The Sanford Health Foundation has met a major milestone in its Gift of Time campaign to build a multi-generational, acute-level hospice facility in Sioux Falls, thanks to a significant lead gift from Ron and Joanne Moquist and contributions from many early campaign supporters. The facility will be named Ava’s House to honor the memory of the Moquists’ great niece, Ava Holder, who lost her battle with cancer at 4 years old.
Located on 17th street between Covell and Lake avenues on the campus of Sanford USD Medical Center, Ava’s House will be a 20-bed, in-patient acute-level hospice facility serving all ages with 24-hour nursing care in a home-like environment. It will also be one of just four in the country to include in-patient pediatric hospice services.
“We are proud to be part of this Sanford hospice campaign, and we hope others from the community will join us,” said Ron Moquist, formerly the CEO and president of Raven Industries in Sioux Falls. “This facility will fill a great need in our community and give people of all ages a place of love and compassion in those final days.”
The new facility will enhance Sanford’s current hospice services delivered in the hospital, long-term care facilities, respite-care Sanford Hospice Cottages and in-home settings.
“Our goal is to always improve the patient experience, even when the inevitability of end of life is near,” said Paul Hanson, president of Sanford USD Medical Center. “When our patients are facing this challenging time, we strive to provide them dignity and comfort in a peaceful and welcoming environment. On behalf of our patients and families, we are extremely grateful for the Moquist’s support of this facility.”
Sanford will break ground on Ava’s House in the spring of 2016. It is expected to open in 2018.
“After hearing the hospice experiences of so many, including my wife’s story with her late husband , the need for more acute-level care hospice facilities in our community is apparent; people are responding to the campaign with such concern and generosity.” said Tom Van Wyhe, who is the volunteer campaign cabinet co-chair along with his wife, Crystal. “In addition to the Moquist’s lead gift, we are grateful to many others who have contributed early major gifts to support the $15 million campaign.”
…
Posted In News
