“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.”

― Henry Ward Beecher

Dear Friends,


In this season of gratitude, I’d like to share a personal reflection on the importance of making memories. When I look back to my childhood, some of the most cherished moments revolve around time spent with my grandmother. Those summer vacations at her house, swinging on her front yard swing for hours, enjoying her delicious homemade chocolate cake (made without a recipe), and playing timeless favorite games - these memories hold a special place in my heart. Even today, the scents that remind me of her house bring back vivid memories.


Now, you may wonder why I'm sharing these memories with you. It's because supporting the San Juan Medical Foundation is like creating beautiful memories for those who benefit from its funding. Your contributions make you a part of the memories that individuals and families will cherish for a lifetime. Here are a few examples of the memories our supporters have had the privilege of being a part of:


A gentleman in our community made the decision to stop taking his diabetes medication even though he knew that he could die without it. Luckily his doctor’s nurse knew about the Riley Men’s Health Fund and got his medication paid for by the fund. He is now able to create memories with his family.


•   To date, the Riley Men’s Health Fund has helped 122 men and assisted with $154,287 in medical-related expenses.


Consider the 26-year-old mother of two, diagnosed with a stomach tumor, who sought support from the Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund during her surgery and treatment in Albuquerque. Her children can now fondly recall, "Remember when mom did this?" or "Remember when mom was there for us in our time of need?"


• The Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund helped 104 women and assisted with $59,563 in medical expenses so far this year.


I also hope that each guest, when reflecting on their stay at the Connelly Hospitality House, will hold pleasant memories that are filled with warmth, comfort, and a sense of belonging.


• This year the Connelly Hospitality House welcomed over 36 new families into the house — more guests than we have had in the past 3 years combined.


As you look back on the memories you've made this year, I respectfully ask that you consider a gift to the San Juan Medical Foundation. Your gift will enable the creation of more cherished memories for members of our community.

 
I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your continuing support. Your generosity is the reason a memory is made.


Thank you!


Audra Winters - Executive Director

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Sophia Peshlakai

"Preparing for my treatment, I traveled to Farmington for consultations, tests, and treatment schedules. The drive was about an hour and 20 minutes each way, so I rested and slept in my car in between appointments. After learning about the Connelly Hospitality House, my daughter and I began our stay for my radiation treatments, from May through November—no more exhausting drives and waiting, just complete rest. During our stay, our family experienced loss that would make us lose hope all together, but staying there away from home, we were treated as family. I felt rested. I felt love, peace, and joy every time staff enters the suite. They are truly God sent."

Mike Richards

"When the Riley Men’s Health Fund began the Side x Side Raffle, I was intrigued. I thought it was a great fundraiser idea, and I bought 5 tickets for two years in a row. Little did I know that it would benefit me in such a significant way. In October of 2021, I underwent quintuple bypass surgery and survived, only to contract Covid-19 four weeks after the surgery. This led to my hospitalization at SJRMC for almost the entire month of November. Due to the high doses of steroids I had to take to overcome Covid-19, I am now in ESRD (kidney failure). In exactly 2 years from my heart attack, I will be having a kidney transplant, generously donated by my son. It has been a challenging two years, and I am sure I will face more hurdles in the future as I learn to live with a new kidney. I am forever grateful to the Riley Men’s Health Fund for their generous support, which allowed me to pay off my hospital bill. Keep up the great work with the fundraisers. I will always be a grateful participant."

Kathy Crafton

"Knowing that there is an organization that cares so much for its community to continuously raise funds to help take the pressure off of cancer patients. Please apply if you are in need! I did and it was a huge help when I was paying for my cancer treatment. Thank you to the San Juan Medical Foundation."

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