SOME ARE lucky enough to find work they love; others go through the motions of their jobs to pursueoutside passions once the workday ends. Few are blessed to have both — a job that fits their skills and interests in a career that enables them to live out their personal calling. David Groce was among the few.
At the time of his death in 2013, he was the cheif financial officer of Lincoln County Health System, the perfect place for the Lincoln County native who wanted the best health care possible for his community. His daughter, Kerri Groce Thomas, said, “Dad had a love for others that most don’t understand. He really loved his community and fellow man. He had always worked in the health care field, whether in home health or in a hospital. He was thrilled to be able to come to his hometown hospital and serve the community.”
Beyond his responsibilities at the hospital, David demonstrated his love and care for those around him by his words and actions. He visited with patients and their families after work and took calls after hours from those needing assistance. His heart never took time off from caring about those around him. It was part of who he was, and it’s a trait shared within Groce’s immediate and extended family.
“The Groces have always been a part of the hospital,” Kerri stated. “Dad’s brother, Billy Groce, was CFO of the hospital for many years. His other brother, Phillip Groce, was the lead maintenance technician for many years, and his wife, Phila Groce, was a nurse at the hospital and then Donalson. Dad’s mother, Thelma Groce, was a volunteer at the hospital during her years of retirement.”
Access to quality health care may not be something we think about until we need it. It may be possible, too, that we don’t often think about the hard work and sacrifice of countless men and
women, many behind the scenes, who are part of what we only see as the bigger picture.
David was one of the founding members of the Lincoln Health System Foundation (“the Foundation”). According to its website, the nonprofit organization, formed in 2001, raises funds for and brings awareness to Lincoln Medical Center’s (LMC) providers and services that maintain and improve community health. Through cultivating private donations and educating the public, the Foundation contributes to LMC’s ongoing success by supporting capital improvement projects, equipment, and programs benefiting patients and their families.
Kerri and her brother, Matt, continue David’s legacy through their work with the Foundation.
“We knew that the Foundation was near and dear to him. He worked tirelessly to make it a success, and we didn’t want that dedication and work to stop with him,” Kerri said. “After his passing, my brother, Matt Groce, stepped onto the board and served for a number of years. He was the vice chair of the board. Dad’s sister, Patricia Bean, also stepped onto the board and continues to serve, and I had the opportunity to step on when Matt’s term was up. We know Dad would be so pleased to see us carrying forward his vision and mission.”
Serving on the board provides a behind-the-scenes look into the hospital’s needs and related services. As with most career fields today, staffing is a priority. According to Kerri, valuing and empowering employees to take pride and ownership in their roles, coupled with good management, tops the organization’s needs list. In addition, she said funding for quality service for all patients is a must.
It’s more than reports and budgets — it’s a Groce family lifestyle.
“The Groce family is dedicated to continuing to have a presence on the Foundation board, working to raise awareness about the Foundation and raising funds. We also want to keep the David Groce Scholarship funded, educating the next generation of health system employees,” Kerri said. “The Foundation has awarded $70,000 in scholarships since 2007.”
With an eye on the future, Matt and Kerri model for their families the dedication and commitment exemplified by their father.
She shared, “Matt and I grew up knowing that the hospital was vital to the community and that there were a lot of caring individuals that worked there. We hope that our children grow up the same [way]. We hope they see the importance of [Lincoln Health] and the Foundation and that they see the good people who work there. When you see all the good that has been and will be done, you can’t help but want to be a part of it.”
You can be a part of it, too. You can support the work of the Foundation through your gifts to honor someone, in memory of someone, or with a corporate donation. Annual gifts and planned giving are other ways to contribute.
Beth Simms, executive director of the Foundation, said, “We are excited to see our Foundation continue to support our health system. We are proud of the incredible things we have already been able to do and provide, and we pledge to be good stewards and continue the legacy of David Groce. Investments in the HH Lincoln Health Foundation allow access to cutting-edge technology, support innovative programs, and help provide assistance to patients in need.”
Sooner or later, we all need to access health care. Thanks to the Groce family and others like them who have a heart of service for our community — it will be here for you. GN
