Just after World War II, community leaders in La Grange, Illinois, had a vision for their own local hospital. A half century later, the hospital built to honor those who served in both World Wars is celebrating the silver anniversary of that dream becoming a reality.
When La Grange Community Memorial General Hospital opened its doors in 1955, it was not faith-based, but was nestled in the midst of a deeply spiritual community. At various times over the years, through growing pains and changes in ownership, community members and clergy alike sought to integrate faith into the hospital. When Adventist Health System purchased the hospital in 1999, the transition brought with it the unique dynamics of a hospital unfamiliar with a faith-based organization, but one that embraced the approach of healing the body, mind, and spirit.
Today employees, physicians, and volunteers are encouraged to bring their faith into the care they provide to patients and their interactions with everyone who walks through the doors. “When La Grange Memorial Hospital joined the Adventist Health System family, we were given the opportunity to grow and nurture the spiritual environment that was already here,” said Tim Cook, Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital chief executive officer. “The vision of healthcare at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital is that everyone who comes here will see a glimpse of Jesus’ love,” expressed Tim. This approach has definitely made an impression in the community.
Lou Curotto, a long-time resident, is one of the leading supporters of the hospital. “My family moved to La Grange in 1963 and this has been my hospital since. The quality medical care we have received here has been top notch,” he said. “I am amazed at the depth of commitment this hospital and Adventist Midwest Health has to our community.” Curotto, who joined the hospital's operating board in 1999, is also a co-chair of the capital campaign committee for the new Patient Care Center currently under construction. When asked why he became more actively involved with the hospital, the retired businessman said, “I have been on the board of many organizations, but this is the first board I’ve been on where the first 15 minutes of the meeting are set aside especially for a spiritual message. There is an incredible group of people here and I am honored to be a part of all that is happening.”
As Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital celebrates the last fifty years of healing, the construction of the new Patient Care Center bridges the past with what is to come in the future. “We are an institution that belongs to God, and have been given the wonderful responsibility of being its stewards. We are excited about what is to come,” said Tim. “As we focus on the next fifty years of serving the community, our administrators, staff, and physicians are all honored, humbled, and excited about continuing to build on the legacy that is Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital.”
Crister DelaCruz is the regional manager of public relations for Adventist Midwest Health.
