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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAccess to quality health care may not be something we think about until we need it. It may be possible, too, that we don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
David was one of the founding members of the Lincoln Health System Foundation (\u201cthe Foundation\u201d). According to its website, the nonprofit organization, formed in 2001, raises funds for and brings awareness to Lincoln Medical Center\u2019s (LMC) providers and services that maintain and improve community health. Through cultivating private donations and educating the public, the Foundation contributes to LMC\u2019s ongoing success by supporting capital improvement projects, equipment, and programs benefiting patients and their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kerri and her brother, Matt, continue David\u2019s legacy through their work with the Foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe knew that the Foundation was near and dear to him. He worked tirelessly to make it a success, and we didn\u2019t want that dedication and work to stop with him,\u201d Kerri said. \u201cAfter 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\u2019s sister, Patricia Bean, also stepped onto the board and continues to serve, and I had the opportunity to step on when Matt\u2019s term was up. We know Dad would be so pleased to see us carrying forward his vision and mission.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Serving on the board provides a behind-the-scenes look into the hospital\u2019s 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\u2019s needs list. In addition, she said funding for quality service for all patients is a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s more than reports and budgets \u2014 it\u2019s a Groce family lifestyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe 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,\u201d Kerri said. \u201cThe Foundation has awarded $70,000 in scholarships since 2007.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n With an eye on the future, Matt and Kerri model for their families the dedication and commitment exemplified by their father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She shared, \u201cMatt 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\u2019t help but want to be a part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beth Simms, executive director of the Foundation, said, \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u2014 it will be here for you. GN<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" SOME ARE lucky enough to find work they love; others go through the motions of their jobs to pursue outside passions once the workday ends. Few are blessed to have both \u2014 a job that fits their skills and interests in a career that enables them to live out their personal calling. David Groce was […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":22937,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[69,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22935","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fayetteville","category-stories"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/fayetteville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/08\/1-1024x683.png\")
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