Once again the AHPA sponsored Christmas Bear Program is going strong as coordinators and volunteers are stepping up to bring a Happy Christmas to children around the state. We have received confirmation from the coordinators listed below and encourage any volunteers to contact them directly if you want to help out. You will probably notice some new coordinators and we want to welcome them. We would also like to thank Linda Lauters, Ralph Dunham, and Dan Kelly for their help in supporting the program.
As many of you know, one of our own remains in intensive care at the Flagstaff Medical Center from injuries sustained during a collision while working a snowstorm on I-17. Officer Ken Hensheid is recovering slowly and we all hope for the best. This year we are dedicating our efforts for the Christmas Bear Program to Ken and his family during this difficult time. It should be especially noted that Ken has volunteered in the past and may well have been one of the many volunteers this year. We ask you keep him in your prayers when handing out these bears during this holiday season; for he will be receiving one himself.
Article written by/or information provided by AHPA
COORDINATORS 2009
CASA GRANDE: Kim Penunuri- Casa Grande Regional
COTTONWOOD/SEDONA: Shannon Mork-Verde Valley Medical Center, Sedona Medical Center
EAST VALLEY: Ken Nelson- Chandler Regional, Mesa Lutheran, Scottsdale Memorial, Gilbert Regional, Desert Samaritan, Cardon Children’s Medical Center
FLAGSTAFF: Becky Smith- Flagstaff Medical Center
FOUR CORNERS AREA/ NAVAJO RESERVATION: Jeff Eavenson, IHS Hospitals (Chinle, Hopi, Fort Defiance), Sage Memorial
HOPI RESERVATION: Becky Smith- Multiple Hopi Headstart Schools
KINGMAN: Tom Eaves-Kingman Regional, Western Regional (Bullhead City), Lake Havasu Regional
NORTH PHOENIX: Megan Sparrow- Arrowhead Hospital, John C. Lincoln (Mendy’s Place), Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
PAYSON: Tiffany Harold/ Terry Lincoln: Payson Care Center, Hospice of Payson
PHOENIX: Tim Mason- Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Maricopa County Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital
PRESCOTT: Russ Dodge- Yavapai Regional Medical Center
SHOW LOW: Jim Bee- Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center, Whiteriver (PHS), Pinetop Safe House
TUCSON: Quentin Mehr/ Kevin McNichols- University Medical Center, Tucson Medical Center
YUMA: Eddie Simpson- Yuma Regional Medical Center