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Style Magazine

Marshall Foundation for Community Health

Oct 28, 2013 10:30AM ● By Style

Photo by Dante Fontana, © Style Media Group

Wendy Goossen started raising money for cancer research when she was just 10 years old.

Now, as director of Cancer Services at Marshall Medical Center, she helps bring comprehensive care to patients throughout the Sierra foothills. “I lost both of my parents to cancer,” Goossen says. “I understand the need for enhanced cancer services and value a foundation that recognizes the importance of supporting our cancer patients.”

Established in 1974, Marshall Foundation for Community Health is a philanthropic organization that supports Marshall Medical Center’s more than 1,500 employees in their mission to meet the health care needs of El Dorado County residents through a diverse range of services, including intensive and critical care, cardiac rehabilitation, outpatient and inpatient surgery, and occupational therapy. “Our goal is to provide for our medical center’s highest needs while also observing and providing for the health needs of the community,” explains Executive Director Karen Good, CFRM. “We frequently search for areas where there is a gap in health services. In turn, we focus on how we can help to provide tools and resources that keep those in need healthier.”

 


Photo by Dante Fontana, © Style Media Group

Good, who comes from a long line of health care professionals, has worked with the Foundation for more than two decades and served as its executive director for the past 14 years. In that time, she has assisted with the expansion of 11 new health service programs, helped raise nearly $1 million for new cancer services, and created The Nonprofit Partnership, a collaboration among a dozen health-related non-profit organizations. “It’s become a family tradition to value the health services available locally and embrace helping in whatever way possible,” she says. “I started with Marshall Foundation as a volunteer when my children were young and eventually became their executive director. Marshall has always been close to my heart and always will be.”

Goossen says funds from the Foundation support a number of the Cancer Resource Center’s services, including support groups, educational materials, low-cost and no-cost mammograms, transportation assistance, and the provision of wigs, hats and scarves for chemotherapy patients. “Our program benefits greatly from the Foundation,” she explains, “and I truly value and greatly appreciate the work they do for our community and our patients.” According to Good, “Supporting Marshall Foundation means having a heart to help our community. From volunteering to helping with special events to serving on the Board of Trustees, our volunteers provide resources that could not be met in any other way.” Additional service opportunities include annual and legacy donations, which have the ability to aid the Foundation in caring for future generations.

“Personally, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know the spirit of this community and its people who care deeply about its needs. I’ve experienced fundraising in good economic times and bad, and I have been astounded that this community continues to step up to get the job done despite external circumstances,” Good shares. “It’s helped me personally to see the compassion and tenacity of these leaders and to know there is still an abundance of good left in this crazy world.”


Visit marshallmedical.org for more information.