CVH Foundation News: The Christmas envelope--a gift for CVH oncology patients

Oncology at CVH

Elizabeth Sundstrom, Arlington, appreciates the closeness of the Oncology Dept. at CVH and the care she receives from nurses like Deanna Wendorff, RN.

The last few months of 1989 saw the opening of a cancer-care department at Cascade Valley Hospital. One physician and one RN treated those first few patients with warmth, tenderness, and what they all hoped would be the drugs that cured. In 1990, the first full year of operation, having this special care so close saved patients 462 trips out of town. Last year, 2003, that numbered soared to 2,405. Now one physician, three RNs, and two staff members help local cancer patients five days a week.

The Christmas Envelope
"The Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation received a wonderful Christmas present this year from the Joshua Green Foundation," announced Joan Miles, Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation Coordinator. "I couldn't believe it when I opened this envelope on Christmas Eve and there was a check for $10,000."

The donation was from the Joshua Green Foundation and the accompanying letter explained that $6,000 was a directed contribution from Dee and Charles Burnett, III, and $4,000 was a matching contribution from the Foundation.

Joshua Green moved to Seattle with his family in 1886, he was 17. He and some friends invested in a sternwheel steamer and soon were selling and delivering wholesale goods to customers in outlying towns. In 1887, during the Alaska Gold Rush, Green began transporting prospectors from Seattle to Alaska. In 1913 Green founded a cross-Sound ferry service, which was later sold to the state of Washington. His next venture was in banking, which proved very beneficial.

Green was a very frugal man. He wanted to share his good fortune with his community, and so the Joshua Green Foundation was started in the 1940s.

Oncology nurse, Dee Burnett's, husband is a member of the Joshua Green family. As such, Dee and Charles were able to request the Joshua Green Foundation match a donation they wanted to make to CVH.

"My husband and I believe CVH is a very important asset to the community we live in," commented Dee. "I have worked here for nine years. Most of that has been in the ever-growing Oncology Department. I see so many needs that could help our staff and doctors provide even better care for our patients. We are talking about buying additional comfortable recliners and possibly a digital camera.

"I hope this donation might encourage others to look for matching resources available to them. Many employers will match your donations, and CVH is so important to our community."

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. It should not replace a visit with your health care professional. Call your doctor if you need more information or have additional questions.

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