When a mom is in labor and surgery is needed, it’s important to have access to an advanced surgical suite. Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre has provided this to care teams and patients for years, but now they’re adding a second surgical suite — this one more conveniently located inside the Women’s Center.
The $1.2-million building addition will have a profound impact on the community. And the people of Pierre are showing their generosity by donating more than $425,000 to help fund the project, which is expected to start construction in late 2025 or early 2026.
Here are just a few inspiring stories from recent donors.
“As we toured Avera St. Mary’s Hospital, I saw what it takes to bring a laboring mom to the surgery center in an emergency. That’s when I decided to help make this project a reality,” said Murray Thompson, DDS, PC. “Emergencies happen and time saves lives. Avera St. Mary’s has the right people to bring babies into this world. Now, we need to make sure our new moms and families have even better access to lifesaving care — not just for one patient, but for two. I see that as the best kind of investment.”
Denny and Julie Moore are supporting the project because their children were born at Avera St. Mary’s. They made their gift to honor Mikel Holland, MD, who was their family doctor. Julie said, “I know firsthand how important this surgical suite is. While I was in labor with my second pregnancy, I needed an emergency C-section. It was truly a matter of life and death for both of us. It feels good to pay it forward and honor the life of a terrific physician, colleague and friend.”
Mike and Judy Weisgram also supported this important cause. “Judy and I believe in our community and want to make it better. Murray Thompson, DDS, PC, offered a matching gift challenge in December, and it inspired us to make our commitment, too. We hope young people come to our area, have their children here and raise their families here. Having access to high-quality health care builds confidence in our communities. This addition will make a positive impact on the families Avera serves,” Mike said.
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