Advocate Sherman Hospital celebrates 135th anniversary
On July 12, Advocate Sherman Hospital commemorated its 135th anniversary with a special ceremony. Teammates, physicians, community leaders and visitors gathered in the cafeteria to hear hospital and community leaders speak about this milestone.
Sheri De Shazo, president of Advocate Sherman, reflected on the compassionate healing skills teammates and physicians have provided over the hospital's history.
De Shazo noted how patients and teammates are at the heart of the hospital's story, and oftentimes, they're one and the same. She then shared the story of the Garcia family, one of many multi-generational families whose journey is interwoven with Advocate Sherman's.
Alicia Garcia gave birth to her twin girls, Lupe and Maria, at Advocate Sherman. In 1981, Alicia returned to Sherman, not as a patient, but as a member of our environmental services team. Today, she still helps to create a safe, clean and welcoming space for our patients and visitors.
When Lupe and Maria turned 18, they started their own careers in the radiology department at Advocate Sherman. Lupe started as a receptionist and has worked her way up in the department to be a coordinator; Maria now works in the medical records department.
When Alicia was diagnosed with breast cancer, she turned to Advocate Sherman to save her life. Her colleagues supported her journey to survivorship every step of the way. Now Alicia is cancer-free and able to enjoy her three grandchildren, all three of whom were born at Advocate Sherman Hospital.
De Shazo thanked the Garcia family for their many years of service and for trusting Advocate Sherman for their care.
Elgin Mayor, Dave Kaptain, echoed a similar sentiment in his remarks, "This celebration is about people. Whether they are doctors, nurses, food service, housekeeping or volunteers, it's the great staff that makes Advocate Sherman what is it and creates the environment that we have in our city."
Advocate Sherman board member Rick Jakle and former Northeast Neighborhood Association president Eric Larson shared additional remarks about the hospital's connection to the Elgin community.
The event culminated with the unveiling of the Sherman monument in its new location on the patio where it will be cared for and preserved for years to come.
"We honor our hospital's legacy in the Elgin community, celebrate our present commitment to help all people live well and look forward to the future as we continue to pursue our founder's motto, progress," De Shazo said.
Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed celebratory lunch at Advocate Sherman.