Ailing Kidneys, Generous Hearts - Donations Support New Fargo Dialysis Facility
Hundreds of people in Fargo/Moorhead are battling a dangerous situation — their kidneys have failed. When the small, bean-shaped organs can no longer filter toxins and extra fluid from the body, they must rely on a dialysis machine to do the job. The treatment is live-saving, but it certainly doesn't make life easy. Dialysis is a demanding, exhausting routine, often requiring several three-or four-hour treatments per week. Patients and families are forced to plan their days and their lives around treatment.
But where one organ is failing, another is prevailing. A battle against ailing kidneys became a triumph of the heart when hundreds of people banded together to make life a little easier for area dialysis patients. Generous donors gave time, talent and financial support via MeritCare Auxiliary and MeritCare Foundation to raise over $220,000 towards the new dialysis facility in Fargo.
In May of 2007, MeritCare Auxiliary made a pledge to Dialysis and through various fund-raising events and proceeds from the sales in MeritCare Gift Shops, presented $100,000 to Dialysis Services. The Auxiliary Board of Directors and volunteers worked hard at jewelry sales, kitchen utensils sales, book fairs and encouraged friends and family to shop at the two MeritCare Gift Shops.
MeritCare Foundation also supported the effort, dedicating all proceeds from its 2007 Festival of Wreaths event to the dialysis cause. Pairing this gift with donations from a special campaign, the Foundation raised over $121,000.
On July 13, all of the hard work will pay off as MeritCare Dialysis Fargo opens in its new location — MeritCare 2801 Medical Building, 2801 University Dr. S., Fargo. Thanks to the bighearted donations, dialysis patients will enjoy some relief:
- Convenient scheduling. While our previous location held only 28 chairs, the new facility can use up to 48 stations. This means less waiting and more appointment times.
- Greater comfort. Patients spend valuable hours of their day receiving treatment, so a comfortable atmosphere is very important. From heated, massaging chairs and modern surroundings with beautiful artwork, to internet access and a waiting room for family and friends, comfort is key in this new space.
- Improved privacy. The new space is laid out in pod designs, giving patients more privacy.
- Easy access. Convenient parking and the first floor location — with all units on the same floor — make arriving, treatment, and leaving easier and safer.
While dialysis patients will always face trials and challenges, the donors who opened their hearts, hands and wallets know that a little encouragement and support can go a long way. As Mary Carlson, manager of volunteer services and lifetime member of the Auxiliary notes, "Our volunteers know they cannot remove a scary diagnosis or calm every trouble. But we can offer support that makes a difference in dialysis patients' lives and eases the burden of their illness."
Thus, with this new facility comes a special wish: even as they face ailing kidneys, may dialysis patients be warmed by this expression of care and concern and may their own hearts always prove stronger than each challenge they face.
Join us in thanking these generous donors and celebrating the new facility!
2801 Medical Building Open HouseFriday, July 10, 2009
1-3 p.m.
MeritCare 2801 Medical Building Atrium
2801 University Dr. S., Fargo
Short Program at 1:30 p.m. ~ Ribbon Cutting ~ Refreshments ~ Tours
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Posted Date: July 2009