Claxton-Hepburn

Journey As a dedicated member of Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center’s Board of Directors, Sister Mary Teresa LaBrake has represented Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart on the Board for nearly 20 years. AFTER FINISHING HIGH SCHOOL, Sister Mary Teresa entered Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, where she has continued to work for the last 50 years, helping to meet healthcare needs with care and compassion. At age 76, Sister Mary Teresa works full time as the pastoral associate at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ogdensburg and spends her spare time serving as secretary of the Ogdensburg Ministerial Association. “Until the 1970s, Grey Nuns of the Cross—and then in later years the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart—operated Claxton- Hepburn. My desire has always been for Claxton-Hepburn to remain faithful to our mission of creating a compassionate world,” says Sister Mary Teresa. “I believe that the employees and board A Heartfelt Sister Mary Teresa LaBrake members of Claxton-Hepburn continue to exhibit values of kindness, teamwork, integrity, innovation, and excellence.” Changing for the Better Having served on numerous committees throughout the years at Claxton-Hepburn, Sister Mary Teresa has witnessed major growth and construction. “I’ve seen a new mental health wing built, a cancer center, new operating rooms, and so much more,” says Sister Mary Teresa. “Because of Claxon-Hepburn’s mission to ‘meet our region’s healthcare needs with care and compassion,’ I believe that my years spent as a board member have made a difference.” To learn more about Claxton-Hepburn, visit www.claxtonhepburn.org. A “Thank You” for Your Doctor Through the Grateful Giving Program, the Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center Foundation is providing patients the opportunity to thank those who have given them the gift of good health. BECAUSE HEALTH CARE IS ABOUT both compassionate caregiving and precise treatment, the Program allows patients to recognize those who have made a difference in their health care. “When a patient has a life-threatening medical need and a nurse, physician, or surgeon cares for that need, the patient and his or her family often look for a meaningful way to show their appreciation,” says Cindy Clusen, executive director of the Foundation. “The same is true for patients whose primary care providers have cared for their health for 10 or 20 years.” The Program accepts donations in the name of any healthcare provider associated with Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center—from cardiologists to imaging technologists. Patients or their families may contribute gifts to the Annual Fund or a specific department or project. Honorees are notified when donations are made, and a list of those honored throughout the year is published in Claxton-Hepburn’s Annual Report. For more information or to make a donation in your healthcare provider’s name, visit www.claxtonhepburn.org and select “Giving & Volunteering” or contact Cindy Clusen at (315) 393-9175. Drs. Chris Brandy, Bob Hentschel, and Manuel Palao

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