Cindy Mydland joined Sanford Health to make a difference for others.
Fifteen years later and now the director for Sanford Clinics in Watertown and Clark, South Dakota, it’s something she still strives for, not just during her workday but in her generous support of the Sanford Health Foundation.
We caught up with Mydland to ask a few questions about what giving means to her.
What inspired you to work in health care?
“I always loved the idea of a career where you are making a difference for people. I started in bank management. I’ve now been with Sanford for 15 years, first at the Sanford Clinic in Brookings and now in the Watertown area.”
What do you enjoy most about your work?
“I love that we make a huge difference for people and that we are there when they need us most. Sanford is a great organization to work for, and it means a lot to me to work for a company that I respect and am proud to work for.
“We aren’t in this just for a paycheck. We work for Sanford and do what we do because it’s a calling. We make a difference and that’s a pretty rewarding thing in our life. Every single one of us play a role.
“Making an appointment, answering billing questions, managing people — we all make a difference. We can all play a role in caring for families in our communities.”
Why is it important for you to give back through the Sanford Health Foundation?
“The Foundation allows us to go above and beyond for the families we serve and each other. I’ve supported the Employee Crisis Fund in the past with a payroll deduction and PTO donation. Most recently, I gave to the Sweet Dreams campaign, because I want every family to have the chance at a happy ending. When I heard the Foundation was fundraising for Giraffe OmniBeds in the Sanford Children’s Beokelheide NICU, I thought we should absolutely have those available. If this is how that happens, then I’m happy to help.”
Do you have a personal story that inspired your gifts?
“When I had my daughter, I needed an emergency C-section. Everything turned out fine, but I think about all the things that could have gone wrong. Everyone deserves to have their happy ending. That was 28 years ago, and we continue to get better at making it a blissful experience.”
Sanford employees like you already give time and talents to support our mission. Why is it important to give philanthropically as well?
“We’re a great organization. We always want to do more. We always seek to find new and better ways to care for our patients. Sometimes that can only happen through the generosity of the community. You don’t have to make a large gift. If we come together, we can be very impactful.”
About the Sanford Health Foundation
The Foundation team works across the Sanford Health footprint inspire generosity and connect people to Sanford’s mission. 100% of every dollar raised stays local, supporting medical research and compassionate care delivered through Sanford Health.
More than 21,000 donors give to Foundation each year, including community members, businesses and Sanford employees. Their generosity reflects a strong belief in Sanford’s mission to bring health, healing and comfort to the communities it serves.
To learn more, visit sanfordhealthfoundation.org/giveback.
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Posted In Foundation, People & Culture, Watertown
