Our Impact

Jan and Zeta Zeta’s Year-Round Christmas Spirit

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:12:39 GMT

Jan Smith holds a special place in her heart for the Connelly Hospitality House. For Jan, the House is far more than just a building. It acts as a safe haven—a place that opens its doors and allows people to stay free of charge when they need a helping hand the most.

As a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi Chapter Zeta Zeta, Jan channels her passion for helping others into community action. Her women's group meets monthly, bringing together members from across the area, including Farmington, Aztec, and Bloomfield. They come from different towns and attend different churches, but they share a single, powerful mission: giving back to their community.

When winter arrives, Jan’s true spirit shines. She absolutely loves Christmas, and she makes it her personal mission to bring holiday magic to the House. This past year, she and her chapter bought a beautiful Christmas tree and donated nearly all the decorations that brightened the halls for the guests. Jan carefully coordinated the festive touches. She hung cheerful snowman door knockers and assembled small toiletry bags for every room. She also made sure to pack extra containers so the staff could hand them out whenever someone needed a bit of extra comfort.

This kind of generosity does not happen by accident. Starting in January, Jan purposefully sets aside money for her charitable donations. She saves all year long, driven by the understanding that life is unpredictable. She knows that someday, she or someone she loves might need the very same support she provides today.

"It's awesome watching the good Lord work," Jan reflects. For her and the women of Beta Sigma Phi Chapter Zeta Zeta, charity operates as a circle. You give what you can, you help where you are, and you trust that kindness will flow exactly where it needs to go. Through her quiet dedication and joyful spirit, Jan Smith reminds everyone around her that the simple act of giving back can change lives, and the warmth of the Christmas spirit lasts all year long.

Celebrating 25 Years of Connelly Hospitality House!

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 22:02:09 GMT

This February, the Connelly Hospitality House (CHH) marks an incredible milestone—25 years of providing comfort, care, and compassion to those in need. Since its founding in February 2000, CHH has been a sanctuary for cancer patients and their caregivers traveling over 50 miles to receive treatment in Farmington, NM.

A History Rooted in Compassion

The story of CHH began with a heartfelt vision from local residents, Jerry and Bonnie Connelly. After experiencing the respite a patient lodging facility in Houston provided during Jerry’s cancer treatment, the Connellys wanted to bring that same sense of hope and support to families in the Four Corners area.

Their dream became a reality in 1991, when the San Juan Medical Foundation established the Connelly Hospitality House fund with a generous bequest from the Connelly family. Nine years of planning and community support later, the Connelly Hospitality House opened its doors in February 2000.

Today, CHH continues its mission to serve cancer patients, along with families of individuals hospitalized due to traumatic injuries or medical emergencies, whenever rooms are available.

What The House Offers

The Connelly Hospitality House provides more than just lodging—it offers a haven to those navigating challenging times.

Features include:

Eight private bedrooms with attached baths
A fully equipped kitchen and a well-stocked pantry
Laundry facilities and ample common spaces with cozy fireplaces
A library for quiet reflection
Beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces for relaxation
Three RV parking spaces with electricity, water, and sewer access

Built on Generosity

The Connelly Hospitality House thrives thanks to the incredible generosity of donors, volunteers, and grant funding. Every meal prepared in its kitchen and every act of kindness extended within its walls are testaments to a community that deeply values care and connection.

Join the Celebration

This 25-year milestone reminds us of how far we’ve come, but also how much further we can go with your help. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about the House, your support ensures this legacy of care continues for decades to come.

Cheers to 25 years—and to the many lives CHH will continue to touch moving forward!

Meet Lynsi-Anne

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 20:30:22 GMT

Hope and Healing: Lynsi-Anne’s Journey of Strength and New Beginnings

Lynsi-Anne's life changed unexpectedly when she learned she had a gene that increased her cancer risk. This discovery helped catch her aggressive breast and ovarian cancers early, thanks to genetic testing and her family's medical history. In the midst of tough treatments and financial stress, the Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund became a much-needed source of relief, easing her medical expenses so she could focus on healing. This support was a powerful reminder that she wasn’t alone; a caring community rallied around her. The help from the fund was invaluable, offering not just financial relief but also a sense of hope and solidarity.

At the time of this article, Lynsi-Anne was joyfully preparing to welcome her first child—a true miracle and the beginning of a beautiful new chapter in her life. Her journey stands as a powerful testament to the extraordinary impact of hope, resilience, and the strength found in a caring community.

Remembering Greg Gallegos

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 20:13:55 GMT

Greg's Legacy of Resilience and Giving

Greg’s bond with the San Juan Medical Foundation began with a story that deeply resonated within his family. Years ago, his cousin’s father had battled cancer and found hope and support through the Riley Men’s Health Fund. This experience left a lasting imprint on Greg, but little did he know that one day, he too would lean on this very same lifeline.

Faced with kidney disease, cancer, and tumors over two incredibly challenging years, Greg found himself in the midst of a health crisis that no one is ever fully prepared for. During this time, the Riley Men’s Health Fund became more than just a source of financial support—it was a beacon of stability and hope. Thanks to the Fund, Greg was able to focus on his recovery without the added weight of financial stress, knowing that someone cared for his well-being. This compassionate support not only eased his struggles but also instilled in him a profound sense of gratitude for the community behind the Foundation.

Moved by the generosity he had received, Greg sought a way to give back, despite his own tough circumstances. He began dedicating his time as a volunteer at the Connelly Hospitality House, where he found a renewed sense of purpose. Helping others brought him joy, a reprieve from his personal trials, and strengthened his commitment to the values of compassion and unity. Over time, Greg's unwavering dedication touched countless people, bringing comfort and encouragement to those confronting their own challenges.

Though Greg passed away in January, his story endures as a powerful reminder of what resilience, kindness, and community support can achieve. His dedication to championing the Riley Men’s Health Fund and his compassionate volunteer work at the Connelly Hospitality House left an indelible mark on the San Juan Medical Foundation and the lives it serves.

Meet Anne Marie

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 20:25:04 GMT

From Classroom to Community: Anne Marie’s Journey of Greatful Giving

Anne Marie, a dedicated teacher from Aztec, embarked on a volunteering adventure at the Connelly Hospitality House (CHH) nearly a year ago. It all started when one of her students expressed interest in an internship with CHH. Inspired by her student's enthusiasm, she decided to lend her support in a more profound way. Having supported CHH in small ways over the years by donating supplies with her daughters, Anne Marie felt a call to become more involved. She realized that true community spirit comes from stepping out of our comfort zones and giving back to others.

She enjoys the impact her contributions bring. Her story reminds usthat volunteering is not just a service; it’s a way to connect, to heal, and to grow.

Making A Difference in 2024!

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 17:10:29 GMT

Greetings and a Happy New Year from the San Juan Medical Foundation! We are excited to share this informative video update from our Executive Director, Audra Winters.

Making a Difference - Quarterly Report

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 23:20:36 GMT

Hello and welcome to the second edition of the San Juan Medical Foundation’s Making a Difference - Quarterly Report . Here is an update of what we’ve been up to, what you can look forward to, and how you can be a part of it!

Making a Difference - Quarterly Report

Wed, 03 May 2023 22:10:55 GMT

Hello and welcome to San Juan Medical Foundation’s Making a Difference - Quarterly Report .

Here is an update of what we’ve been up to, what you can look forward to, and how you can be a part of it!

2021 Cancer Awareness Luncheon - Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 17:48:04 GMT

The 2021 Cancer Awareness Luncheon was a success. Thank you to our models, volunteers, attendees and all who donated to the Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund.

Thank you to a wonderful community for another successful luncheon. We look forward to doing it again next year. If you were unable to attend, or would like to look back, please enjoy reading the bios of our wonderful 2021 models.

Welcome Audra Winters, Executive Director

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 17:15:36 GMT

Welcome Audra Winters, Executive Director

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Audra Winters as our new Executive Director! Audra is currently serving as the President/CEO of the Marana (Arizona) Chamber of Commerce; a position she has held since February 2019. Prior to moving to Arizona, Audra was the President/CEO of the Farmington Chamber of Commerce. She is very familiar with San Juan Medical Foundation (SJMF), as Audra was SJMF's Special Events Coordinator for three years before becoming the President of the Farmington Chamber in 2013. Winters is a graduate of the Institute for Organization Management from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. She holds an associate degree in apparel merchandising from Mesa Community College and is a graduate of Leadership San Juan.

“I am very excited about coming back home to Farmington to be closer to family and friends,
and very honored to be a part of the San Juan Medical Foundation again.”
—Audra Winters

Audra will begin her new position on July 6, 2021. The Foundation would like to take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to Ginger Palmer for her outstanding contributions as Interim Director over the last two years. Ginger will continue to serve in her original capacity as Donor Development Director.

Join Rhonda Ledford in helping Four Corners children!

Wed, 19 May 2021 18:36:30 GMT

Join Rhonda Ledford in helping Four Corners children!

Rhonda decided to donate to the Building Wings Children’s Fund because she feels it is so important to support our local, independent hospital, who has the only pediatric ward in the Four Corners.

"As a parent who has had to obtain pediatric services outside of the area, it is a huge benefit to have pediatric resources locally. There is no way to explain the emotional and financial stress of having to go outside our community for services. I feel that my gift to the Building Wings Children’s Fund will have a lasting effect on the kids of our community.”
‑Rhonda Ledford

San Juan Medical Foundation has created the Building Wings Children’s Fund, an initiative solely dedicated to upgrading the pediatric wing of San Juan Regional Medical Center, to address this pressing need. Please consider supporting this worthy cause. Our children (and their families) deserve it!

Join the Davis Family. . . .

Wed, 19 May 2021 18:33:04 GMT

Join the Davis family in helping Four Corners children!

Shay and Alli Davis are excited and passionate about this project. They’ve had first-hand experience with their child requiring pediatric care. The four days they stayed in the pediatric unit with their young son will not be forgotten. The Davis’ can attest to the amazing care he received by the physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. They, however, were left exhausted having to sleep on the tiny guest chair all the while, coping with care and concern for their child.

“Our community needs this… Undoubtedly, the friends and neighbors of our community will reap the benefits of an upgraded pediatric unit for years to come.” —Alli Davis

Join Jeff and Dawn Bourgeois in helping Four Corners children and their families.

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 18:54:37 GMT

Join Jeff and Dawn Bourgeois in helping Four Corners children and their families.

“Dawn and I are excited to support the Buildings Wings campaign!

As parents of a child who experienced pediatric hospitalizations, we understand and appreciate the importance of well-equipped and comfortable rooms for pediatric patients. As a representative of the San Juan Regional Medical Center team, I see the need to upgrade our inpatient pediatric unit to provide for access to state of the art patient room technology and improved privacy for restrooms and bathing all in a setting that provides comfort and promotes healing in a warm and welcoming setting.”

- Jeff Bourgeois, President / Chief Executive Officer
San Juan Regional Medical Center

Together We Can Help Four Corners Children and Their Families…

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 16:44:42 GMT

Dr. Bradley Scoggins, his wife Teresa, and their two sons are committed to helping Four Corners children and their families.

Dr. Scoggins, a pediatrician with San Juan Health Partners Pediatrics, has witnessed the impact San Juan Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) can have on the health and wellness of children in the Four Corners region. A large part of this impact is made by amazing pediatric nurses, respiratory therapists, and countless support staff that make the pediatric unit run so well.

“A big void in delivering the very best care has been the outdated pediatric ward, which is missing many necessary modernizations such as private restrooms and adequate space for parents to remain with their children. Finally, as we build upon our already strong pediatric hospitalist program, the availability of a modern pediatric unit will help us increase our offerings to as many children in the Four Corners as possible. Part of our mission is to take excellent care of children close to home.” - Dr. Bradley Scoggins

Ensuring that SJRMC has a modern, well-functioning, well-staffed pediatric unit will help children in the Four Corners in several important ways:

1. We will be better able to offer our services more widely and prevent children from being transferred long distances to receive their care in Albuquerque or Denver.

2. More pediatric volume will help ensure that adequately trained staff remain experienced and ready to address the wide variety of illnesses we care for.

3. Children will receive care in a more healing-conducive and relaxing setting.

Improved patients rooms, including the private restrooms mentioned by Dr. Scoggins, along with upgrades to nurses’ stations and a community playroom, are just a few of the improvements the Building Wings Children’s Fund will support. A modern, high-quality pediatric unit is within the Four Corners’ reach. With your help, all of our local children can receive the best, most comfortable, and competent care close to home.

San Juan Medical Foundation has created the Building Wings Children’s Fund , an initiative solely dedicated to upgrading the pediatric wing of SJRMC, to address this pressing need. Please consider supporting this worthy cause. Our children (and their families) deserve it!

Remembering Cathy Lincoln

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 16:28:06 GMT

Remembering Cathy Lincoln…

At age 39, Cathy Lincoln was diagnosed with breast cancer. A devoted mom, loving wife, daughter, and a compassionate nurse - the disease hit her in the prime of her life when she least expected. She left behind two children, a husband, siblings and her parents.

While she did everything possible to fight the disease, including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, she had a very aggressive type of cancer and unfortunately died at the age of 42.

A life-long San Juan County resident, she loved the Four Corners area. While she had the opportunity to travel to exotic and exciting places, such as Japan and Korea, she was most content in the Land of Enchantment. She especially enjoyed the simple things that life had to offer - camping, fishing and family life.

Her family was very proud of her for going back to school to become a nurse in her mid 30's. As an RN on the medical floor, her co-workers respected her as both a friend and colleague. They described her as being compassionate, kind and gentle.

Even after her diagnosis of breast cancer, she continued her work as a nurse until the disease forced her to quit. Continuing to provide the same quality care, support and compassion to her patients while quietly waging her own battle.

Cathy believed strongly that early detection gave a person the best chance in beating any type of cancer. And as a nurse, she also felt strongly that cost should never be a deterrent in receiving health care.

This is the concept behind the Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund - that financial support be made available to uninsured or underinsured women in San Juan County for their cancer related health care needs.

Introducing Tammy Ramsey

Sat, 24 Oct 2020 19:54:20 GMT

Introducing Tammy Ramsey.

Tammy was born in Las Cruces, NM, but grew up in Bloomfield. She’s been married for 24 years and has two step-children. She is a great lover of the outdoors, and her favorite hobbies include camping, nature photography, and growing flowers in her garden.

In June of 2018, Tammy received the life-altering news that she had stage 1 melanoma. She was just 48 years old. She was diagnosed after finding a nickel-sized dark spot on her skin and experiencing some hair loss. She was sure it was nothing, so when her results came back, she was in shock.

Tammy is lucky and has built a great support network around her. After her diagnosis, she was swarmed with love from her family, friends, co-workers, church community, and neighbors. Her doctors and medical team have also provided invaluable support.

Tammy’s cancer treatment began with the initial spot being removed from her skin, along with the nearest lymph node. She had recurring satellite spots, which also needed to be removed periodically. She began immunotherapy and saw a physician in Houston. The doctor performed surgeries to remove more tissue and did reconstructive surgeries. Despite all this, though, the spots continued to appear on Tammy’s skin. After her surgeries, she had radiation therapy and then tried different immunotherapy, which gave her aseptic meningitis. She is now trying T-Vec injections and is seeing success with that treatment.

Tammy has learned a lot throughout this winding ordeal. Her message to the community is not to wait if you see something suspicious on your skin or feel a lump. Get checked because the earlier doctors can detect cancer, the more time there is to deal with it, and the less drastic the outcome will likely be. Tammy draws the strength she needs to keep fighting from her relationship with God, from laughing often, and from not dwelling on the situation, and instead, staying positive.

Tammy received funding through the Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund, and for her, the extra funds were a significant relief. Having cancer is very expensive, and the funding helped with everything from medical bills, time off work, travel, prescriptions, and other supplies.

Your support of the Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund helps women receive financial assistance for medical exams, diagnostic testing, medication, treatments and travel.

Please consider making a donation today:

Introducing Tracy Moskal

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 15:18:30 GMT

Introducing Tracy Moskal.

Tracy was born and raised in Farmington and grew up with two sisters and one brother. She is now married with two children, an 11-year-old son, and an 8-year-old daughter. She is a lover of nature, and all of her favorite activities involve being outdoors.

In August of 2019, when Tracy was just 35 years old, she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. She had found a lump a year before her diagnosis and had monitored it herself after her initial mammogram came back negative. The news devastated her, and she felt a lot of fear about what the future might hold.

Tracy started chemotherapy in September of 2019, which she continued to undergo for six months. In February of 2020, she had surgery and then continued with immunotherapy infusions. If everything goes to plan, her therapy will be complete in November of 2020.

Tracy has been very fortunate and has a great support network of family, friends, and community. Her husband and children have been her strength throughout this ordeal. Her friends and family have kept her smiling and laughing, which is the best way to fight this battle.

Tracy has learned a lot through her ordeal. Her advice to the community is to grow through what you go through. Reach out for support when you need it, and when you're having a rough day, never give up and stay active as much as you can.

Funding through the Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund, which Tracy has applied for and received two years in a row, has helped Tracy pay her medical bills and stay afloat during this time. She says that she couldn't have done this without the help of the fund.

Battling cancer requires enormous strength and resilience, which Tracy draws from her loving family and friends, and the support of her workplace, which allows her to stay connected to the community, and keeps her focused on the fight. Tracy also has a fantastic team of doctors who give her hope. She has found them to be invaluable throughout her treatment.

Your support of the Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund helps women receive financial assistance for medical exams, diagnostic testing, medication, treatments and travel.

Please consider making a donation today:

Introducting Sheilah Martinez

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 18:42:16 GMT

Introducing Sheilah Martinez.

Sheilah was born in Durango, Colorado, and raised in Lumberton, New Mexico. She comes from a small family but married into a big extended family, so she has a lot of love in her life. Her favorite hobbies are fishing, camping, and visiting casinos.

In May of 2019, Sheilah was diagnosed with stage IV squamous cell cancer, a form of cancer that forms on the skins or organs. Sheilah's specific type of cancer is vaginal cancer. She was diagnosed after finding a lump on her left side and was just 57 years old.

When she first received the news, she was shocked, sad, and stressed, but she felt her community's support right away. Her family was wonderful, and one of her daughters is a nurse and cared for her mother during her hospital stays and at home. Her husband has also been an incredible supporter and has been her rock during this ordeal.

Sheilah's treatment process became more problematic as it went on, and she struggled a lot, despite all the love and support coming from her community. She felt that all the prayers coming her way were exceptionally helpful. Her daughter took care of business when she wasn't there, which was a massive weight off her shoulders.

For anyone going through a difficult diagnosis or treatment, Sheilah's message is to talk to somebody. Particularly, if you know someone who has been through the same or similar thing you are going through, you will find great comfort in speaking to that person. Sheilah even gave her personal phone number to share with anyone who needs a kind listening ear to help them through their journey: 515.759.1196

Sheilah is still fighting her battle. What helps her the most is having a relationship with God and receiving support and prayers from the people around her. Every medical department that helped her through radiation and chemotherapy has also been of great help. Her family and friends, old and new, give her the hope and support she needs to continue on her journey.

Your support of the Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund helps women receive financial assistance for medical exams, diagnostic testing, medication, treatments and travel.

Please consider making a donation today:

Introducing Tammy Riser

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 15:55:24 GMT

Introducing Tammy Riser.

Tammy was born in Abilene, Texas, to parents who were attending McMurry University. Once they graduated, the family moved to Farmington to be close to her mother's side of the family. Throughout Tammy’s childhood, they made a few more moves, shifting to Kayenta, AZ, Chinle, AZ, where she was educated for 13 years on the Navajo Reservation, then Farmington, where she completed her education.

Tammy has been married to her husband, a retired United Methodist pastor, for 33 years. They raised three sons together, and Tammy has recently retired from a 25-year career as a teacher. Her family is very close. Even though all of her children are over 30 and live all over, they still talk every day. Tammy is a lover of the outdoors, and her favorite hobbies are yard work, gardening, reading, walking, jogging, and listening to nature.

In May of 2019, when Tammy was 57, she was diagnosed with Stage III Breast Cancer on the left side. She had noticed a lump just after moving to Bloomfield, and since she did not yet have a primary care physician, she made an appointment with her sister's physician. She was initially shocked because this news came after a very stressful year for Tammy and her husband, who had been preparing for his retirement, moving, and Tammy finding a new job.

Despite the hard news, Tammy has an incredible support network around her. She relied on her friends and family, as well as her church community. Notably, her sister was a great help, responding to the initial diagnosis with "alright, let's do this and get this over with!" Tammy's sister knew Tammy well and wanted to help her through the inevitability of losing her hair, which was always a big challenge for Tammy. Her sister made her an appointment at a fancy salon, brought pink champagne, and a crown for Tammy to wear. They laughed, cried, and made a difficult process into a fun day. Since then, the sisters have been in contact every day, and Tammy is extremely grateful for the help and support.

Tammy began chemotherapy in July of 2019 and had a total of 15 rounds of chemo. She didn't know what to expect but started to feel side-effects pretty quickly. Her final four chemo treatments were the most difficult, but Tammy completed her treatments in December of 2019. She then began 33 rounds of radiation therapy. Tammy received the news in February of 2020 that her cancer was in remission.

Tammy's doctors gave her hope, and she found them invaluable throughout her treatment. They made her a road map, a direction that she needed to start traveling down. She also received funding from the Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund, which helped her afford treatments, and transportation to and from treatments.

Introducing Judy Conway

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 16:21:17 GMT

Introducing Judy Conaway.

Judy was born in 1960 in Nebraska but moved around a lot as a child and teen, spending time in Wausau, Green Bay, and Farmington. In 1983, she married her husband Rick, who works for Enduring Resources, and soon after, they had two sons, who are now grown up and currently work as a physical therapist and a restraint manager. Judy enjoys visiting antique stores with her husband, crafts, and cross-stitching.

In November of 2019, Judy discovered a lump on her neck and went to get checked right away because her sister was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma the previous spring. The outcome of that test was a stage IV adenocarcinoma of the lung diagnosis. When she first found out, Judy felt like a deer in the headlights and shocked, particularly that it was lung cancer, since she had never been a smoker.

Despite the devastating news, Judy was swarmed with love. Her husband, two sons, friends, co-workers, and even people she hadn't heard from in years came together and supported her throughout her journey. People offered their prayers, food, and support. Even people who hadn't met Judy before but knew her husband or other members of her family called to check up on her and offer what they could. One of her most ardent supporters has been her dear friend Rosemarie, who works at the Cancer Center.

With so many people reaching out and sharing their experiences with cancer, Judy has learned a lot about what to expect. Knowing what to expect helped her feel informed and not alone in this whole process. Every person and every treatment is different, but realizing that others have been through similar ordeals has significantly been comforting. Judy also experienced some friends and family backing away after her diagnosis. Her advice is to give people grace and patience and trust that they will offer their love and support when they have the strength to do that.

As well as her friends and family, Judy also drew great hope and strength from her doctors and nurses' team at the Cancer Center and Rosemarie and the other staff. Initially, Judy didn't think of applying for funding through the Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer fund, but once Rosemarie offered it, she embraced it as a welcome gift. Judy saw it as a bright spot among so much darkness.

Your support of the Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund helps women receive financial assistance for medical exams, diagnostic testing, medication, treatments and travel.

Please donate to the Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund today .

Introducing Rebecca Griego

Sat, 10 Oct 2020 17:58:50 GMT

Introducing Rebecca Griego.

Rebecca was born in Durango, CO. She lives with her husband of 18 years, Phil, and her three sons, Trel, Zander, and Sataurus. Her family is very close to Rebecca’s mother, sister, mother-in-law, brothers-in-law, and their wives and families. Rebecca loves the outdoors, and her favorite hobbies are fly-fishing on the San Juan, camping with her sister and family, and hunting.

In 2019, when Rebecca was just 40, she was diagnosed with breast cancer (invasive ductal carcinoma) after a routine mammogram. Her mother was previously diagnosed with and survived breast cancer, and her father lost his life to prostate cancer at 55, so Rebecca always knew she might be at risk of cancer. She was relieved when she was told her cancer was only stage I, and she was faithful that God could carry her through.

Throughout this ordeal, Rebecca has been fortunate enough to have a strong support network. Her husband has been her rock and her primary caregiver, and her family, friends, and co-workers have been amazing. Her doctors and nurses also helped her immensely.

Rebecca has endured a bilateral double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction as part of her treatment. She was also recommended chemotherapy, which she decided to decline.

Rebecca’s message to the community is that, in her experience, waiting is the worst part. Once you have the information, you can begin to research and learn as much as you can. This information will allow you to advocate for yourself and your health and ask questions with confidence. Rebecca had to learn how to breathe, cry, and then power through. She also learned the importance of letting people help you because people want to help, but often won’t know what you need. If you be honest and tell them, you may be amazed at their responses.

Cancer takes an incredible amount of strength and resilience to face. Rebecca’s family drives her to keep fighting and winning. Her mother is a survivor, and the inspiration that her mother provides keeps Rebecca pushing forward. Rebecca is a woman of faith, and that belief reminds her to live every day because tomorrow is not promised.

Please donate to the Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund today.

Introducing Aimée Hegar

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 21:57:32 GMT

Introducing Aimée Hegar

Aimée was born in Montana, but moved to Texas soon afterward. Her family spent time all over the state, but she remembers spending more of her childhood in Giddings and College Station, Texas. Aimée comes from a big, loving family, even though they no longer live close to one another. She is a creative spirit who spends her free time painting and playing guitar.

Aimée learned she had stage 3 breast cancer in July of 2020, when she was just 50. She noticed the lump in her breast right at the start of COVID-19, but she decided to wait to get checked because of the circumstances, a decision she now regrets immensely. Waiting often means missing the window of early detection and can increase many of the risks that a cancer diagnosis brings. When her diagnosis came, she was shocked, since breast cancer does not run in Aimée’s family, but her shock eventually gave way to fear and confusion. She did not know what the future would hold and how she would get through this.

Aimée is very lucky and has built an excellent support network around her. The outpouring of love and support from friends and family was overwhelming, and Aimée didn’t realize just how many people cared about her until her diagnosis. She has people to rely on, but she still has to face the scary reality of cancer on her own. The next step for Aimée is chemo. She will undergo ten rounds of chemo, then surgery. She may then have to undergo radiation and chemo, depending on how her cancer responds initially.

Aimée’s message to women in her community is to get tested early and often and not to wait if you find something suspicious on your body. Because cancer, especially breast cancer, doesn’t run in her family, Aimée never felt she had to worry about it, and she urges other women not to take the same approach. Cancer can affect anyone, regardless of family history.

Battling cancer requires enormous strength and resilience. Aimée draws from her loving family and friends, and the support of her workplace. These people allow her to stay connected to the community and focus on the fight. She has applied for funding through the San Juan Medical Foundation’s Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund, and is hugely grateful for not having to worry about finances during this time.

Your support helps women like Aimée receive financial assistance for medical exams, diagnostic testing, medication, treatments and travel.

Please donate to the Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund today.

Deb Albin

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 00:06:25 GMT

After being diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and given 2 months to live, Deb Albin underwent treatment. Treatment included 1 year of chemo, a bone marrow transplant and radiation therapy. Deb has been in remission since 2005 and is now the Nurse Navigator at San Juan Regional Cancer Center. She helps bring hope to community members that have also been diagnosed with cancer.

“The Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund keeps women that don’t have insurance, or are under-insured, afloat. Women that couldn’t afford to get a test, can do it. It’s saving lives. That’s how important it is.” — Deb Albin.

Brad Dalley

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 00:06:25 GMT

“Cancer impacts your life and impacts your family in a way that changes everything. There are many funds for women’s health, but it’s hard to find help for men with costs relating to health care. What I appreciated most was the fact that help was offered and I didn’t have to ask or look for it. The Riley Men’s Fund was one of the first bright spots in my family’s life during that time.” — Brad Dalley

Ginger Palmer

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 00:06:25 GMT

“I am honored to be the interim Executive Director of San Juan Medical Foundation. Our partnership as the philanthropic agency for San Juan Regional Medical Center, your community owned hospital, provides SJMF the opportunity to touch the lives of most everyone in our region, no matter their age, religion, gender, or ethnicity.”

— Ginger Palmer