Employees Inspired to Help Coworkers in Need

INSPIRE is a passionate group of Samaritan Healthcare professionals who rally their peers to support the Samaritan Healthcare Foundation’s mission.

Since 2015, INSPIRE has raised more than $394,000. A portion of these funds support the Employee Crisis Fund, created to assist colleagues facing personal hardships through a confidential nomination.

INSPIRE’s current Mind, Body, and Spirit campaign culminates with funding shared employee spaces at the new hospital. We are thrilled to share an extension of our campaign to honor the life and legacy of Lacey Radel—nurse, founding member of INSPIRE, and beloved colleague—marking the 10th anniversary of giving through voluntary payroll deduction and one-time gifts from Samaritan professionals. Lacey’s vision and leadership helped launch the INSPIRE committee, creating a culture of giving that still thrives today.

Lacey passed away from cancer in 2022, leaving behind her husband, Ian, and daughter, Reece.  Earlier this year, Ian and Reece, approached the INSPIRE team about honoring Lacey at the new hospital, specifically seeking to add cherry trees to the exterior landscaping.

Before Ian and Lacey welcomed Reece to their family, the couple suffered the heartbreaking loss of 16 embryos. To honor the 16 embryos, Lacey asked Ian to plant cherry trees at their home. While 10 of the trees still bloom today, the remaining 6 trees will be planted outside of Samaritan’s new chapel in remembrance of Lacey, and her commitment to INSPIRE and our greater community.

When asked what this project means to Ian and Reece, Ian said, “The INSPIRE team was there for us on the best and worst days of our lives with Lacey. From the employee crisis fund gift we received following Reece’s delivery, to the gift our family received during the final days of Lacey’s life, the INSPIRE team has been there. We can’t thank you enough.”

The memorial fund campaign goal is $20,000. Ian and  Reece have generously donated the first $1,000 to officially kick off our campaign.

Lacey’s spirit endures in the values she lived by: listen, love, respect, excel, and innovate. Her legacy continues to inspire kindness and generosity across Samaritan Healthcare.

Brenda Schwendeman, Clinic on Patton
Connie Luna, EKG
Ellie Fancher, Development & Communications

Gisela Caballero, Laboratory
Richard Donaldson, Quality & Risk Management
Sherrie Jingling, Patient Experience

Please visit the donation link below or reach out to the Samaritan Healthcare Foundation
at foundation@samaritanhealthcarefoundation.com or 509-793-9645.

We invite you to make a difference. Visit our Giving page and donate towards this special memorial fund.