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!

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.

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.