Donor Stories

Valerie Ritzenthaler, RN, Surgery

Valerie Ritzenthaler has spent several decades in the Operating Room, so she knows what teamwork is all about. She also knows that teamwork is the key to helping people receive the best healthcare, no matter what their circumstances, and that is why she loves Firelands.

“Everyone has everyone’s back here,” she says. “We look out for each other as we would a family member.” Valerie has found over the years that her job is made better by the generosity of others and so she has extended that same generosity as a donor to The Foundation for Firelands. Valerie has made gifts to enhance the surgical department, but also routinely gives to other campaigns to meet needs as they arise within our region, whether it is through cancer care, women’s health or ensuring newborns get a great start in life.

“I feel it is really important for the community to give back. I see others in need and I can help. It does my heart good,” she explains. “My family feels very strongly about community and commitment. Our support of Firelands centers on this belief in helping others during their time of need.”

Jason Blanton, Radiation Therapist, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center at Firelands Regional Medical Center

As a radiation therapist, Jason Blanton has seen people at their worst, during essential but challenging rounds of cancer treatments. He also sees people at a time when they are most in need of help, when cancer is not only physically challenging, but also financially devastating. That is why he gives…

“I like helping people, especially when I can give them something positive to focus on in the midst of an uncertain time,” he says. “Often, we can take things in life for granted. Things like clothing and even food become a big burden to some cancer patients,” Jason explains. “It makes me feel good to help people get the things they need. It may be something small, but it means a lot to patients when they are going through a difficult time.”

In his fifteen years, Jason has personally helped patients with clothing items, but also gives to other important campaigns to enhance the health of our community.

“This year, the Annual Appeal helped to bring baby boxes to families in need,” he says. “What a great idea to combat infant mortality. I am proud to be a part of it.”

Shelly Chesbro, owner, Mark Advertising, Sandusky

From the moment Shelly Chesbro first donned her red and white candy-striper uniform in her early teens as a volunteer at Good Samaritan Hospital, she learned first-hand the meaning of giving back.

Read Shelly's full donor story here.

Tim Mayles, accountant, Barnes Wendling Accountants, Sandusky

"I give because we are fortunate to have Firelands Regional Medical Center in our community."

Read Tim's full donor story here

Beth Mathews, Mathews Ford, Sandusky

"We support The Foundation for Firelands cancer program fund and mammogram and breast cancer fund because we have seen the impact it has on patients and families who are dealing with the financial burden of a cancer diagnosis."

Read Beth's full donor story here.

Jim Wible, president, American Colors Inc., Sandusky

"American Colors has been a long-standing supporter of The Foundation for Firelands. We are proud to have a nationally ranked medical center and physicians right here in Sandusky. For our 50 employees, having Firelands Regional Medical Center just minutes away means better health; more productive workdays; and happier, healthier families.

"American Colors has supported the Initiative for Firelands, a capital campaign which helped to fund renovations and construction at the hospital, and the Firelands cancer program fund."

Bill Springer, Industrial Nut Corporation

For the Springer family, Firelands Regional Medical Center is more than just their medical center; it is a cause that has been central to their philanthropy for generations. In the early 1900’s, Bill Springer’s grandmother, Ida Senn, served on the Good Samaritan Hospital Board of Trustees. Mrs. Senn was a pioneer as a female trustee in her day, acting on behalf of Grace Episcopal Church who had a financial interest in this early medical facility. Bill’s father, Jack, subsequently served on the same board.

Since then, the Springer family has gone through two more generations of medical center leadership. Bill’s father, Jack, served on the board of Good Samaritan Hospital in the 1950’s. Upon graduation from college and after working for a few years in another state, Bill moved back to Sandusky and joined the board at the request of then board chair Paul Phieffer. Bill Springer who rotates terms as Chair and ViceChair of the Firelands Regional Medical Center board, and his company, Industrial Nut Corporation, have remained steadfast in their commitment to Firelands Regional Medical Center.

For Bill and Industrial Nut Corporation, this commitment isn’t just altruistic; it also benefits the employees and the company.

“Having a successful, robust medical center is critical to our community,” Bill says. “It improves the quality of life for everyone and gives employers like Industrial Nut Corporation access to great healthcare through a great Emergency Department, trauma care, corporate health, general surgery and more.”

Industrial Nut Corporation, a fastener manufacturing company in Sandusky, has long supported capital improvement projects and annual campaigns at Firelands Regional Medical Center. Besides this financial support and Bill’s involvement as board leadership, Industrial Nut has utilized Firelands Corporate Health services to initiate a wellness plan within their company.

“We took the five pillars of health concept that Firelands uses to test employees for wellness and implemented it at our plant,” Bill says. “We offer wellness incentives for employees whose medical testing falls within healthy levels. This has made our workforce strive for better health. We believe this is important not only for our employees, but for the overall health of our community. We are fortunate as a community of our size to have such a wonderful and comprehensive medical facility in Firelands Regional Medical Center."