PICTURED: From left to right – Lauren Edminster, CMA, Kelly Smith, RN, Melissa Dodd, Clinic Manager, Jaclin Parker, Oncology Nurse Navigator, Kris Jackson, Authorization/Financial Asst. Coordinator, Alice Augustad, Cancer Patient and Recipient of Shared Smiles Program, Candice Robinson, Patient Intake Coordinator, Hilda Bennett, Foundation Donor and WoodmenLife Member, Mike Faihst, WoodmenLife Chapter #138 Secretary, Kerry Lambert, MCCH Chaplain, Marilynn Downey, WoodmenLife Chapter #138 President, Lisa Shoemaker, Senior Philanthropy Officer, Lisa Farris, Community Outreach Advisory with WoodmenLife.

MURRAY, KY – The Foundation at Murray-Calloway County Hospital was awarded a $5,000 grant from The WoodmenLife Outreach in support of the Hughes Bennett Shared Smiles Program at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital (MCCH) Regional Cancer Center.

The Hughes Bennett Shared Smiles Program was established by Mrs. Hilda Bennett in loving memory of her husband, Hughes Bennett. Inspired by his joy for life, Mrs. Bennett created the program to bring moments of happiness to patients facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

“WoodmenLife is humbled to help bring happiness to the deserving families supported by the Hughes Bennett Shared Smiles Program,” said Lisa Farris, Community Outreach Advisor with WoodmenLife. “We appreciate the Bennett family for beginning a program that aligns so closely with our core values of Family, Community, and Country. I can’t think of a more meaningful way to provide support during one of life’s most difficult times.”

The program provides special experiences and fulfills wishes for cancer patients identified by staff at the MCCH Regional Cancer Center. These experiences are designed to create joy and lasting memories during an otherwise challenging season of life. Past wishes have included trips to Major League Baseball games, zoo visits, a new pair of cowboy boots, outings to see comedians, and most recently, a trip to the Grand Ole Opry.

Alice Augustad, the recipient of the Grand Ole Opry experience, shared her gratitude: “When you are diagnosed as terminal, you don’t really think about having wishes granted. This was such a surprise and something I’ve always dreamed of doing.”

Mrs. Bennett expressed her heartfelt appreciation upon learning of the grant. In a meaningful twist of fate, Mr. Bennett was a lifelong member of WoodmenLife in Hazel, and Mrs. Bennett remains a member today. “Hughes would be so happy to see this happening,” she said.

The Foundation at Murray-Calloway County Hospital is a 501(c)(3) supporting organization for Murray-Calloway County Hospital, a public nonprofit hospital. Individuals interested in contributing to the Hughes Bennett Shared Smiles Program may contact Lisa Shoemaker at The Foundation at 270-762-1291 or by email at lashoemaker@murrayhospital.org.

For more information about the Hughes Bennett Shared Smiles Program or The Foundation at MCCH, please contact The Foundation office.