WellCommons

Lawrence Memorial Hospital employee Lew Nolan receives an Elizabeth Watkins Community Caring Award during the LMH Endowment Association annual meeting Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at Maceli's. He is pictured with outgoing LMHEA board president Jeff Morrison, left, and incoming president Dr. Carla Phipps. by Karrey Britt

Lawrence Memorial Hospital leaders thanked individuals and businesses Thursday evening for their support by giving time and money during 2011.

“We had an excellent year in so many ways,” LMH President and CEO Gene Meyer said. “It was another year of construction, renovation and activity.”

He spoke to about 200 people during the annual LMH Endowment Association meeting at Maceli’s, 1031 N.H. in downtown Lawrence.

Meyer said LMH opened the Eudora Medical Plaza in April and recently finished renovating the hospital’s kitchen and dining area, but for him, the highlight in 2011 was celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Oncology Center in September.

“It was one of the most heart-warming and meaningful things that we could have ever done, and the neat part is that the Endowment Association is woven through every segment of the success that we’ve had with the oncology unit,” he said.

Meyer said the community has supported the Oncology Center through fundraisers big and small. He mentioned former Kansas University basketball standout Mario Chalmers who donated $25,000 to open a specialty shop for cancer patients. He also talked about patient Jamie Pursley, whose dying wish was to renovate the infusion rooms. After she died in March, her friends helped raise $130,000 to make her wish come true.

“Because of the generosity of our community and those who gave, we have a bright future,” he said.

In 2011, the Endowment Association transferred $2.2 million to the hospital, and that helped pay for equipment, services, medical education and research.

Here are some other ways the community supported LMH last year:

• 360 — golfers participated in the H.P. “Penny” Jones Golf Tournament on Sept. 9, raising $188,871.

• 750 — people attended the Stepping Out Against Breast Cancer dance, raising $71,283.

• 780 — LMH employees gave $60,000 through the Employee Giving Campaign.

• 222 — people participated in a “Small Town Big Cause” 5K run/walk last summer, raising $14,800. The event was held in Baldwin City, Tonganoxie and Eudora.

LMHEA also received its largest gift in history — $1.2 million — from a charitable remainder trust established by the late Karl and Una Kreider.

Kathy Clausing-Willis, LMH vice president and chief development officer, looked across the room and said, “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. LMH wouldn’t be the outstanding hospital it is today without your support.”

Two individuals, two businesses and one LMH employee were honored with the coveted Elizabeth Watkins Community Caring Award. They were:

• Beverly Smith Billings, a former LMHEA board of directors president and member. She helped co-chair the LMH $8 million capital campaign and was instrumental in establishing the Bob Billings Cardiac Evaluation Center at LMH.

• Dianna Nelson, who volunteers 400 hours a year at the hospital. She trains new volunteers, helps organize the Stepping Out Against Breast Cancer dance and volunteers in Mario’s Closet, a specialty shop for cancer patients.

• Lew Nolan, who has volunteered at LMH for 20 years. A few years ago, he decided to apply for a job and now works in the LMH admissions department during the week and then volunteers on Saturdays, Christmas and Thanksgiving.

• Byrnes Pharmacy of Eudora and Criticare Home Health Services of Lawrence, for their support through donation of money and services.

Beverly Smith Billings, center, receives an Elizabeth Watkins Community Caring Award during the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association annual meeting Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at Maceli's. She is pictured with outgoing LMHEA board president Jeff Morrison, left, and incoming president Dr. Carla Phipps. by Karrey Britt

Dianna Nelson, center, receives an Elizabeth Watkins Community Caring Award during the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association annual meeting Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at Maceli's. She is pictured with outgoing LMHEA board president Jeff Morrison, left, and incoming president Dr. Carla Phipps. by Karrey Britt

Lori Heasty, owner of Criticare Home Health Services, receives an Elizabeth Watkins Community Caring Award during the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association annual meeting Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at Maceli's. She is pictured with outgoing LMHEA board president Jeff Morrison, left, and incoming president Dr. Carla Phipps. by Karrey Britt

Pics of those at the event:

From left are Bob Bechtel, Rita Haugh and Margaret Gordon, all of Lawrence. by Karrey Britt

Longtime Lawrence residents Norman and Norma Leary attend Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association's annual meeting Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at Maceli's. by Karrey Britt

From left are Audrey Bishop, Garrett and Humbelina Harper and Faith Nilhas. by Karrey Britt

From left are: Peach and Ted Madl, Steve Edmonds and Marion Springer, all of Lawrence. by Karrey Britt

From left are Jon King, Dr. Marc Scarbrough and Dr. Traci Cuevas.

Sue Hill, left, and Lucy Smith, of Lawrence, were among about 200 people who attended LMHEA's annual meeting. by Karrey Britt

From left are Carl and Suzie Craig, Proctor Crow and Joleen Bechtel, all of Lawrence. They attended Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association's annual meeting Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at Maceli's. by Karrey Britt

http://admin.ljworld.com/media/photo/228898/

Former Kansas basketball player Mario Chalmers spoke Friday, July 22, 2011, during the grand opening celebration of Mario's Closet at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 325 Maine. Chalmers' foundation donated $25,000 to the LMH Endowment Association to help establish the specialty shop for cancer patients. by Kevin Anderson

Former Kansas University basketball guard Mario Chalmers already is a hero in Lawrence. He made that miracle three-point shot that lead to KU’s 2008 national title.

But, he’s also a hero off the court.

Last year, his foundation donated $25,000 to Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Assn. to establish Mario’s Closet, a specialty shop for cancer patients.

On Friday, Chalmers, who now plays for the Miami Heat, celebrated the grand opening of the shop along with about 200 people from the community, including cancer survivors.

“It’s just marvelous,” said Lawrence resident Dianna Nelson of the shop which offers wig and salon services, mastectomy bras and prostheses, cosmetics, skin care products and more.

Nine years ago when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she had to go out of town for those services.

“They are so important because they make you feel more normal,” she said.

Mario's Closet, a specialty shop for cancer patients, opened for business Friday, July 22, 2011, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital after a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The closet offers wig and salon services, mastectomy bras and prostheses, cosmetics, skin care products and more. by Kevin Anderson

Former Kansas basketball player Mario Chalmers shakes hands with Michael Douglas, 13, of Wellsville, after the grand opening ceremony of Mario's Closet at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Chalmers' foundation donated $25,000 to the LMH Endowment Association to help establish the specialty shop for cancer patients. Douglas, who has a rare lung disease, is one of Chalmers' biggest fans. After a story about Michael appeared in the Lawrence-Journal World in 2009, the Miami Heat flew Michael and his family down to see Chalmers in action. by Kevin Anderson

Chalmers attended the event along with his parents, Ronnie and Almarie Chalmers, and older sister Romeka.

“Just to see the project is amazing,” Chalmers said. “It’s to help people with cancer in their everyday life — just to help them survive.”

He wanted to help cancer patients because a longtime childhood friend, Paul Peterson, lost his mother, Pauline, to the disease. Chalmers said she was like a second mother to him.

“I just want to do anything I can,” he said.

Mike Dann, of Baldwin City, said his wife, Terri, battled breast cancer eight years ago. She went to Kansas City for wigs and other much-needed, feel-good services. He said having Mario’s Closet right down the hallway from the oncology center is going to be much easier for patients.

“It’s a real battle between you and the cancer, and somebody’s going to win and the history shows that those who have a positive attitude and can feel good about things have a much better chance of beating the cancer,” he said.

Not only is his wife a survivor, but he’s a Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor, and both received treatment at LMH.

“We have the best cancer care in the region right here in Lawrence,” he said.

In 2010, the LMH Oncology Center had 8,475 patient visits, including 734 new patients.

Dr. Sherri Soule, a hematologist and oncologist, said, “It means so much to us that he (Chalmers) chose this community and obviously, he’s a big hero here.”

She said the shop will enable low-income patients to get those much-needed services.

She recently had a patient whose hair was falling out and needed to get her hair shaved, but the patient didn’t have enough money to go to a stylist.

“You would be surprised at how many people don’t have those resources,” she said. “Now, there is a place to go.”

Zak Morgan, left, and Lotus Hiatt were the youngest and oldest participants in the second annual Small Town Big Cause 5K Run/Walk July 24 in Tonganoxie. Close to 100 participants helped the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association raise nearly $6,000. This was Hiatt’s first 5K.

Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association is having 5K run/walks in three area towns this summer.

It’s the third year for its “Small Town Big Cause” fundraiser.

The events will benefit the endowment association, which provides financial support to LMH for medical education, research, equipment, land acquisition and unique programs.

Also, half of the net proceeds raised in each town will be donated back through a wellness grant to help improve the community’s health.

The details:

• Tonganoxie — July 23 at Family Medicine of Tonganoxie, 410 Woodsfield. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and the race at 7:30 a.m.

• Eudora — July 30 at Eudora Parks and Recreation Center, 1638 Elm St. Registrations begins at 7 a.m. and the race at 8 a.m.

• Baldwin City — Aug. 27 at Baldwin City Golf Course, 1500 South St. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the race at 8 a.m.

Registration before July 1 is $20 for one event, $35 for two, and $50 for three. After July 1, it’s $25, $45 and $65.

Prizes will be given at each event for: overall top male and female finishers, top male and female in each age group, the team with the first three finishers, team with the most members and team with most creative apparel.

To register or for more information, contact Melissa Hess at 505-3317 or visit www.lmhendowment.org.

Kansas University Athletic Director Sheahon Zenger will be the keynote speaker during the "Hoops For Men's Health" luncheon event Sunday at Allen Fieldhouse. by kbritt

There’s a new health event just for men.

Hoops For Men’s Health will be Sunday at Allen Fieldhouse and will feature a luncheon, free-throw contest and health fair.

“Men are especially reluctant, it seems, to go to the doctor to have the basic things checked throughout their life,” said Ted Haggart, president of Douglas County Bank and a member of the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association board.

The goal is to get men to think about their health and take some preventative measures. It also will raise money for the endowment association, which provides financial support to LMH for equipment and other health services.

The details:

• Health fair — 11:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., free. There will be about two dozen vendors. Some will be providing screenings and tests.

• Luncheon — 12:30 p.m.- 1:30 p.m., $50, in Naismith Room. Keynote speaker will be Kansas University Athletic Director Sheahon Zenger.

• Free-throw competition — 1 p.m.- 5 p.m., $25. There will be a contest for individuals and another for teams of four. Participants get a T-shirt and prizes will be given to winners.

To register for the luncheon or free-throw contest, visit www.lmhendowment.org or call 505-3317. Reservations are preferred by 5 p.m. Friday, but walk-ins are welcome. People can reserve a specific time to participate in the free-throw contest.

Haggart hopes men — and their families — come out, have a good time and learn about the importance of taking care of their health.

Dr. Tom Marcellino, of Mount Oread Family Practice, said women are better at taking preventative measures than men.

“I think that men are more stubborn when it comes to health problems. They think that things are going to be OK, but in reality they may have problems that need to be addressed,” he said.

He said men of all ages need to be taking preventative action.

Those in their 20s and 30s need to watch their use of alcohol and tobacco products. They should practice safe sex and get proper vaccinations. They are at risk for testicular cancer.

At 40, Marcellino said men need to be screened for prostate cancer and then at 50 for colon cancer.

“The goal is to identify risk factors and treat them before they become a problem,” he said.

Event flyer. by kbritt

WHY MEN NEED TO CARE

LMH provided the following health statistics:

• Men have a higher age-adjusted death rate compared with women from nearly all the leading causes of death, including heart disease, cancer and stroke.

• Men have a higher colon cancer incidence and mortality rate compared with women.

• Men have a higher prevalence of smoking compared with women throughout life.

• In 1920, women lived, on average, one year longer than men. Now women live, on average, five years longer than men.

A tribute to the late Karl and Una Kreider can be found on a wall in the lobby at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. The hospital received $1.3 million in February 2011 from the couple's charitable remainder trusts. by Karrey Britt

Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association received a $1.3 million gift last month.

Kathy Clausing-Willis, vice president and chief development officer, made an announcement during this morning’s board meeting.

The gift was from the Karl and Una Kreider charitable remainder trusts. The value of the trusts was donated to LMH when the Kreiders’ last surviving child, Margaret Larsen, died this winter.

LMHE first learned about the gift in 1994 when Una died. Karl died in 1983. At that time, LMH named its new rehabilitation center in their honor. Their gift made it possible for LMH to expand it rehabilitation services to include occupational and speech therapy.

Since the Kreider Rehabilitation Center opened 15 years ago, the number of therapy service hours provided has increased 37 percent.

Una and Karl were Lawrence High School graduates. They lived in Lawrence for more than 60 years and had two children.

Karl Kreider served as a private in the 164th Depot Brigade and in the Medical Officers Training Camp at Fort Riley. After working in a Lecompton bank for a few years, he established the Securities Investment Co. in Lawrence.

“They were dedicated to this community and they knew they wanted to leave behind a legacy of kindness to a community they held dear to their hearts,” Clausing-Willis said.

Una and Karl Kreider

Here’s a dose of health news from WellCommons, around town and elsewhere:

Dr. Eric Huerter, an internal medicine doctor at Reed Medical Group, checks in with his patient Del Barnett, Lawrence, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital Thursday, March 25, 2010. All LMH doctors began entering their notes and orders electronically instead of by paper in March 2010. "It is much better for patient safety and patient care," Huerter said. by Mike Yoder

What a year at LMH!

Lawrence Memorial Hospital leaders recognized some of their 2010 accomplishments during the annual Endowment Association meeting Thursday night at Maceli’s.

They included:

• A new Community Care Navigator program. The program follows up with vulnerable patients at risk for complications after going home from the hospital. In the first five months of the program, the readmission rate of the patients contacted by the community care navigator was just 6 percent, compared with the expected readmission rate of nearly 20 percent.

• Better rating. Moody’s Investors Service upgraded LMH’s long-term bond rating from A3 to A2. It noted LMH’s strengths are its dominant market position in a favorable service area and its 10 years of increasing cash flow growth.

• High-tech device. It acquired the Secure Digital Forensic Imaging system to document evidence in abuse cases. It is the first hospital in Northeast Kansas to have this state-of-the-art system.

• Ottawa outreach. It opened Lawrence Specialty Care in Ottawa to offer several specialty services, starting with cardiovascular services. Dr. Darren Klish began providing radiation oncology services at the location.

• High-tech system. It achieved the Stage 6 designation of the HIMSS Analystics Electronic Medical Record adoption model. Only 108 health systems in the nation have achieved the designation. LMH is in the top 1.6 percent of 5,235 hospitals for EMR adoption.

The cremated remains of bodies donated to Kansas University Medical Center for research and education purposes are buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence. Several dozen cremains were buried about six weeks ago. by Mike Yoder

Body donation

Last month, I wrote a story about how to donate your body to Kansas University’s School of Medicine.

The story included who can donate, the donation process, and what happens to a body after KU is done with its research.

A few weeks later, I received a letter from Barbara Hunsinger, of Lawrence. She wanted to let me know that the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in Kansas City, Mo., also accepts body donations.

According to its website, KCUMB’s Gift Body Program has advanced the osteopathic medical education of thousands of students since establishment in the early 1960s.

For more information, call 800-234-4847, e-mail giftbody@kumb.edu or visit the website.

Thanks for the information — Barbara!

Chiropractors expand

The doctors of Advanced Chiropractic Services, 1605 Wakarusa Drive, opened an office in Bonner Springs this month.

It is called Midwest Chiropractic Services and operated by Dr. Beth Carleo. She is a graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College.

The office is located at the northwest corner of I-70 and Hwy 7-140 North 130th Street. Carleo can be reached at (913) 721-5530.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius

More affordable insurance

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius released a new report today showing how much families and businesses can save on health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs under the Affordable Care Act in 2014.

The report finds that, compared to what they would have paid without the law:

• Middle-class families purchasing private insurance in the new state-based Health Insurance Exchanges could save as much as $2,300 per year in 2014.  

• Tax credits could lead to more savings. For example, a family of four with an income of $33,525 could save as much as $14,900 per year since they will also qualify for tax credits and reduced cost sharing.

• Small businesses, on average, could save up to $350 per family policy and many may be eligible for tax credits of up to 50 percent of their premiums.

• All businesses will likely see lower premiums of $2,000 per family by 2019, which could generate millions of dollars in savings.

These savings are in sharp contrast to the rising insurance costs families and businesses have experienced over the previous decade, she said.

From 1999 to 2009 premiums more than doubled, rising by more than $7,500 for the average family that gets insurance through an employer.

The high cost of health care made it difficult for many small businesses to offer insurance to their workers. The percentage of small employers offering health insurance dropped from 65 to 59 percent between 1999 and 2009. 

The report can be found at: www.healthcare.gov/center/reports/premiums01282011a.pdf.

Kathy Clausing-Willis, left, and her husband, Jerry Willis, right, are pictured with John Ross at the annual meeting of the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association meeting. Clausing-Willis is vice president and chief development officer at LMH. by Karrey Britt

Lawrence Memorial Hospital leaders celebrated the past year’s successes Thursday evening, but said they couldn’t have been accomplished without community support.

“We would not be the outstanding community hospital that we are today without the support of our community and donors,” said Kathy Clausing-Willis, vice president and chief development officer.

About 160 people attended the annual LMH Endowment Association meeting at Maceli’s, 1031 N.H. in downtown Lawrence.

The association transferred $1.6 million to the hospital in 2010, and that helped pay for equipment, services, medical education and research.

There were 1,935 donors last year, who gave 2,593 gifts.

Clausing-Willis said every donation counts — from the children who donate money from birthday parties to the seniors who volunteer their time to the employees who donate 50 cents out of each paycheck.

Here are some examples of last year’s support:

• 555 — people attended the Hearts of Gold gala on May 1, raising $175,000.

• 291 — people participated in a “Small Town Big Cause 5K run/walk, raising $14,786.

• 353 — golfers participated in the H.P. “Penny” Jones Golf Tournament on Sept. 10, raising $112,083.

• 815 — LMH employees raised $74,000 through the Employee Giving Campaign.

• 600 — people attended a benefit concert by Sarah Buxton and Jedd Hughes, raising $15,000.

• 700 — people attended the Stepping Out Against Breast Cancer dance, raising $60,000 for breast cancer early detection and awareness.

“It’s not about all of the big dollars. It’s about all of us collectively coming together to make Lawrence and our region a better place to live and to raise a family,” she said.

Steve and Dianna Nelson, Lawrence, attend the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association's annual meeting Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011, at Maceli's. Dianna was a nominee for this year's Elizabeth Watkins Community Caring Award. She volunteers 400 hours a year, trains new volunteers and is a champion for the Stepping Out Against Breast Cancer dance. by Karrey Britt

Alice Leonard, Lawrence, and Barbara Braa, rural Lawrence, attended LMHEA's annual meeting. by Karrey Britt

From left, Kit Carlsen, and Les and Pat Hannon, all of Lawrence. by Karrey Britt

From left, Connie Sollars, Melissa Hess and Heather Ackerly pose for a picture Thursday, Jan. 27, during the annual meeting of the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association at Maceli's. Sollars received an Elizabeth Watkins Community Caring Award last year for her outstanding support of LMH. Hess and Ackerly are employees of the endowment association. Hess is the development specialist and Ackerly is the foundation and corporate relations manager. by Karrey Britt

Joanne and Ron Hurst, sitting, and Sandra Gautt, all of Lawrence, attend the annual LMHEA meeting. Joanne received an Elizabeth Watkins Community Caring Award for her outstanding support of LMH in 2008. by Karrey Britt

Sydney Vogelsang, 11, and her mom Linda Koester-Vogelsang, attend the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association annual meeting Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011, at Maceli's. Linda is a nurse at LMH. by Karrey Britt

Belinda Rehmer, of Lawrence Memorial Hospital's communications department, get her camera ready to capture the 42nd annual LMH Endowment Association meeting. by Karrey Britt

Dana Hale, left, vice president of nursing at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, and Angie Waldron, a registered nurse, attend the LMHEA annual meeting Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011, at Maceli's. by Karrey Britt

A handful of individuals and businesses were recognized for their outstanding support to LMH. They were:

• Dr. Phillip and Phoebe Godwin, longtime LMH advocates and former employees.

• Donna Osness, who served on the LMH Board of Trustees for 12 years.

• Allyson Leland, who is director of volunteer services and has held the position since it was created 20 years ago.

• Byron Springer of Barber Emerson, for serving, pro bono, as the general counsel for LMHEA for 40 years.

• Zarco, a longtime LMH advocate and donor of time and money.

About 160 people attend the 42nd annual meeting of the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011, at Maceli's. Kathy Clausing-Willis, vice president and chief development officer, gives opening remarks. by Karrey Britt

Partygoers get on the dance floor and show their moves during the 18th annual Stepping Out Against Breast Cancer dance Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010, at Crown Automotive, 3400 Iowa. It was a benefit for the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Breast and Oncology Centers. by John Young

What a party! What a night!

About 600 people attended the 18th annual Stepping Out Against Breast Cancer dance on the eve of Halloween.

There were skits, Halloween costumes and prizes. And, there was a lot of dancing.

It was a benefit for the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association. All of the money raised will stay in the community, and it will be used to pay for educational materials, prosthetics, wigs and mammograms for women who cannot afford them.

Heather Ackerly, of LMH Endowment, said her favorite part of the night was the recognition ceremony for breast cancer survivors. She said about 40 survivors received a pink rose.

Here are some moments from the night:

From left, Traci Wilson, Lawrence, Kendra Clouse, Lawrence, and Becky Bruitt, Tonganoxie, dance during the Stepping Out Against Breast Cancer dance held Oct. 30 at Crown Automotive. The dance raised money for the Lawrence Memorial Hospital’s Endowment Association. Money raised will also further education and community outreach for early detection programs. by John Young

Tom Haymaker, Olathe, gets his groove on, dressed as Fred Flintstone. by John Young

Erin Beck, Overland Park, dressed as a character from Avatar, takes to the dance floor. by John Young

Curtis Anderson, lead singer of the band Disco Dick and the Mirrorballs, performs during the Stepping Out Against Breast Cancer dance at Crown Automotive, 3400 Iowa. by John Young

Terri Weber looks over Mom's Tractor during the Stepping Out Against Breast Cancer dance on Saturday night at Crown Automotive. Harold Denholm, Tonganoxie, and his son, Greg Denholm, have restored the 1951 tractor and painted it pink in remembrance of Aileen Denholm, Harold’s wife and Greg’s mother, who lost a battle with breast cancer Sept. 22, 2007. The formerly red tractor was known as Mom’s Tractor for many years because Aileen would use it at least weekly to mow on the family’s rural Tonganoxie farm. by John Young

Eboni Pearce, Lawrence, dressed as Beyonce, performs during a skit put on by the LMH emergency room staff. by John Young

Ryan Hartman, Lawrence, performs as Eminem during a skit by the LMH emergency room staff. by John Young

Rebecca Barrera, Eudora, dressed as Katy Perry, performs during a skit at the Stepping Out Against Breast Cancer dance. There were three skits during the event. by John Young

Bret Robinson, Lawrence, dressed as Michael Jackson, participates in one of three skits during the 2010 Stepping Out Against Breast Cancer dance. by John Young

Tabitha Wilson, Lawrence, models the latest in swimwear as part of a fashion show skit by the LMH surgery department. by John Young

Elizabeth Pekrul, Lawrence, models a wedding dress as part of a fashion show skit by the LMH surgery department. by John Young

Isaac Erwin, 10, Topeka, shows Michael Jackson how to moonwalk. by John Young

Jaclyn Landers, 8, Lawrence, gets her groove on at the 2010 Stepping Out Against Breast Cancer Dance held Oct. 30 at Crown Automotive, 3400 Iowa. For more photos, visit WellCommons.com. by John Young

Thomas Wyrick, a.k.a. Barrel Bob, of Bonner Springs, makes the letter Y while dancing to the YMCA song. by John Young

Catrina Thompson, Kansas City, Mo., is a member of the band, Disco Dick and the Mirrorballs. by John Young

Erica Bulmer, Lawrence, gets down and groovy on the dance floor during the Stepping Out Against Breast Cancer dance. by John Young

Lavonne Widmer, Wichita, drops a raffle ticket into a pink bag. by John Young

From left, Tom Groene, John Tacha, Harley Catlin and Gary Olson participated in the annual Penny Jones golf tournament. In front is Faye Jones, the widow of Dr. Penny Jones. The tournament raises money for the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association.

A record number of golfers — 353 — participated in Lawrence Memorial Hospital Endowment Association’s annual Penny Jones golf tournament on Sept. 10.

During today’s LMH board meeting, Melissa Hess, development specialist for the Endowment, said the tournament raised about $100,000.

It’s come a long way since its first tournament in 1983, when it raised $1,905.

In its 29 years, the event has raised almost $1 million for the Endowment Association. The money is used for equipment and services for Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Examples of Endowment-funded purchases include cardiac ultrasound, nuclear medicine camera, fetal heart monitors and development of Mario’s Closet for oncology patients.