community Articles

Holiday magic is hard work. Luckily, Monument Health caregivers Dana Darger and Denny Leibel are up to the task.

Recovering from a brain tumor and radiation, Grayson Chapeau can once again enjoy ping pong, dancing and life.

The path to better health can be a challenging one. For David and Darlene, the key to success was taking it together.

A surprise birth defect could have cost Linkin his life, had it not been for Jonathan Bigwood, M.D.

Sometimes a life-altering event has unexpected results. For Leah Nixon, tragedy was the muse that inspired her to take her art seriously.

A Physician Assistant, Registered Nurse and a Patient Access Specialist who doubles as an EMT are meeting the health care needs of South Dakota's most isolated county.

A nurse for 46 years, Marcia Taylor, RN, understands what it’s like to be a patient and caregiver. Her empathy and compassion helped shape the largest construction project in Monument Health history.

The food landscape has changed dramatically this year, forcing us to rethink how we buy, prepare, and eat food.

A friend in need is a friend indeed, especially when one needs a hand. Or a shoulder.

Shawn Powers doesn’t treat pediatric patients at Monument Health, but his work impacts their lives each and every day — not through clinical care, but through his role as the program manager of Children’s Miracle Network.

Having a positive relationship with your physician can make a world of difference in how you feel about your care. For Elizabeth Sterling, every visit with Sonalika Khachikian, M.D., is like seeing a dear friend.

Physicians, nurses and caregivers have a talent for making patients feel better. As it turns out, their talents extend far beyond the clinical setting.

First impressions are important, and no one knows that better than the Patient Access team at Monument Health.

Mohs surgery allowed Jim Phillips to continue his lifelong love of the outdoors despite skin cancer

There is never a good time or place to have a life-threatening medical emergency, but Danny Morris is thankful help was nearby when he needed it.

There are about as many different coffee orders as there are caregivers at Monument Health. And the baristas crafting each drink are every bit as unique as the orders they serve.

Cutting-edge treatments and therapies are powerful allies in the fight against diseases like cancer. But when it comes to feeling better, don’t underestimate the healing power of touch.

As Miss South Dakota, Miranda O’Bryan is proud to represent the state where she was born and raised. She’s also grateful for the opportunity to prepare for the Miss America Competition at Monument Health Sports Performance Institute powered by exos.

Stepping up to challenges is nothing new for Carter.

Kelly Howie and his real estate team believe deeply in supporting the Children's Miracle Network — and showing others how they can, too.

It’s always fun to share what you love, and for this miniature car collector there’s nothing better than putting smiles on kids’ faces.

Radiologic Technologist Robert Schroeder has made a career of looking below the surface and — just as importantly — teaching the art of caring.

The Monument Health Family Medicine Residency Clinic in Rapid City was created nearly 30 years ago to address two challenges: a shortage of rural doctors and a need for care in underserved neighborhoods of North Rapid City. Today, the clinic continues to meet those needs, but it does so much more.

Emma Madsen’s fine line tattoos are growing in popularity, but in addition to tattooing she’s become passionate about helping cancer survivors feel beautiful again.

When an accident left a young couple hospitalized far from home, friends and family showered them with kindness using Monument Health’s E-card program.

As babies grow and get older, you never know when it’s the last time they’ll need you to pick them up or rock them to sleep.

Amanda and Katie - reunited and striking up conversation

A hospital stay can be physically, mentally and emotionally challenging. Volunteers like Kim help bring patients a little bit of comfort in the form of a handmade blanket.

There’s one thing that’s true of these three Monument Health caregivers and graduates of Project SEARCH — they each take their roles very seriously. JP, Berkley and Cody all have a deep understanding that the time they spend as caregivers is making a difference. Every day.

With help from Monument Health Hospice staff, a Hill City patient fulfills a lifelong dream.

Everyone has something that they hope for, that they look forward to. Holding onto a dream, of one kind or another, helps us stay hopeful. It makes the good times sweeter, and the hard times a little easier. However, when it feels like that dream starts slipping out of reach, it’s easy for hopelessness to start sneaking in. But sometimes a little kindness or an unexpected favor turns everything around, transforming a dream into reality.

The Miracle of Recovery When people suffer catastrophic illness or injury, sometimes they recover in ways that defy expectations

All your bags are packed, but are you ready to go? Here's how you can make sure you stay healthy during your next trip.

Donna Kluthe began volunteering at the Rapid City Hospital gift shop in the 90s, but it wasn’t until 2012 that she found her way to wayfinding.

Paige is the Manager of the Communications Center and Security Dispatch Center The Communications Center is a 24/7, 365-day operation and plays a crucial role in keeping everyone connected and informed of emergency situations.

Martha Maron, Volunteer, Rapid City Hospital When the time came for Registered Nurse, Martha Maron, to retire, she discovered that she couldn’t quit helping others — which brought her back as a volunteer.

Betty Goddard, Volunteer, Sturgis Hospital Betty got involved with the Sturgis Hospital Auxiliary nearly 10 years ago as a way to meet people after moving to Sturgis. Since then, she’s been a near-constant presence in the gift shop.

Eric Brouillette, Human Resources Business Partner, Northern Hills Markets

Sam Biberdorf had a long road to recovery after a car accident led to an 11-day stay in the Hospital. Fortunately, Sam had something crucial to getting him back on his feet: A relentless positive attitude.

During their stay in the hospital, patients often need care and treatment from different specialists in different care settings. Collaboration between physicians and caregivers is crucial, and Monument Health’s case managers ensure the treatment plan includes everything — and everyone — that it should.

No one escapes workplace accidents, but when your job involves soaring through the air on a motorcycle, it’s hard to walk it off.

Guest Services delivers high-quality, nonclinical patient care in Monument Health’s hospitals so providers can focus on offering exceptional clinical care.

Military service is a unique experience. Mark Harder works to make sure every veteran that enters a Monument Health facility is cared for and honored.

Volunteerism doesn’t just mean supporting one organization directly. Sometimes it’s finding ways you can independently raise funds or awareness for many local charities.

Brianne Edwards compared the experience of losing her son, Lachlan, to a thousand pounds being dropped on her chest. Experiencing joy again seemed impossible, but she found a way for her and her son to always be together.

Home health, hospice and palliative care are not taken lightly at Monument Health. End-of-life caregivers are messengers to the community that each life is profound and is worthy of excellent care.

Whitney Driscoll and his son, Ryan, have more in common than just their last name. The father and son find themselves grateful to a comprehensive team of Monument Health caregivers.

Deb is passionate about teaching people with diabetes how to live a healthy and full life. With improvements in technology and research, diabetes management strategies have never been more customizable and effective for patients.

Along with maintaining the grounds at all Monument Health locations in Rapid City, the grounds team works closely with contractors to coordinate projects and repairs.

Caregiver literally wrote the book on the Black Hills’ historic hospital

Expansion projects in Spearfish and Rapid City will ensure Monument Health Meets the needs of its communities today, tomorrow and for generations to come.

Brox Hunt of Piedmont is a thriving 5-year-old who loves watching his older siblings play sports, dancing, playing with friends, going to church and everything related to baseball – especially watching Post 22 baseball.

Kathy Stiefvater Manager of Laboratory Services

With warmer temperatures comes fresh food. Try one of these vibrant recipes and discover bold, new flavor combinations and a way to utilize those homegrown tomatoes or cucumbers.

New medications, updated medical equipment and the latest in treatment techniques don’t emerge out of the blue. It takes clinical research to perfect them.

Leaving a legacy behind is something many aspire to; whether that’s through charitable giving, volunteering or being surrounded by a loving family. Another incredibly impactful way to leave a legacy is through eye, organ and tissue donation.

Software engineer Michael Paulson is among the thousands of gamers involved with Extra Life, raising money for children’s hospitals by doing something that they love: playing video games.

Starting the volunteer program at Monument Health Custer Hospital may have been a lot of work, but to Lori Burnham, it was worth the effort.

Bobbi Jean is one of Monument Health’s most active volunteers. On top of her full-time role with Information Technology she also has volunteered more than 260 hours of her time since July 1, and logged more than 600 volunteer hours in Fiscal Year 2021.

LiveWell by Monument Health is a voluntary well-being initiative offering support, resources and rewards to physicians and caregivers.

Kim has seen many changes in her 22 years within the laundry department — from new buildings to updated technology — but the one constant is Kim’s cheerful disposition, as evidenced by the notes she sends with orders.

Settling in at Monument Health — and in the Black Hills — is different for each new physician. Regardless of what assistance they need, Carla is here to help.

The Monument Health Foundation supports worthy causes connected to Monument Health, and their reach often goes further than most realize.

Sgt. Thomas Keller thought he had only cracked his rib after dropping a barbell on his chest, but the situation was much graver than he thought. Fortunately, quick action by a local medevac team and a cardiothoracic surgeon kept a life-threatening injury from becoming fatal.

Sharon Hasvold had a rewarding 24-year career at Rapid City Hospital, and has served as the Volunteer Auxiliary president. For Sharon, being part of the hospital environment is about immersing herself in caring for others.

Since she started volunteering at Rapid City Hospital, Joyce Bjork has clocked over 32,000 volunteer hours — more than any other volunteer. But Joyce isn’t looking for recognition, she just loves using her favorite pastime to help others.

Ty White’s infection prevention and control team touches every person at Monument Health, from patients and visitors to caregivers and contractors.

29-year-old Patrick Sabrowski was diagnosed with autism before he turned 3. Despite his communication challenges, Monument Health’s partnership with Black Hills Works means Patrick has an important role to fill.

Cowboys are tough enough to withstand harsh conditions, and Bob Lantis is no exception. But when his health started to limit his cowboy way of life, Bob turned to Monument Health for help getting back in the saddle.

Diabetes is a serious condition, but when you’re in the business of musical comedy, you tend to face these things with a smile.

CMA has volunteered with Monument Health during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally since 1999, and 2021 was no different. The organization had more than 200 volunteers in the Black Hills and a presence at Monument Health’s hospitals in Custer, Deadwood, Rapid City, Spearfish and Sturgis.

Between caring for others at Hospice House, serving on the Volunteer Auxiliary Board and helping the Cancer Care Institute create a wig room for patients, Sue Plooster loves to give back.

Monument Health's Safety Services team, led by Safety Services Director Brian Blenner, is working hard to ensure our caregivers and our patients are safe. This includes Life Safety as well as addressing Workplace Violence.

For almost 30 years, Sue Holloway has found ways to volunteer in the Lead-Deadwood community — from helping the school library to supporting seniors.

Health isn’t just a physical trait — mental health plays a significant role in people’s lives. Despite this, some people are hesitant to seek help. Luckily McKenzie Grim is ready to help them find what they need.

Whether it’s serving on the Monument Health Custer Advisory Board or helping provide the community with accurate information about COVID-19, Doris Ann Mertz is committed to helping Custer.

Colin Gholson started his life with ARPKD, a genetic disease that often leads to kidney failure. As the 2020 and 2021 Children’s Miracle Network Champion, one thing is clear — his condition hasn’t slowed him down.

Since 2012, Monument Health has impacted and improved the lives of student-athletes by providing caregivers to academic institutions.

Paramedics and EMTs are emergency responders, but they also provide training and first aid in their communities. For Joy Wilczynski, caring for her neighbors in the Lead-Deadwood area has been her passion for over two decades.

Mary McLaughlin didn't know if she would ever walk without pain. Orthopedic surgeon Richard Little, M.D., gave her what she needed most: hope.

Information Technology plays a crucial role in keeping Monument Health capable of providing the best possible care. That’s why Krishna Blair, Senior Desktop Analyst, does his best to keep technology working smoothly.

After 32 years in a number of roles at the VA, Betty had more than earned retirement. But in the face of a pandemic, she returned to take on the role of vaccinator.

Don Gray was hospitalized for 51 days, but he was victorious over COVID-19.

When Steven Austin’s heart quit, his physicians refused to give up on him.

When a healthy young woman collapsed, it could have been the end of her story. Registered Nurse, Amanda Gunter had other plans.

When Kate Frye was diagnosed with lung cancer, she made a promise. Read her story and learn how the Cancer Care Institute’s expansion will help future patients like her.

After a successful nursing career spanning more than 30 years, Mary Mickley stays connected to the medical community by volunteering at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital.

For the last 20 years, Beverly Paschke has devoted time to volunteering with Monument Health, and taking steps to make patient stays just a little more comfortable.

Larry Mills, Jose Huertas and Pattie Paulsen touch every aspect of Monument Health’s printed communication, running a full-service print shop within Monument Health.

Carter Berlin loves normal kid things, but he also spends time with Monument Health managing a rare autoimmune disorder.

Real estate and artwork play a unique role in health care. Meet the woman behind the scenes with a focus on providing a caring experience.

Meet Paul Winckler the Pastor at the Zion Luthern Church, School and Preschool - and a volunteer spiritual services adviser with Monument Health.

Meet Shirley Bell, a volunteer in the Rapid City Hospital gift shop at Monument Health - a position she has held for 45 years.

Patient Care Champions (PCC) play a vital role in the team nursing model at Monument Health Hospitals. Meet Laura Holland, PCC supervisor.