS.

 Throughout the defining moments of our lives, MHCS has provided excellent health care in the most appropriate settings. We are so thankful for people who have invested in our local health care through their donations and unite with them in supporting the Foundation for Memorial Health Care Systems.

 You have an opportunity to continue this tradition of investing in our health care services through contributions to the endowment. The endowment is like a savings account, investing donations in order to use the interest earned to enhance medical services within Seward county.  Endowment funds have enhanced medical services at MHCS providing funds for Aqua Therapy, Surgery Equipment and Radiology Equipment.

Donations to Memorial Health Care Systems ensure families have access to excellent health care services during  those defining moments. Together, we can continue a legacy of care for future generations.

Sincerely,

Donnetta Schmieding

I am often amazed how the past creeps into present life. When a young athlete experiences a twisted knee, the momentary pain seems to be merely an inconvenience, interrupting the play of the game. Years later, that past injury can develop into much more than lost playing time. I struggled with knee pain and decreased mobility for years. Every step taken in pain compromised my health and increasingly interfered with my life. The solution seemed obvious, a need for medical intervention.

My family doctor and specialty physician confirmed that a total knee replacement was the best option to improve my quality of life. When I learned that an excellent orthopedic surgeon could perform the procedure right here, close to home, I knew I wanted to use the services of Memorial Health Care Systems (MHCS).

My MHCS experience was overwhelmingly positive. From the pre-surgery education, through the surgery, the post-surgery care and the physical therapy during my stay, I received exellent service by trained and compassionate care providers.

As a past Foundation Board member, I know that availability of surgical care was made possible by community members who shared a vision for Memorial Hospital years ago. I know that for over 60 years, donors have contributed toward the creation of Memorial Hospital and the Clinics, and have given funds to enhance medical equipment, services and technology. Through the care I received and the services available at MHCS, I have personally experience what a difference donations can make to the provision of excellent medical care.

Sincerely, Dave Besse

We often don’t think about health care, until we need it. Throughout the years our family has turned to Memorial Health Care Systems for our medical care. MHCS is our medical home, a place we have come to rely on to provide excellent health care for our personal needs. A place where we feel more like family than just another patient.

Faithfully, time and time again, MHCS has been there for us when our need was the greatest: 

When our father experienced a stroke and was immediately diagnosed and treated avoiding any permanent impairment. It was not just the availability of expedient care but the expertise of the medical staff that gave us 15 more years to enjoy with him.  

When our aging parents needed extended care and were treated like family making their stay feel like home. Doctors, nurses, support staff (those cleaning the room) and those who assisted in their care, all took the time to visit, expressing their sincere care and respect for our parents.

When our brother battled cancer, we witnessed genuine care and concern from the entire medical team at MHCS. The doctors and nurses shared in this journey with compassion extended beyond the patient to the family members as well.

When we personally needed medical attention or our care required a hospital stay, each experience was positive and professional, reaffirming how fortunate we are to have MHCS in Seward County.

MHCS provides not only excellent medical services, but the personal touch of your hometown. This makes all the difference when you or loved ones are celebrating the delivery of a new baby, struggling with illness, facing surgery, needing therapy or are in the later years of life. For us, the staff at MHCS have been like extended family during these times, going beyond professional medical care with genuine compassion in partnering with us for the best outcomes in our health.

MHCS provides exceptional care, modern facilities and advanced medical equipment today becuase of the generosity over the years from faithful donros. Any donation made to the Foundation fro MHCS makes the donor part of providing local access to professional and family centered medical care. Donations today provide an opportunity to "Pay It Forward," not only for the care we may need but for hundreds of Seward area residents for years to come. 

Every donation makes a positive difference in the lives of others. We encourage you to consider becoming a part of MHCS by making a donation today or providing a future gift through estate planning naming the Foundation for MHCS as a beneficiary. We are honored to invest in MHCS, our medical family, helping to ensure the medical home that cares for us will be there for future generations.

Sincerely,

Brad and Sue Bowen

My family and I have experienced excellent health care at Memorial Health Care Systems (MHCS) for many years. My husband and I both were born in the hospital in Seward and MHCS has shared in my family’s medical journey through unexpected accidents, illnesses, planned surgeries and doctor visits. The medical personnel have consistently delivered exceptional care with continued interest in finding the solution to our medical concerns. The empathy and caring nature combined with the talent, experience and skill of the staff, make MHCS our medical home for healthcare needs. 

Personally, I take great comfort in knowing medical services are available close to home. I have expereinced migraine headaches for many years requiring continuing care to manage the migraines. The medical team at MHCS has been very dedicated to finding answers and working collaboratively with specialists in treating my condition.

Serving on the Foundation Board, I have seen the difference donations make in delivering patient care at MHCS. Donations are not just about beautiful facilities or about cutting edge technology and medical equipment. The generosity of others ensures the avialability of health care services to all of us in Seward County.

My husband and I support MHCS because we want to be part of a continuing legacy of providing access to excellent health care for generations to come. Your decision to financially support MHCS through donations to The Foundation will make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Sincerely, Jolene Wiegardt

The following are some popular giving options:

1. Cash Gifts
2. Gifts of Stock
3. Gifts of Real Estate
4. Gifts of Life Insurance
5. Gifts of Retirement Funds
6. Gifts by Will
7. Gifts in Memory or in Honor of a Loved One
8. GoodShop and GoodSearch

Tax Incentives for Charitable Giving

Gifts of Cash
Gifts of cash are fully deductible up to a maximum of 50 percent of your adjusted gross income. Any excess of that 50 percent can generally be carried forward and deducted over as many as five subsequent years.

Gifts of Property
Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate and other appreciated assets that have increased in value since you have owned them may also provide you with tax savings. By donating gifts of property you may avoid capital gains tax and receive a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the property.

Gifts of Life Insurance
Life insurance policies can provide charitable deductions. By designating The Foundation for MHCS as owner and beneficiary of such a policy, you will receive a charitable income tax deduction, that in most cases, is equal to your cost basis in the policy. You could purchase a new policy or donate a policy that you currently own but no longer need.

Estate Planning Gifts
By making provisions in your will or estate plan to designate a portion to The Foundation for Memorial Health Care Systems, you can benefit healthcare in Seward County and save estate tax dollars at the same time.

Retirement Fund Gifts
You can make a difference by designating The Foundation for Memorial Health Care Systems as a Beneficiary in your retirement account. Retirement funds are typically pre-tax dollars which require taxes to be paid when the funds are withdrawn. The Foundation is a not-for-profit organization so tax dollars are saved and funds can be used to help ensure excellent medical care is available in Seward County.

Goodshop & Goodsearch

We have partnered with Goodshop and Goodsearch. Save money and help a good cause every time you shop. When you use Goodshop or Goodsearch online, a percentage of what you spend on virtually every purchase is donated to our cause.  When making online purchases utilize www.goodshop.com for your online purchases or www.goodsearch to search for items on the internet.

Your accountant or attorney can provide additional information on gift opportunities and which method would be the most beneficial for you and your family.

The Foundation for Memorial Health Care Systems is a 501c3 foundation and all contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Our sincere thanks to the following community leaders and volunteers who give selflessly of their time and talents to guide The Foundation for Memorial Health Care Systems.

Officers

Chairperson
Donna Havener - Milford

Vice-Chairperson
 Brad Perdue - Seward

Secretary
 Donna Heyen - Pleasant Dale

Treasurer
 Linda Sackschewsky - Seward

Directors

Brad Bowen - Seward

Nancy Cradick - Utica

Allegra Koehler - Seward

Brent Uffelman - Waco

Brad Wagner - Seward

Ex-Officio Members

Mike Hecker (President of the MHCS Board)- Seward
Greg Jerger (CFO)- Seward
Roger Reamer (CEO)- Seward