Paver in Memory of Kathy Smith

Incentive Fund

Amount: $500

Provided By: Board Chair of Craig Hospital Foundation

Details: The Board Chair of Craig Hospital Foundation has pledged to match any contributions given dollar for dollar!

Summary

As many of you know, my mom's health began to decline in January of 2011. By August of 2011, she had become non-ambulatory and it became difficult for us to care for her in her home. Due to a lack of resources here in Oklahoma, we were forced to place her in a nursing facility to see that her needs were met. It was quite possibly the most miserable time of my mom's life (and mine).

As we continued to search for answers in my Mom's healthcare, we reached out to Craig Hospital in Denver, CO. They were not able to even evaluate her until February of 2012, but we went out there hopeful to find answers. After a couple of small miracles, they went ahead and admitted my mom to their rehab hospital (which typically has a several month waiting period). While in the hospital, their only surgeon just happened to have a cancellation and was able to perform the surgery we thought she needed. She then continued to rehab there for several months. During this time the staff there were fantastic. This rehab hospital is nothing like you find in Oklahoma and probably in most other states as well. They worked with my mom for nearly 8 hours every day. They equipped her with a proper wheelchair, helped build up her strength, and gave her hope she had been lacking for the previous 6 months.

It was because of Craig Hospital that my mom was able to return to her own home. They equipped her and our family with the tools and staff we needed to make a successful transition from the rehab hospital to her home.

Little did any of us know that the disease that was killing my mother was beyond the scope of what this hospital offered. She was on a return visit to Craig Hospital in August of 2012 for a secondary surgery when her health took a major turn for the worst. The staff at Craig was prepared as they got her the care she needed from an adjoining hospital to live out her final days. They continued to visit her and our family and offer their support.

I cannot even imagine how much worse her final year would have been without the support they provided to my mom and our family. She never would have been able to return to her own home and probably would have remained in the nursing home without any hope and little happiness.

I want to raise money for this paver that will be at the entrance of Craig Hospital's new building entrance in memory of my mother and in honor of all of the staff who had such a huge impact on our lives. If you feel so moved, I would appreciate any contribution towards this effort.