Stewart Memorial Community Hospital Celebrates Recovery Journey of Pam Laney During Patient Experience Week

As part of Patient Experience Week, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is shining a spotlight on the remarkable care provided by its Physical Therapy Department and sharing the inspiring recovery story of Pam Laney, a patient who has made incredible progress after a serious health setback.

In October 2020, Pam was diagnosed with a rare and debilitating autoimmune disease called Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (AIDP), also known as Guillain-Barré Syndrome. The condition, which attacks the electrical conductor sheaths around the nerves, caused severe impairment to her motor and sensory functions, leading to paralysis from the neck down. In Pam’s case, the disease progressed to Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), a more long-term form of the disorder where symptoms persist beyond a few months.

“I was told I had a 90% chance of not walking again,” Pam recalls. Despite this grim prognosis, she chose to remain hopeful and continued her rehabilitation at Stewart Memorial’s Physical Therapy Department.

Pam’s journey toward recovery began with the unwavering support of Kay, a physical therapist at Stewart Memorial. “Kay was always encouraging and willing to try everything to help me,” Pam shared. “She explained everything thoroughly and was always there to motivate me, saying, ‘You’re doing good, keep going.’” Kay’s personalized approach was instrumental in helping Pam regain both her physical strength and emotional resilience.

At the start of her recovery, Pam faced numerous challenges, including standing and supporting her own weight. “The hardest part was getting my legs strong enough to hold me up when I stood,” Pam explained. But with persistence, patience, and the support of the team at Stewart Memorial, Pam began to see real progress. “When I first realized I could transfer from my wheelchair to a chair without a sideboard, that’s when I knew I was making real progress,” she said.

Pam’s rehabilitation plan involved physical therapy three times a week, and with each session, she grew stronger. Today, she can walk with the assistance of a cane—a huge achievement from when she first arrived at Stewart Memorial. “Walking with assistance has been the most rewarding part of my journey,” Pam says. “I want to be as strong as I was before I got sick, and I’ve learned a lot about what I need to work on moving forward.”

Pam’s ongoing recovery is fueled by her determination to regain full independence. “It’s taught me to appreciate the things I should have been working on before I got sick,” she reflected. “Now, I continue to work hard every day, and I want to help others understand that there is hope, even when things seem impossible.”

Pam encourages others facing their own health challenges to stay positive. “Be upbeat, don’t let it get you down,” she advises. “With the right support from your family, friends, and physical therapists, you’ll get through it. The energy at Stewart Memorial is so positive, and it really helps you believe that you can get better.”

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is incredibly proud of the exceptional work done by its Physical Therapy Department and the life-changing impact it has on the patients it serves. As part of Patient Experience Week, the hospital remains committed to providing patient-centered care, ensuring that each individual receives the support and encouragement they need to recover and thrive.

For more information about physical therapy services at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital, visit www.stewartmemorial.org or call (712) 464-4244.

Housekeeping Team Recognized for Outstanding Service at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital

Lake City, IA – April 23 – Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to recognize the Housekeeping Department as the Quarter 2 Team Award honoree for their exceptional dedication and teamwork during a particularly high-pressure week in March.

During what staff described as a busy time, the hospital’s Obstetrics (OB) department experienced an influx of patients that put every department to the test. Amid this surge, the housekeeping team provided unwavering support, helping ensure the safety, cleanliness, and functionality of patient care spaces.

“Working in health care during a full moon is always busy, but a lunar eclipse takes things to another level,” said Zach Winker, who submitted the team’s nomination. “We had constant patient movement in OB—labor rooms being filled, emptied, and turned over quickly—and Housekeeping was there each time, with a smile and words of support.”

Over the course of March 13 and 14, the housekeeping team worked tirelessly to clean and re-clean patient rooms, even as they were being rapidly reused. Their responsiveness and professionalism were key in maintaining seamless care and readiness during this period of intense activity.

“Even though they had their own needs to handle, they responded immediately every time,” Winker added. “Their work helped us care for patients quickly and safely. They truly went above and beyond.”

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital CEO Linn Block emphasized how integral the housekeeping team is to patient care:

“Though often behind the scenes, their impact is deeply felt throughout the hospital. They are essential to everything we do, and this recognition reflects their commitment to excellence.”

The Team Award is part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to recognizing teams and departments that exemplify outstanding service, collaboration, and dedication to the organization’s mission.

Stewart Memorial Continues “Path to Excellence” Series with Spotlight on Jess Drees, ARNP, FNP-C

Stewart Memorial Hospital and Clinics is proud to recognize Jess Drees, ARNP, FNP-C as the fourth honoree in its Path to Excellence Employee Recognition Series. This initiative celebrates team members who embody the hospital’s core values, demonstrate a commitment to excellence, and show outstanding personal and professional growth throughout their careers at Stewart Memorial.

Jess’s connection to Stewart Memorial began at just 17 years old, when she started her healthcare journey as a CNA while still in high school.

“I started my junior year of high school as a CNA at the hospital. My mom works at the hospital as well in the business office and so that’s what kind of got me motivated to work at the hospital and I always knew I wanted to take care of people,” said Drees.

Driven by her early experiences and passion for caring for others, Jess pursued nursing at Iowa Central, earning both her LPN and RN degrees. She credits Stewart Memorial for investing in her future through the Foundation’s scholarships.

“I actually received a scholarship through the hospital that helped pay for my nursing school tuition… and I also received tuition assistance through the hospital through the program for my nurse practitioner as well.”

Her career at Stewart Memorial has spanned multiple departments, including med-surg, ER, OB, and clinic settings. Most recently, Jess earned her Nurse Practitioner degree from Clarkson College in 2023.

“I went on and got my nurse practitioner degree at Clarkson College and I graduated with that in 2023,” she said.

When asked about the Stewart Memorial core value that resonates most with her, Jess named Compassion as a guiding principle in her day-to-day work.

“I would say the core value compassion is definitely one that I feel like I contribute daily in my work with my patients and with the staff as well. I think it’s really important that our patients feel that they are well taken care of and truly I feel like that we take care of our patients as if they were family.”

Jess has also experienced challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, but found strength in the teamwork and resilience of her colleagues.

“I would say one of the challenges that we’ve overcome personally in my career as well, it would be the COVID pandemic and just the evolving changes that took place and all the adjustments that we had to make. That was challenging, but we really worked together and were there for our patients.”

Throughout her journey, Jess has been shaped by the encouragement and expertise of the Stewart Memorial team.

“My colleagues and Stewart Memorial have helped me evolve in the person that I am today and this profession as a nurse practitioner… the medical providers, doctors, physician assistants, CRNAs, nurses, CNAs, they’ve all played an impact in the role that I and how I’ve gotten here.”

As healthcare continues to evolve, Jess remains inspired and committed to staying at the forefront of patient care.

“Healthcare is constantly changing and evolving, and I think that really motivates me to be a better person and a better provider to provide up-to-date standard of care for my patients.”

Jess Drees exemplifies the spirit of the Path to Excellence series—bringing compassion, growth, and excellence to every patient interaction. Her story is a testament to the positive impact of lifelong learning and the strong community at Stewart Memorial.

Why We Give: Stewart Memorial Employees Reflect on Organ Donation During National Donate Life Month

In honor of National Donate Life Month, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital raised the Donate Life flag this April and invited employees to reflect on a powerful question: Why did you choose to become an organ donor? The responses were moving, deeply personal, and a reminder of the incredible impact one decision can make.

Throughout April, Stewart Memorial also set up a Donate Life resource table in the Lake City Clinic rotunda, offering educational materials and information about the ongoing need for organ, eye, and tissue donors. The display served as a conversation starter for patients, visitors, and staff—and as a reminder that anyone can take the first step toward saving lives.

As part of the month-long observance, employees also participated in Blue & Green Day on April 11, proudly wearing Donate Life colors to show their support and help raise awareness.

“Each story that came in from our team members was incredibly touching,” said Rachel Walters, marketing coordinator at Stewart Memorial. “It became clear very quickly that for many, organ donation isn’t just a box they checked—it’s tied to life, loss, hope, and healing.”

Here are just a few of the heartfelt reasons employees shared:

“My decision to become an organ donor is simple,” said Allison Carroll. “My dad’s journey through three kidney transplants, thanks to selfless donors, taught me the power of life-saving generosity. I want to give others the same chance at life that my dad received.”

Julie Kitt has been a donor since she was sixteen. “After losing my husband in 2003, we were able to donate his skin grafts and corneas. The letter from one recipient meant the world to me—it showed that even in death, Chris was still helping others. I’m forever grateful for the compassion and support I received from Iowa Donor Network during one of the hardest times of my life.”

Jim Henkenius shared a personal story: “Working in healthcare, it felt like the right thing to do, but this was later reinforced when my daughter suddenly passed away in a car accident. Chelsey’s donations helped 86 people. That number was astonishing to me and will be the reason I continue to be an organ donor.”

Cody Steinberg shared, “I am an organ donor because it’s about doing something bigger than yourself—becoming a hero even when you’re no longer around.”

Klay Birkey told the story of her cousin, who was diagnosed with a rare lung disease at 17 and received two life-saving lobes from uncles, followed by a full lung transplant. “That gift gave her 15 more years of life. She even ran part of the Boston Marathon. Her motto, ‘impossible is nothing,’ inspires me daily. Organ donation is a cause close to my heart and my family’s.”

Casey Wetter put it simply: “We never know when one of us or our family members might need an organ. At the end of the day, it’s about leaving a legacy of giving.”

Ashley Mork, said, “I was born to help people. I became a nurse for a reason and want to continue to save lives when I am gone.”

 And Branden Roberts added, “I want to continue contributing to others’ lives after I’m gone and pay it forward.”

Stewart Memorial is proud to highlight the compassion and generosity of its staff—people who not only care for others in life but also believe in the power of giving beyond it.

To learn more about organ donation or to register as a donor, visit www.donatelife.net.

Stewart Memorial Auxiliary Makes Second Donation, Fully Funding New Surgical Table at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to announce a second generous donation of $31,010.04 from the Stewart Memorial Auxiliary, completing the total funding needed for the purchase of a new surgical table for the hospital’s surgical department.

This latest contribution finalizes the Auxiliary’s commitment to covering the full cost of the surgical table, ensuring Stewart Memorial’s surgical team has access to advanced equipment that enhances patient safety, surgical precision, and overall care.

“This gift demonstrates the incredible work of our Auxiliary and their passion for supporting the health of our community,” said Linn Block, CEO of Stewart Memorial Community Hospital. “Their generosity allows us to invest in equipment that directly benefits our patients and caregivers, and we are deeply grateful for their continued partnership.”

The Stewart Memorial Auxiliary, made up of dedicated volunteers and supporters, raised the funds through community events, donations, and various fundraising efforts. Their support not only helped initiate the project but now brings it to full completion.

“This donation reflects the heart of our community,” said Auxiliary President Joyce Schleisman. “We are honored to fulfill this need and proud to help strengthen the surgical care available right here at home.”

The Auxiliary’s impact on the hospital is long-standing and deeply rooted. Over the past 60 years, the Stewart Memorial Community Hospital Auxiliary has donated more than $1 million to support the hospital through medical equipment purchases and building projects—all in support of Stewart Memorial’s mission to provide compassionate, quality healthcare close to home.

Interested in joining the Auxiliary? The goal of the Auxiliary is to promote and advance the mission of Stewart Memorial Community Hospital. To learn more about becoming a member, contact Mollie Scott, Auxiliary and Volunteer Coordinator, at mollie.scott@www.stewartmemorial.org or call (712) 464-4183.

Jody Windschitl’s Heartfelt Plant Donations to Stewart Memorial Community Hospital Continue to Flourish This National Volunteer Month

In celebration of National Volunteer Month, Stewart Memorial Community Hospital honors the generosity of Jody Windschitl, whose plant donations have not only beautified the hospital’s spaces but also served as a deeply personal tribute to her late son and father.

Jody’s connection to the plants she donates is rooted in personal loss. After the sudden passing of her son, followed by the loss of her father just 18 days later, Jody was overwhelmed with grief. The plants she received in their memory became a source of comfort and a way to honor their lives. “My son loved to grow things, and I still have all of the plants that he had when he passed away,” Jody shares. “I just couldn’t throw them away.”

Rather than discard the plants, Jody decided to build a greenhouse where she could continue to care for them. The greenhouse became a place of solace, where the plants flourished and grew in memory of her son and father. “They began to take over the end of my greenhouse; I couldn’t walk around them anymore,” she reflects.

In 2024, Jody began donating some of the thriving plants to Stewart Memorial Community Hospital, including a ficus, corn plant, and others that had outgrown her greenhouse. She brought the plants to the hospital to share the joy they had brought her. “They did well there, but they have done amazingly well here.” These plants can be found in patient waiting areas throughout the hospital, and Jody also donates smaller plants to the Heartstrings Gift Shop, with all proceeds supporting the hospital. “I just wanted to donate them. I don’t need to earn money off it,” Jody says.

Even now, Jody continues to tend to the plants at the hospital, ensuring they remain healthy and vibrant when she volunteers at the Heart Strings Gift Shoppee. “I love working here. I do this one day a week. It’s just a way for me to get away from everything else,” she explains. “I still come by to check on them.”

Jody’s plant donations have become more than just a charitable act; they are a way to keep the memory of her son and father alive while sharing something beautiful with others. “The plants just bring a lot of joy to me, and it’s wonderful to know that others are enjoying them too,” Jody says.

This National Volunteer Month, we celebrate Jody Windschitl’s generosity and selfless contributions to Stewart Memorial Community Hospital. Her ongoing efforts to share her plants and the love she has for them continue to have a lasting impact on the hospital, offering both beauty and healing to the facility.

Interested in volunteering at Stewart Memorial or joining the Auxiliary?
Contact Mollie Scott at mollie.scott@www.stewartmemorial.org or (712) 464-4183 to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how you can get involved!

Sara Holst Honored with Stewart Memorial’s Path to Excellence Employee Recognition Award

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is proud to announce that Sara Holst has been selected as the second recipient of the Path to Excellence Employee Recognition Award. This award celebrates employees who embody the organization’s core values, demonstrate exceptional leadership, and achieve significant growth throughout their careers at Stewart Memorial.

Sara, who currently serves as the Patient Access Clinic Supervisor, has been with Stewart Memorial for 15 years, beginning her journey in housekeeping. Over the course of her tenure, she has continually demonstrated a commitment to personal growth and excellence, transitioning into roles that have had a lasting impact on the organization and the patients we serve.

“From the very beginning, I felt at home at Stewart Memorial. The welcoming atmosphere, where everyone said hello as I walked down the hallway, made it an easy decision to join the team,” said Holst. “Starting in housekeeping for 10 years, I then moved into the registration department, which was a major transition for me, particularly with no previous computer knowledge. However, I was determined to succeed, and Stewart Memorial supported me every step of the way.”

Sara’s dedication and perseverance were evident when she transitioned from housekeeping to registration, a move that required her to quickly learn new skills and adjust to a fast-paced office environment. Her hard work paid off, and after mastering the complex Epic system, Sara became a certified Epic trainer.

Sara credits her colleagues and leadership for playing an essential role in her professional development. “Linda Rath encouraged me to apply for the position in registration, even when I had doubts about my ability to succeed,” Sara shared. “Amy Schumacher, my current boss, has been instrumental in helping me navigate my evolving role as the Patient Access Clinic Supervisor. Their guidance has been invaluable to me.”

A core value that resonates deeply with Sara is Compassionate Service, which reflects her role as the first point of contact for many patients. “As the first face patients see when they enter the clinic, I understand how important it is to offer a welcoming, caring presence. Whether helping a patient find their way or assisting them with mobility aids, I’m proud to offer compassionate service in every interaction,” she said.

Sara’s journey reflects the heart of the Path to Excellence Employee Recognition Award, which honors those who demonstrate leadership, excellence, and dedication to the hospital’s mission. Sara’s dedication to her role, her staff, and the patients she serves has inspired her colleagues and made her a pillar in the Stewart Memorial community.

“Sara’s growth within the organization and her unwavering commitment to Stewart Memorial’s values make her an ideal recipient of this award,” said Linn Block, CEO. “Her passion for helping others and her ability to continuously adapt and grow inspire us all to reach higher standards of service.”

Sara’s recognition is a testament to the positive impact Stewart Memorial employees have on both their workplace and the community. The Path to Excellence Employee Recognition Award highlights individuals who not only exemplify the core values of Stewart Memorial but also contribute to an environment where compassion, excellence, and leadership are consistently fostered.

History of the Stewart Memorial Auxiliary

On May 12, 1959, a group of dedicated volunteers organized to form Stewart Memorial Community Hospital Auxiliary. Mrs. S.M. O’Connor was the first president of the group of 49 members. Dues were set at $1 and remained that amount well into the 1990s.

The organization of the Auxiliary came almost three years before the opening of Stewart Memorial Community Hospital and was a part of the community fund raising effort that made the hospital possible. The first Auxiliary bazaar in 1959 raised $350.

By the end of the first year, membership had grown to about 150 and by the time the hospital opened in the spring of 1962, it had climbed to 271.

But this was only the beginning. Membership reached a high point in the 1980s of more than 2,000 members from Lake City and surrounding communities. The 2008-2009 membership of 742 made us the second largest Auxiliary in the state of Iowa.

The Auxiliary has received numerous statewide honors. Six times it received the “Master Auxiliary” award. It has regularly been among the top two or three leaders statewide in membership. In 1984 it received a “Community Service” award from then Congressman Tom Harkin. Members have served on the state board six times.

Funds are raised in several ways – the annual membership drive, gift shop sales, and several annual fund raising events. Events over the past fifty years have included “Bazaar,” “Christmas Tree Lane” and “Christmas Affair,” “Mardi Gras,” “Fall Frolic,” “Family Bingo,” “Puttin’ On The Ritz,” “Table A Fare,” “Silent Auction,” “Desserts with Style,” “Trivia Night” as well as our on-going “Book Fairs and Bake Sales” and “Uniform Sales.”

While that first bazaar in 1959 raised $350, several of the more current fund raising events net several thousand dollars each year. All of these efforts have enabled the Auxiliary to contribute more than $1 million to SMCH since its beginning. These funds have been used to purchase specific pieces of equipment to enable physicians and nurses to provide better health care for patients.

Just as important as the funds raised are the volunteer services provided. The gift shop, which was the first in the state of Iowa to be planned as an integral part of the hospital building, is operated entirely by volunteers and is open every week day.

In the past, Auxiliary members have delivered mail to patients. In 1973 a Meals-on-Wheels program was started and Auxiliary volunteers continue to operate that program. Currently this program delivers as many as 48 meals at noon to the communities of Lake City and Lohrville. The meals are prepared in the hospital dietary department and delivered by the Auxiliary volunteers.

Many members also devoted their sewing and knitting talents to hospital projects. They make a variety of products, which made life just a little easier and more pleasant for Stewart Memorial Community Hospital patients. In the past, “friendly mice and puppets” were provided for young patients as well as caps for newborns.

The Red Cross Bloodmobile has been served by Auxiliary members since 1960, even before the hospital opened. More recently Life Serve Blood Bank has been served by Auxiliary members.

Auxiliary members have been a part of every major expansion of the hospital, contributing time and money to fund drives and volunteering that “little extra” caring service that makes Stewart Memorial Community Hospital outstanding. In January 1991 the Auxiliary provided a spark that ignited a very successful fund drive for “Project 2000”. Members voted to donate $100,000 to the project over a five-year period. With this major contribution, other groups and individuals answered the challenge and more than $1 million was pledged toward the hospital expansion.

The strong tradition that was started with 49 members fifty years ago continues today. The Auxiliary is alive and well at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital!

Interested in joining the Auxiliary? Contact Mollie Scott, Volunteer Coordinator: 

mollie.scott@www.stewartmemorial.org or (712) 464-4183