• Donation enables purchase of portable pumps.

By Julie Dockstader Heaps, SVI Media

A $5,000 donation from the Star Valley Health Auxiliary is making it possible for patients receiving infusion to do so in the privacy and comfort of their own homes.

Citing the importance of “patients going through chemo to have as much dignity and privacy as possible,” the auxiliary presented the check during its Feb. 6 monthly organization meeting to Kyle Roniger, director of nursing for Star Valley Health. The donation, from funds raised through the philanthropic efforts of the all-volunteer auxiliary, makes it possible for SVH Oncology and Infusion to purchase two portable medication pumps.

“They have enough for two people at one time if that need arises,” said auxiliary president Mary Miller. “[The pumps] are portable. The medication can be started at the infusion center, and they can take them home and be surrounded with family and loved ones.

“It’s such a stressful time for patients who are going through treatments to be able to [use the pumps] in the comfort of their own homes is a big plus.”

This donation was just one of three for a total of $15,000 in the past year to Star Valley Health, Miller told SVI Media. At the end of 2023, the auxiliary — which operates in cooperation with the Star Valley Health Foundation — donated $5,000 to the Physical Therapy Department. And $5,000 has been pledged to the Radiology Department for overnight facilities to support an on-call radiologist.

“We are an organization that supports the hospital by doing fundraisers and giving our funds toward projects that will benefit different departments,” Miller related. “Our goal is to provide personal, state-of-the-art healthcare for the community. We do that through the funds we collect.”

Often working in conjunction with the hospital foundation, the Star Valley Health Auxiliary raises funding through various service and community projects, as well as operating the hospital gift shop.

In addition, auxiliary members often offer individual community service, such as helping in waiting rooms providing snacks and beverages to family members. Miller spends part of her time at the care center at the hospital, working alongside the activities director.

“We do a variety of things” to raise funds, Miller explained. “We solicit the businesses of Star Valley, and we get donations. We really depend on and appreciate the support of so many of the local businesses.”

Other fundraising projects by Star Valley Health Auxiliary include a dinner/bingo evening, card game nights with prizes and gift card collections. Auxiliary members are pay annual fees, which supports the goals of the organization.

Miller extolled the mission of the auxiliary. A retired teacher, she and her husband, Brian, moved to Star Valley from Ohio 17 years ago to live near grandchildren.

“I wanted something to do that was worthwhile that was of service to the community. That’s probably what most people in the auxiliary are thinking. This is a way to serve the community and do something worthwhile.”

For upcoming events sponsored by Star Valley Health Auxiliary, see https://starvalleyhealth.org/auxiliary/.