ROCK SPRINGS — The Memorial Hospital Foundation celebrated two decades of supporting Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County at its Cheers to 20 Years event Wednesday at the Waldner House of Healing.
“For the past 20 years, the foundation has partnered with generous donors, dedicated hospital staff, grateful patients, community leaders and caring families who have helped strengthen healthcare right here in Sweetwater County,” Kayla Mannikko, executive director of the foundation said.
Over the past 20 years, the foundation has helped fund major hospital investments, including a Da Vinci surgical robot and a new hospital laboratory, along with equipment, patient assistance programs and employee support initiatives, Mannikko said.
The foundation operates as its own nonprofit but works closely with hospital leadership and staff across departments to identify community needs.
This year’s campaign, themed 20 Years of Transforming Lives and Future Possibilities, looks toward the foundation’s next chapter, including bringing advanced cancer care closer to home.
The foundation recently received a grant for a PET scanner for the hospital’s cancer center, and its Red Tie Gala campaign this year is raising money toward a new linear accelerator for the hospital.
The event also marked 10 years since the foundation took on the Waldner House, known as the House of Healing. Mannikko recognized the Waldner family, whose generosity made the House of Healing possible. She called the house a symbol of compassion, comfort, community spirit and remembrance.
The house, cared for by foundation coordinator Cory Darlington, serves around 25 families a year, primarily cancer and obstetric patients traveling from outside the area for treatment.
