Year End Appeal

Dane and Jill Warner hosted Thanksgiving dinner for out-of-state family members this year. The couple had something special to be grateful for as they celebrated.

On February 15, 2011, Jill witnessed her husband suffering a stroke. Her quick action in calling for emergency assistance saved his life.

Both of the Warners are especially thankful that the ambulance crew took Dane to Methodist Hospital. Although several other hospitals are closer to their Glendora home, Methodist is the closest designated stroke receiving center. As an Advanced Primary Stroke Center, we are recognized for offering prompt, expert treatment for this life-threatening medical condition.

Early that morning, the 53-year-old computer network engineer was exercising on an elliptical machine in the couple's bedroom. Jill, who was watching TV, noticed that he had suddenly stopped moving. "My whole left side had stopped working," Dane recalls.

Jill turned on the light and asked Dane a question. She noticed right away that his speech was slurred. stroke right in front of me.

The paramedics and EMTs arrived in minutes and rushed Dane to the Emergency Department at Methodist Hospital. Jill rode along in the ambulance.

A quick CT scan revealed a clot blocking the flow of blood in Dane's brain.

A neurologist and other members of Methodist Hospital's rapid response stroke team administered a clot-busting drug called tPA. This medication is a major advance in treating the type of stroke that affects 7080 percent of patients. To be safe and effective, it must be given by experts within three hours of the onset of symptoms.

Because Jill and medical personnel acted so swiftly, and because Dane was taken to Methodist for his care, he made remarkable progress in his recovery. He spent only three days in the hospital. After undergoing physical, occupational and speech therapy, he was able to return to work full-time eight weeks later.

I write today to thank you on behalf of thousands of patients like Dane whose lives have been touched by your generosity to Methodist Hospital. And I ask you to continue your partnership in our healing mission by making a tax-deductible gift of $40, $50 $75, or more this holiday season.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in our nation, and the number-one cause of adult disability. It kills twice as many American women as breast cancer does every year.

To prevent death and devastation, it is essential to have prompt access to treatment by a highly qualified stroke team in an excellent Emergency Department as soon as possible after a stroke occurs.

Methodist Hospital has a multidisciplinary stroke team that includes an emergency physician, neurologist, neurosurgeon, radiologist, attending physician, nurse practitioner, nurse educator, registered nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist.

As a valued supporter of the hospital, you play an important role in making such highly specialized, life-saving resources available to neighbors like the Warners.

Your philanthropic investment has ensured that Methodist Hospital outcomes.

Paramedic ambulances direct cases requiring special expertise to our Emergency Department because of our Advanced Primary Stroke Center certification, our official designation as an Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics, and our proven track record as a STEMI receiving center for heart attack patients.

A tax-deductible donation to support these and all the life-saving programs of Methodist Hospital is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your family, friends and neighbors this holiday season. It will make the San Gabriel Valley a healthier place for all of us to live.

As always, we will be deeply grateful for any amount you're able to contribute. From our family to yours, warmest wishes for peace and joy in this season of goodwill, and the best of health in the coming year.

Sincerely,

Kenneth K. Wogensen, MD
Physician Chair, Methodist Hospital Stroke Council

P.S. If you would like to make a donation directly from your IRA, please call the Foundation office by December 19, 2011

2011 Year-End Gift Deadlines

Hereafter are the deadlines and the procedures necessary in order to receive credit for 2011 in your financial documents.

Cash and/or checks

In Person Must be delivered to the Foundation Office by 12:00 p.m. on Friday, 12/30/11.
Mail All donations must be postmarked by Friday, 12/30/11.

Credit Card

Methodist Hospital accepts donations made by Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards.

In Person Must be delivered to the Foundation Office by 12 p.m. on Friday, 12/30/11.
Mail Must be processed in the Foundation Office by 5 p.m. Friday, 12/30/11. A 2011 postmarked envelope is not recognized as valid proof for tax deduction. Tax credit is granted for the date that the transaction is processed.
Phone Must be made by 12 p.m. on Friday, 12/30/11. Please contact the Foundation Office at 626-898-8888.

Stock Transfer

Electronic allow ample time for your broker advisor to process your transfer request. Depending on your broker relationship, this may take several days to process during the busy year-end season.

In Person Must be delivered to and accepted by the Foundation Office by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, 12/30/11.
Mail Must be postmarked no later than Friday, 12/30/11.
Express Mail (i.e. FedEx, UPS, courier) Must be received and accepted by the Foundation office by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, 12/30/11.

NOTE: Paper stock certificates must be signed and have all required information completed correctly on its reverse side, or, have required information completed on a separate Stock/Bond Power. For your safety and security, it is recommended that any paper certificates mailed or delivered be executed for ownership transfer on a separate Stock/Bond Power. Both certificate(s) and Power(s) must be received by the dates above to be credited as a 2011 gift. Please inform the Foundation as soon as possible of your intention to transfer stock. We will be glad to work with the brokerages to assure a seamless transfer.

Prior arrangements to deliver a gift or to have it picked up may be coordinated by contacting the Foundation Office at 626-898-8888.

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