Tanner Medical Foundation honored Barbara Tanner with the 2017 Spirit of Giving Award at its ninth annual Donor Appreciation Luncheon on Nov. 1.
Honorees have demonstrated commitment to the mission of helping the community, while leading by example to inspire future generations.
Tanner Health System has been a part of Mrs. Tanner’s life for decades. Her husband’s grandfather, C.M. Tanner, helped lead the visionary group of physicians and community leaders who established Tanner Memorial Hospital in 1949. For Mrs. Tanner, that sense of dedication to ensuring quality healthcare is available to the community became a family tradition.
She has been a longtime sponsor and volunteer for Tanner Medical Foundation’s annual Magnolia Ball, a fundraising gala that benefits Tanner Health System. In 2007, her generous donation launched the John and Barbara Tanner Cardiac Rehab Center at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton.
The center is home to Tanner’s multi-phase cardiac rehabilitation program, which is accredited by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) and helps patients learn ways to maintain a healthier heart after a cardiac event or procedure.
Tanner’s commitment to caring about the needs of others extends beyond Carrollton. She has taken several international missions trips, traveling to Bolivia, Guatemala, Mexico and Kenya.
Tanner Health System President and CEO Loy Howard, provided an update on expansion projects at Tanner Health System, including the construction of a new emergency department and surgical services center at Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica, the new surgical services unit at Higgins General Hospital in Bremen and the opening of Tanner Medical Center/East Alabama. Howard also thanked attendees for their generous support.
“Each year, we take the opportunity to celebrate our donors and reflect on the many lives that have been improved because of their generosity,” said Howard. “Because of their generosity, Tanner’s talented professionals can focus on providing expanded access to quality healthcare in the communities that Tanner serves.”
Steve Adams, chair of the Tanner Medical Foundation Board of Directors, presented the 2017 Spirit of Giving Award to Mrs. Tanner.
“The Spirit of Giving Award recognizes an individual who has selflessly given of their time, talent and resources in support of Tanner Health System. This year’s honoree personifies all that the award stands for,” Adams said. “Barbara Tanner carries out her sense of community with distinction.”
Surrounded by family and friends, Tanner received a standing ovation for her contributions to the community.
In addition to the award presentation, Tanner Medical Foundation donors learned about neonatal health from Megan Grilliot, MD, a board-certified obstetrics/ and gynecology specialist with West Georgia OB/GYN, and Amanda Nguyen, MD, a board-certified pediatrician at Children’s Healthcare of West Georgia. Both practices are part of Tanner Medical Group.
The physicians presented “Caring for the Smallest Among Us: Expanding Neonatal Care at Tanner Health System,” which included remarks from Tanner employee, Ryan Sorenson, CRNA, about his personal experience with neonatal care after the premature birth of his son, Eli.
Following the event, H.E. Beau Bowman III, vice president and executive director for Tanner Medical Foundation, cited Mrs. Tanner’s generosity as a volunteer and donor.
“This year we are honoring someone who has supported Tanner as an incredibly generous donor and a passionately dedicated volunteer,” said Bowman. “We are truly honored to celebrate her genuine spirit of giving.”
To learn more about Tanner Medical Foundation, please visit TannerMedicalFoundation.org.