New Faces in the Emergency Department at TCMH
September 21, 2018
Mariah Thompson is August Employee of the Month
September 21, 2018
If you have been in Texas County long, you probably remember IC “Doc” Keeney. He was a veterinarian in the area from 1955 to 2010, retiring in his 80’s.
The importance of hospice was not lost on Keeney, as his own father had to be on TCMH hospice in the time that hospice was new to this area.
“It became really important to him,” Diane Pierce, Keeney’s daughter, said. While Keeney passed away in May of 2017, his legacy and dedication to Hospice of Care at TCMH lives on through his daughter and his son, David Keeney.
“He got sick very quickly and we knew he was deteriorating fast,” Pierce said. She added, “My dad was on hospice for a couple days, and I could see the benefit for people who need to be on hospice long term because they helped us tremendously in that short amount of time.”
To carry on Keeney’s legacy and devotion to Hospice of Care, Pierce and her family wanted to do something to show their support for the organization.
What started as a cookout for friends and family in 2017, quickly turned into an annual fundraising event for Hospice of Care after Keeney passed away.
In 2017, Pierce and her husband Steve hosted the First Annual Pierce Bass & BBQ Fundraiser. The event was such a hit that they wanted to do it again this year. This year’s event was held on September 15 at the Pierce’s house.
The event included a meal, live music and great company.
“We’re hoping that it grows from year to year,” Pierce said. She further explained that it has been a learning curve because putting on an event is new to her and her family. Jay Gentry, Healthcare Foundation director, also helped coordinate the event.
“Jay has been so good about trying to help us get it together this year, and coordinate more with the hospital,” Pierce explained.
This year’s event raised $2,600 for Hospice of Care, about $1,000 more than last year’s event.
“We are so grateful for the generosity of the Pierce and Keeney families,” Wes Murray, TCMH chief executive officer said. He added, “This event is a great example of how individuals can help support their community in their own unique way.”
Plans for the Third Annual Pierce Bass & BBQ Fundraiser are already in the making, and the Pierce and Keeney families hope to include more people and raise even more money to benefit Hospice of Care.