Compassion and kindness of Elks Lodge
I wanted to share with you the generosity, compassion and support we found in the Lake Sammamish Elks Lodge No. 1843.
Our coworker’s wife was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer.
Because of her inability to continue working as she receives treatment, we knew that his family would be struggling financially.
We decided to host a benefit for his family that included a friendly poker tournament and a silent auction, and asked the Elks Lodge for their approval to host the event at their lodge.
They were so gracious and supportive of our event, stating that this epitomizes their mission and goal toward helping the community.
This is truly a wonderful organization, represented by a compassionate membership and an even greater willingness to serve our community.
We can’t thank the Lake Sammamish Elks Lodge No. 1843 enough!
Greg Keith
Bonney Lake
Children’s hospital expansion plan derailed
When our grandson was 10 months old, he contracted a virulent form of spinal meningitis. He was at Seattle Children’s (hospital) for three weeks.
Had it not been for the excellent care he received from the skilled medical team there, he would not be alive today.
Over the more than 100 years of Children’s existence, there have been thousands of stories such as ours.
Now, the hospital’s need to expand has become a serious situation.
Children’s is at capacity and has been for some time. We must have more beds in order to accommodate the increasing numbers of children who wish to come to us for treatment. In the recent past, some 80 children have been turned away because there were no beds for them.
Children’s is the only full-service hospital in a four-state area.
Growing populations in Alaska, Idaho, Montana and Washington badly need a facility on which their very sick children can depend.
The staff at Children’s has worked diligently with community groups for more than two years in order to create a master plan, which would be acceptable to all concerned. They succeeded.
However, various suits and a decision by a Seattle hearing examiner have delayed construction of much needed space.
According to projections, the hospital needs to grow to a total of 336 beds by 2013.
Unless construction begins now, we could be faced with turning away up to 80 children each day.
What a tragedy that would be.
Bill and Mary Jane Godejohn
Issaquah
Filed Under Letters to the Editor