Opportunities for Giving

Many donors wish to allocate their giving to a specific Shawnee Mission Medical Center need, program or service. The following is a list of some of the more than 70 funds managed by the Foundation.

Breast Center Fund

This fund supports education and treatment for better breast health. Prevention and advanced diagnostic care take center stage at this nationally recognized program.

Breyfogle Nursing Education Fund

This fund was established by the Dorothy K. Breyfogle estate to be used for continuing education of SMMC nurses in caring for the elderly population. SMMC Education and Nursing departments have jointly sponsored the annual Breyfogle Gerontology Conference.

Britain Center Fund

The Lee Ann Britain Infant Development Center provides a wide range of specialized programs to children with special needs from birth through age six. Funding enables families to access services regardless of the ability to pay. The funds also provide support for purchase of therapeutic equipment, professional growth opportunities for staff and respite care for families.

Camp Bluebird Fund

Gifts to Camp Bluebird make it possible for adults diagnosed with cancer to attend a semiannual residential camp. The camp provides an opportunity for patients to retreat from their regular routines to enjoy fellowship, education, recreation and other meaningful activities.

Capital Campaign Fund

Gifts to the Capital Campaign fund support building projects including current construction of the Critical Care Services Expansion tower. The fund also supports major medical equipment and the family support areas of the Medical Center.

Heart & Vascular Fund

Funding supports the Shawnee Mission Heart & Vascular Center. In 2007, an expanded and renovated Center for Cardiac Care opened, further enhancing the quality of care and capacity to serve patients.

Friends Helping Friends

Giving by SMMC associates provides benefits to fellow associates experiencing a financial emergency.

Home Health Fund

This fund benefits low-income individuals discharged from SMMC who need home health services from visiting health care professionals such as nurses and physical, occupational and speech therapists.

“J is for Jack” Fund

This fund was named in honor of Jack Murphy, a former Britain Center student. Support from the fund provides equipment for the Lee Ann Britain Infant Development Center.

Medical Library Fund

The Medical Library serves physicians and other health care professionals by providing the most recent information on medical research and best practice for the delivery of health care. The SMMC Medical Library is considered to be the most comprehensive in the region and is also open to the general public.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Fund

Funding supports the Level III NICU with programs and significant equipment specially designed to promote the health and growth of premature infants born at SMMC.

Nursing Education Fund

Funding supports the continuing education and development of SMMC nurses through research projects, conference presentations and the Frontline Nursing Leadership Academy.

Physicians Education Memorial Endowment Fund

This fund supports continuing medical education through lectures and seminars planned by the SMMC Medical Staff Executive Committee. Gifts are usually made in honor of SMMC physicians.

Research Funds

Gifts to these funds support the research projects of SMMC physicians as they expand their medical knowledge and practice.

Nicole Reynolds Memorial Fund

This fund was named in memory of Nicole Reynolds in celebration of her zest for life. It provides support to any nurse, therapist or nutritionist who have had a poster or paper accepted for presentation at a national professional conference.

Dr. Bernard Rice Educational Endowment

This fund was established by Dr. Bernard Rice to provide medical staff educational conferences on metabolism and endocrinology.

Social Services Fund

Gifts to the Social Services Fund benefit SMMC patients who have specific emergency needs, such as clothing and other basic necessities.

Speaking of Women’s Health

Funding benefits Speaking of Women’s Health educational programs that have provided life-saving information, learning experiences and health screenings for thousands of women during the past decade.

Spiritual Wellness Fund

This fund benefits he spiritual needs of patients, physicians, associates and the community by supporting initiatives such as the Institute for Spirituality in Health.

Steve Jeffers Lectureship Endowment

This fund honors Steve Jeffers, the founder of the Institute for Spirituality in Health at Shawnee Mission Medical Center, who passed away suddenly in 2008.  It is an endowed fund that supports the annual Steve Jeffers Lecture on spirituality and health.  The conference focuses on issues that bridge the gap between faith traditions and medical issues, including grief, patient care, physician and clergy cooperation, advance directives, physician support, ethical issues, and others.

Virginia Stowers Fund

Funding provides preventive breast care for low-income individuals. This fund ensures that financial challenges never discourage women from getting mammograms.

Surgical Technology Fund

Funding supports the acquisition of technologically advanced surgical equipment such as the daVinci surgical robot, TMR Laser and other devices.

Tess’s Touch Fund

Gifts to Tess’s Touch support the basic needs of children born at SMMC, especially those whose parents’ are unable to purchase essential items such as car seats, formula and clothing. This fund is dedicated to optimizing every newborn’s chance for a safe and healthy start in life.

Volunteers Fund

Funding supports the work and activities of SMMC volunteers whose service touches every Medical Center patient.