A Walking Miracle

Nikki Taylor: Celebrating Women's Health Month May is Women's Health Month—a time to reflect on and recommit to the well-being of women everywhere. Nikki Taylor’s dedication to the San Juan Medical Foundation embodies the spirit of this month. As a board member, volunteer, and Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund committee member, Nikki has seen firsthand the difference the Women's Cancer Luncheon & Style Show makes for women facing cancer. This annual event is dedicated to celebrating and supporting them. "The Luncheon lifts the models up and recognizes what they have been through, pampers them for the day, and lets them share their story," Nikki says. "Cancer touches everyone's lives, and to have an organization out there that cares about you and your story — and supports women who may be struggling financially — is such a wonderful gift." 

Celebrating Nurses Week: Passing the Torch

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 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!