Memorial Employee Reflects on Help from Co-workers; Assists Others
It has been almost 10 years since a fire ripped through my house, destroying all our possessions and killing out beloved pets. My family was left with only the clothes on their backs. I will never forget that feeling. Despair and hopelessness nearly consumed my life.
Our insurance agency told us that it could take months for any assistance. We didn’t have months. We needed necessities to live and clothes for work and school. With the initial help of the Red Cross, I was able to purchase some needed items from a local retailer. But, it just wasn’t enough.
My fellow co-workers at Memorial Hospital saw my need and took up a collection to help my family. For this I will be forever indebted to them. At Memorial Hospital we care not only about the patients that we serve but we care deeply about the well being of each other.
Because my co-workers were so stricken by what happened to my family, I also became the first recipient of the Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Employee Emergency Fund, in which I now sit on the committee.
The Memorial Hospital Foundation's Employee Emergency Fund is intended to assist employees who are in financial crisis due to unexpected or unforeseen emergencies after having exhausted all other resources for available assistance. The fund, which is completely funded by employees, has accepted applications from nearly 55 employees over the years.
Although the fire happened almost a decade ago, it still feels like yesterday to me. I am thrilled that I can give back to all of them by providing much needed resources and also volunteering my time through the Memorial Hospital Foundation's Employee Emergency Fund. Pay it forward – is that what they say?
Wendy Blausey
Gibsonburg, OH
Memorial Hospital, Surgery Department