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HomeStories

Stories of healing and support from our patients, benefactors and others

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Benefactor Story
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Cancer

Protected: Turning Tiles into Impact: Dana Dance-Schissel’s Gift of Community
John and Susan McCallan
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

Protected: John and Susan McCallan: Personal Loss Inspires Challenge for Recovery
Benefactor Story
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Planned Giving / Behavioral Health

Joe Gibbons and John Cullen: Building a Legacy of Belonging and Healing
Employee Story / Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

Dawn Knight: Giving Back to the Community She Serves
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

Jill and Dave Mertens: Generosity Rooted in Community
Benefactor Story
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Cancer

Gretchen Florescue: A Life Rooted in Compassion and Purpose
Benefactor Story
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Planned Giving

Debi and Tom Thomas: Building a Legacy Through Strategic Giving
Employee Story
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Howard Head Sports Medicine

Hailey Baker: Finding Support When It Mattered Most
Benefactor Story
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Howard Head Sports Medicine

Lori & Steven Wellins: Why We Support Those Who Serve
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

Precourt Healing Center: Celebrating A Father-Daughter Legacy of Healing
Volunteer Story
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Cyndee Purdy and Libra: Healing Through Connection
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

El Pomar Foundation: Removing Barriers to Care
Patient Story
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Magda King: Discovering Her Worth Through Healthspan
Laine and Merv Lapin
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

Laine and Merv Lapin: Inspiring Philanthropy for a New Model of Care
Benefactor Story
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Planned Giving

Karen and John Maxwell: Creating a Legacy of Health
Mara and Rich Weissmann
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

Mara and Rich Weissmann: Investing in Mental Health
Benefactor Story / EVBH Story
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Behavioral Health

Amanda Precourt: My Path From Pain to Purpose
Meghan Bayersdorfer
EVBH Story
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Behavioral Health

Meghan Bayersdorfer: Finding Light After Darkness
Colleen Widlak
Employee Story / Benefactor Story
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Cancer

Colleen Widlak: Creating a Home Away From Home for Cancer Patients
Rob Shearon Finding Recovery Through Connection
EVBH Story
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Behavioral Health

Rob Shearon: Finding Recovery Through Connection
The Anderson Family A Journey Through Addiction And Recovery
EVBH Story
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Behavioral Health

The Anderson Family: A Journey Through Addiction & Recovery
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

Agnes Harakal: A Champion for Mental Health in the Valley
Patient Story / Benefactor Story / EVBH Story
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Behavioral Health

Jeff Shroll: A Journey Through Depression & Healing
Marilyn Augur A Life Of Purpose Philanthropy And Progress
Benefactor Story
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Planned Giving

Marilyn Augur: A Life of Purpose, Philanthropy, and Progress
Melinda Epperson Benefactor
Benefactor Story
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Planned Giving

Melinda Epperson: Adventure, Wellness, and Giving Back
Sally Veitch Opening Doors for Nursing Students
Benefactor Story
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Nursing

Sally Veitch: Opening Doors for Nursing Students
The Galvin Family, Mike Galvin
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

The Galvin Family: Vision, Innovation & Philanthropy
The David and Tina Wilson Story
Benefactor Story
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Cancer

David & Tina Wilson: The Gift Behind Shaw At Home
Cynthia Pillsbury and Bob Engelke
Benefactor Story
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Cancer

Bob Engelke & Cynthia Pillsbury: Giving in Louise’s Memory
Volunteer Story
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Cancer

Terry Smith: A Journey of Compassion and Volunteerism at Shaw
Susie And Bryan Bailey Story
Benefactor Story
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Family Birth Center

Bailey Family: Honoring the Care Team That Saved Abigail’s Life
Volunteer Story
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Emergency Department

Jill Mertens: Finding Purpose Through Volunteering
Benefactor Story
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Cancer

Renée Okubo: A Journey of Love, Grief, and Giving
Supporting Behavioral Health, the Wilsons
Benefactor Story
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Planned Giving

Margaret & Loyal Wilson: Inspired by Growth
Terry Williams
Benefactor Story
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Cancer

Terry Williams: A Passion for Tech, Philanthropy, and Community
GE Johnson Foundation story
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

GE Johnson Foundation: Supporting Access to Behavioral Health Resources
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

Sara Friedle and Mike Towler: Sponsoring Safe Spaces for Youth
Benefactor Story
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Cancer

Bernie and Suzanne Scharf: A Lifetime of Giving Back
EVBH Story
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Behavioral Health

Joey Johnson: A Journey of Recovery and Advocacy
EVBH Story
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Behavioral Health

Juan Carlos: Discovering Trails to Health and Happiness
Dr. Fred Distelhorst: An Early Supporter’s Legacy Spans Into the Future
Benefactor Story
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Planned Giving

Dr. Fred Distelhorst: An Early Supporter’s Legacy Spans Into the Future
Keith Kennedy and Gina Sege
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

Keith & Gina: A Pledge for Innovative Mental Health Services
Ben Sokolski, Vail Valley MountainTrails Alliance Soul Dirt
EVBH Story
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Behavioral Health

The Dirt Connection: Finding Community on the Trails
Investing in the Future of Cancer Care
Benefactor Story
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Cancer

Terry and Dan Smith: Investing in the Future of Cancer Care
Teri Ross Benefactor
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

Teri Ross: Finding a Home, Finding Help
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

Deborah & Rik: Creating A Brighter Future for Others
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

Magda King: A Champion in Lifting Others
Employee Story
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Cancer

Charmayne Bernhardt: Embodying Gratitude and Selflessness
Mark And Lisa Neporent
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

The Neporents: Strengthening Our Community
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

Thrall Family: Supporting Art Therapy for Youth
Yesenia Briones
EVBH Story
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Behavioral Health

By Supporting Local Youth, Yesenia Briones is Thriving
Vail Valley Volunteers of the Year
Volunteer Story
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Behavioral Health

Dan Godec: Leading the Way
Cliff Hendrick
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health / Planned Giving

Cliff Hendrick: Leading by Serving Others
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

The Vardamans: Supporting Community Wellness
Ann And Amy Gish
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

Ann Smead and Amy Gish: Giving Spans Generations
Wayne And Debbie Hauter Benefactor Story
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

The Hauters: Turning Tragedy into Hope for Others
Ada Borg
Employee Story
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Behavioral Health

Ada Borg: Finding Healing and Connection
Exceptional Cancer Care Inspires Giving
Patient Story
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Cancer

Alexandra Mastriana-Solal: Exceptional Cancer Care Inspires Giving
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

The Coyers: Making a Positive Impact on Schoolchildren
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

John McCallan: Addressing Addiction & Substance Abuse
alcoholism a disease of spirit
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

Kent Logan: Alcoholism, A Disease of the Spirit
Benefactor Story
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Family Birth Center

Sheika Gramshammer: A Visionary for Community Health
Benefactor Story
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Cancer

Scott Family: Early Detection Saves Lives
EVBH Story
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Behavioral Health

John Shipp: The Spirit of Perseverance
Charlotte and Kent Brittan
Benefactor Story
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Howard Head Sports Medicine

Brittan Family Giving Brings Speech Therapy Services to Eagle County
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

Nadia Guerriero: Normalizing a System of Support
Benefactor Story
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Planned Giving

The Jensens: Trust in Vail Health Inspires Planned Gift
Gift of Art
Benefactor Story
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The Kosloffs: Giving the Gift of Art
Patient Story
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Cancer

JoDee Johnson: A Cancer Journey Surrounded in Support
Volunteer Story
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Sheri Ball: A Pioneer for Change & Giving Back
Supporting Cancer Care
Benefactor Story
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Cancer

Philip Smith & Jean Graham: Supporting Cancer Care
Fostering A Healthy Valley
Benefactor Story
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Planned Giving

The Peets: Fostering A Healthy Valley
Ron Davis’ Matching Gift Challenge Supports the Valley’s Youth
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

Ron Davis’ Matching Gift Challenge Supports the Valley’s Youth
Reaching New Heights
Volunteer Story
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Howard Head Sports Medicine

Melissa Simpson: Reaching New Heights
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

Anne Roberts: Behavioral Health Can Impact Anyone
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

Porter Family: Planned Gift Offers a Beacon of Light for Those Suffering
Benefactor Story
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Howard Head Sports Medicine

Community SafeHealth: Rubenstein Children Partnership Launches New Program
Benefactor Story
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Cancer

Susan Catalano: Elevating Cancer Care Through Pink Vail
Benefactor Story
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Cancer

Nancy Peller: Giving in Gratitude to Shaw Cancer Center
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

Amanda Precourt: I Am A Survivor
A Quiet Terror PTSD
Employee Story
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Behavioral Health

Dr. Jack Eck: A Quiet Terror
Benefactor Story
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Cancer

A Couple’s Shared Cancer Journey Inspires Giving
EVBH Story
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Behavioral Health

Vickie Zacher: Picture of Resilience
Supporting the Future of Vail Health
Benefactor Story
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Planned Giving

Mary & Chris Randall: Supporting the Future of Vail Health
All About Connection
Benefactor Story
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Behavioral Health

For Doe Browning, It’s All About Connection
Patient Story
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Cancer

Thankful Couple Receives Advanced Cancer Care Close to Home
Benefactor Story
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Planned Giving

Eck Family Ensures State-of-the-Art Care Continues in Vail
Patient Story
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Cancer

Care That’s There Every Step of the Way Fuels Patient’s Spirit of Resilience
Patient Story
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Cancer

Patient Appreciates Whole Body Care Approach at Shaw Cancer Center
Patient Story
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Cancer

Finding Strength Every Day Through Fitness, Family & Specialized Support
Volunteer Story
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Cancer

Shaw Cancer Center ‘Feels Like Family’ to Volunteer & Grateful Patient
Benefactor Story
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Planned Giving

Estate Gift Will Help Future Generations Receive Quality Cancer Care
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Thank You: We’re All in This Together
EVBH Story
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Behavioral Health

Olivia’s Fund to Offer Help & Hope
Benefactor Story
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Emergency Department

Grateful Patient Shares His Experience at Vail Health’s ICU
Patient Story
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Cancer

Jerry’s Torch Continues to Shine Bright at Pink Vail
Benefactor Story
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Cancer

Team “Rebel Yells” Returns to Pink Vail for the Fifth Year
Patient Story
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Cancer

Pink Vail Team, “Win4Heidi,” Shares a Passion for Football & Conquering Cancer
Volunteer Story
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Longtime Volunteer Shares Recent Experience as a Patient
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Behavioral Health

It Takes A Valley: Transforming Behavioral Health Campaign
Patient Story / Benefactor Story
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Cancer

Coming Full Circle: A Journey of Giving and Receiving Within the Shaw Community
Employee Story
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Behavioral Health

Employee Breaks Stigmas by Sharing Personal Experiences with the Community
Patient Story
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Cancer

Boys of Shaw: The Power of Camaraderie
Benefactor Story / Patient Story
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Cardiology

Grateful Couple Ensures Lifesaving Cardiac Care Continues Through Charitable Giving
Patient Story
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Howard Head Sports Medicine

Another Chance at Climbing After Recovering at Howard Head
Patient Story
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Emergency Department / Cardiology

Advanced Heart Care Right Here Saved Paul Becker’s Life
Benefactor Story
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How Benefactor Joe Staufer Helped Pioneer Vail’s Health Future
Patient Story
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Howard Head Sports Medicine

Climbing the Rockies Again After Treatment at Howard Head Sports Medicine
Patient Story
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Cancer

A Journey of Rediscovery Through Healing at Jack’s Place
Benefactor Story
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Planned Giving

Estate Giving Ensures Specialty Care for Future Generations
Patient Story
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Emergency Department

When Every Moment Counts, Count on Vail Health’s Emergency Department
Employee Story / Patient Story
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Cancer

Journey From Patient to Employee at Shaw Cancer Center
Benefactor Story
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Patient Assistance Fund

Patient Assistance Fund Provides Relief During Medical Crises
Patient Story
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Howard Head Sports Medicine

Back on The Ice for Good After Treatment at Howard Head
Vanessa Lyons
Patient Story
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Family Birth Center

How Your Level II Nursery Kept My Baby Safe
Patient Story
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Cardiology

Vail Health’s Cardiac Cath Lab Saves Lives, One Beat at A Time
Patient Story
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Cancer

Conquering Cancer with Spirit & Good Medicine at Shaw Cancer Center