Following Footsteps
On any given day you could meet a second, third, even forth generation employee walking the halls of Trinity Regional Medical Center. Not surprising when you consider that Trinity is the largest employer in our community. It does, however, have a greater meaning when we talk about the Trinity family. In a very literal sense it makes the employees of Trinity a true family — a group of individuals who take care, encourage and mentor.
Dr. Gary LeValley and his daughter, Lori are a great example of the Trinity family. Dr. LeValley began practicing medicine in Fort Dodge and working with Trinity Regional Medical Center in 1965. It was actually a blizzard that solidified Gary's recruitment to Fort Dodge. While on a recruiting trip through Iowa, Gary was stranded in Fort Dodge during a blizzard, cutting his recruiting trip short. After meeting with Dr. Herb Kersten regarding employment, Gary decided that perhaps he was right where he was meant to be. He accepted the position and never looked back.
Nearly 30 years later, Lori LeValley became an employee of Trinity Regional Medical Center. Naturally, Lori found her inspiration to work in healthcare from her father. "I went through a time when I wanted to pursue a variety of careers from being a probation officer to a radiologist, but I ended up with a degree in speech-language pathology," shares Lori. "Growing up with a father in the healthcare industry inspired me to want to help others. That said, I never really intended to work at Trinity. When I returned to Fort Dodge, I started working at the AEA and later pursued an opportunity at TRMC."
Knowing that the basic principle of healthcare is to help others, it seems appropriate that Trinity Regional Medical Center play an integral role in the stability and future growth of the community and region. "Trinity is at the forefront of growth in Fort Dodge. Quality healthcare is an important factor in recruiting new businesses and professionals to the area," said Dr. LeValley. "The economic impact is obvious, but Trinity gives so much to the community through THRIVE, Healthy Living and other health education programs — the hospital really does have the community's best interest at heart," said Lori. It is this culture of generosity that inspired Gary and Lori to give back to Trinity.
"To be honest, I really became acquainted with Trinity Health Foundation during the hospice house capital campaign. That is what brought the Foundation to the forefront for me and caused me to reevaluate my giving.
Now as a manager at Trinity, it gives me peace of mind to know that we have the Foundation to supplement funding for equipment, programs, and education. That is huge for the organization, especially in this unstable economy, where we don't know the future of reimbursement for healthcare services," shared Lori. "I also believe that Trinity has always been extremely fair to its employees and is a great place to work — when you work for an organization that maintains such high standards, it is important to recognize that and invest in the organization. That is what drives me to support Trinity Health Foundation."
Dr. LeValley agreed, "It is important to give back to the organization that has given me so much. Trinity supported me in my 40+ years as a physician, it is only right to reciprocate. I've always believed in supporting the community and organizations that are important to me and Trinity is one of those organizations," commented Gary. "My parents were community-minded and very involved with our church — I guess they taught me those values."
The sense of community obligation and responsibility Gary learned from his parents is a trait he and his wife, Joan worked hard to instill in Lori and her three siblings. "I don't know that we formally talked about giving back to the community, but I truly believe actions speak louder than words. I hope that my actions have inspired them to do the same," Gary shared. "I take pride in seeing our kids get involved and give back to the communities they live in — it's important to me and I'm glad they have made that decision," added Gary.
"Mom and Dad were great role models. We saw them give freely of their financial resources, as well as, their time," shared Lori. "I hope that I too, have taught my children to take responsibility and give back. I've always encouraged them to be involved," stated Lori.
Will there be a third generation of LeValley's at Trinity? "Never say never," said Lori. "Life is full of surprises. If it happens, I'll be thrilled."