Featured Stories
WHY I GIVE: Peggy Ferch
Supply Chain Manager, Manager Materials Value Chain, OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg and OSF HealthCare Holy Family Medical Center, Monmouth
I have been a Mission Partner for over 27 years. Prior to my employment with OSF HealthCare, my husband Gary became very ill. He was transferred to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria for treatment. At the time, we didn’t have much including health insurance. Gary was very ill and required several surgeries and was an inpatient for 30 days. The doctors and nurses were always kind and treated us with respect and compassion.
One day, Gary received a visit from the financial office. They assisted him with applying for various financial options including Charity Care. When all the others were denied, OSF Charity Care stepped in and covered all expenses. We were so appreciative of the care he received and the burden of a hospital bill we wouldn’t pay taken care of. I believe in paying it forward.
Now that I am an OSF Mission Partner, my annual donation to the giving campaign is one way I can pay it forward knowing that my donation is helping someone else. My donation combined with others is used to purchase needed equipment that can diagnose, treat, and cure my friends and family. It is truly improving the way of life for the community.
I hope to lead by example and inspire others to give – the ripple effect is endless. The world is our neighbor. When we give indiscriminately, we have the opportunity to reflect God’s love to people who may not have felt it before – and that’s exactly what God has called us to do.
I have been a Mission Partner for over 27 years. Prior to my employment with OSF HealthCare, my husband Gary became very ill. He was transferred to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria for treatment. At the time, we didn’t have much including health insurance. Gary was very ill and required several surgeries and was an inpatient for 30 days. The doctors and nurses were always kind and treated us with respect and compassion.
One day, Gary received a visit from the financial office. They assisted him with applying for various financial options including Charity Care. When all the others were denied, OSF Charity Care stepped in and covered all expenses. We were so appreciative of the care he received and the burden of a hospital bill we wouldn’t pay taken care of. I believe in paying it forward.
Now that I am an OSF Mission Partner, my annual donation to the giving campaign is one way I can pay it forward knowing that my donation is helping someone else. My donation combined with others is used to purchase needed equipment that can diagnose, treat, and cure my friends and family. It is truly improving the way of life for the community.
I hope to lead by example and inspire others to give – the ripple effect is endless. The world is our neighbor. When we give indiscriminately, we have the opportunity to reflect God’s love to people who may not have felt it before – and that’s exactly what God has called us to do.
WHY I GIVE: Jedediah Cantrell
VP Operations and Special Projects OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center, Rockford
I have been a Mission Partner with OSF for three years. I serve as the Vice President of Operations and Special Projects at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford.
I give back to OSF HealthCare because I believe in the Mission of serving with the greatest care and love. Where we live and work is our community, and giving back helps strengthen it. I appreciate how OSF demonstrates this commitment – not just within our hospitals and clinics, but out in the community as well. Whether through the OnCall van, local health fairs, or partnerships with other organizations, OSF reaches those who are most vulnerable.
To me, giving back means both volunteering my time and making financial donations that help those in need. Throughout my early life, there were moments when I was the one in need, and others stepped in to help me. They didn’t have to, but they did – out of love for their community. Now, I feel both a passion and a responsibility to do the same, to give back as a way of paying forward the kindness I once received.
I hope my generosity encourages others to see that we can all make a positive difference, no matter how big or small. Every little bit helps. Giving is a way to share God’s love. As Mother Teresa said, “It’s not about how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”
The OSF Mission means a great deal to me because it aligns with my own values. I truly believe I was called to serve here. We are all called to support one another on life’s journey – to help those in need, no matter our differences. That is the heart of our Mission, and I am grateful to be a part of it.
I have been a Mission Partner with OSF for three years. I serve as the Vice President of Operations and Special Projects at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford.
I give back to OSF HealthCare because I believe in the Mission of serving with the greatest care and love. Where we live and work is our community, and giving back helps strengthen it. I appreciate how OSF demonstrates this commitment – not just within our hospitals and clinics, but out in the community as well. Whether through the OnCall van, local health fairs, or partnerships with other organizations, OSF reaches those who are most vulnerable.
To me, giving back means both volunteering my time and making financial donations that help those in need. Throughout my early life, there were moments when I was the one in need, and others stepped in to help me. They didn’t have to, but they did – out of love for their community. Now, I feel both a passion and a responsibility to do the same, to give back as a way of paying forward the kindness I once received.
I hope my generosity encourages others to see that we can all make a positive difference, no matter how big or small. Every little bit helps. Giving is a way to share God’s love. As Mother Teresa said, “It’s not about how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.”
The OSF Mission means a great deal to me because it aligns with my own values. I truly believe I was called to serve here. We are all called to support one another on life’s journey – to help those in need, no matter our differences. That is the heart of our Mission, and I am grateful to be a part of it.
Why Mission Partners Give
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In the spirit of Christ and the example of Francis of Assisi, the Mission of OSF HealthCare is to serve persons with the greatest care and love in a community that celebrates the Gift of Life.