Anderson County Hospital Residential Living Center

09/16/2025

Leona has always been a doer, and at 99 years, she’s still doing. Before moving to the RLC just last year, Leona lived at home where she kept a garden and even mowed her own lawn. While we don’t let her cut the grass, we do find other ways for Leona and her neighbors to be helpful.

Engaging in daily tasks like tidying up their rooms, folding laundry, watering flowers, delivering mail, or helping with meal prep can give residents a sense of purpose and belonging, and the satisfaction of contributing to their community.

On this day, Leona helped roll silverware. It’s great exercise for her hand-eye coordination, finger strength, and dexterity. It can also boost her memory recall and help keep her cognitive function sharp. But the greatest benefit is feelings of joy and worth that come from helping others. 💙 🍴

09/15/2025

Step into the RLC any given week, and you’re likely to find the Ford family weaving faith and fellowship into the fabric of our community life.

For the past 15 years, Josh, a dedicated nurse in the hospital’s specialty clinic, has welcomed residents to a weekly nondenominational Bible study, offering scripture and song as everyone gathers for their evening meal. Often, his wife and one or more of their six children will join in and sing along.

Josh also works with the Garnett Area Ministerial Alliance and helps guide our volunteer chaplain program and the RLC’s rotating church services held on Sundays.

“We respect everyone’s faith and background while providing a variety of opportunities to participate,” says Josh. “Our hope is that residents can continue to practice their faith and maintain connections with their own religious communities. And for those unable to go to church, we bring the church here.”

Thank you to the Ford family and all our volunteers for sharing your time and talents with us!

09/12/2025

Mmm...donuts! ☕️🍩

The RLC Activity Committee is offering fresh Krispy Kreme donuts in glazed, chocolate-iced, or filled varieties for just $15.50–$17.50 per dozen. Pair them with a 12-ounce bag of rich, aromatic coffee for $9.

To place your order, visit the nurses’ desk or call Melissa at 785-204-4031. Pick up your treats on Oct. 3 before 3 p.m.

Every purchase supports the RLC Activity Fund, bringing more fun, outings, and special experiences to our residents. Enjoy a treat and support our residents!

09/12/2025

Dana’s cancer journey began in August 2022 when persistent stomach issues brought him to Saint Luke’s Community Hospital in Roeland Park, Kansas. A CT scan revealed a cancerous mass nearly completely blocking his entire colon. He was transferred to Saint Luke's North Hospital where Dr. Ben Kulow, a colorectal surgeon, performed surgeries to address the blockage.

Unfortunately, Dana’s cancer had spread to his liver, where tumors had released high serotonin levels that damaged his heart valve. Dr. Marc Roth, a gastrointestinal oncologist, prescribed lanreotide injections to help control the tumors and lower serotonin—but this was only a temporary solution.

In November 2024, Dana received open-heart surgery to replace his tricuspid valve, which was around the same time Dr. Roth started discussing LUTATHERA®, a targeted radioactive therapy specifically for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) found in the gut or pancreas. This leading-edge treatment destroys the cancer cells causing serotonin spikes while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

Through Dr. Sunpreet Rakhra, a radiation oncologist, Dana became Saint Luke’s first-ever LUTATHERA recipient. After two treatments, his serotonin levels dropped dramatically—from 2,200 nanograms per milliliter to a normal 170.

“It sounds scary to be the guinea pig,” Dana says, “But I actually felt honored that I had the privilege and opportunity. Hopefully this therapy can help somebody else along the way, too.”

Dana’s treatment journey has been guided by a collaborative team of diverse medical experts whose combined knowledge and specialized skills have ensured every aspect of his care is carefully managed. While there is no cure for NET, Dana has still been able to travel the world since LUTATHERA. He says it’s a blessing he’s still able to go on these adventures.

“Planning trips has been good therapy for me,” he says. “I like planning and figuring out where we’re going to go next.”

Check out Dana's full story: https://heyor.ca/CXHoHN

09/10/2025

More than 250 Saint Luke’s team members came together to make a difference at this year’s Head For The Cure 5K in Kansas City! 🏃

The team raised more than $30,000 to support brain tumor research, raise awareness, and foster hope within our community. Funds raised will directly benefit Saint Luke’s patients through groundbreaking research and advancements in brain tumor care at Saint Luke's Marion Bloch Neuroscience Institute.

This year, neuro-oncologist Dr. Samuel Goldlust presented three Saint Luke's patients with the Courage Award—recognizing them for their strength and resilience.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us to support this important cause. 💙

09/09/2025

Dr. Megan Mayer from Saint Luke's Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists recently kicked off yoga at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts by speaking about how yoga can benefit people at every stage of life.

Yoga is more than just a workout—it promotes flexibility, stability, and mental wellness while helping build a strong core that supports balance and protects joints. Because it’s a low-impact activity, yoga can be an important tool in recovery from pain or injury, and even some of Dr. Mayer’s surgical patients use it as part of their healing process. For those with conditions like arthritis, yoga offers a way to stay active without the strain of high-impact exercise.

No matter your age or ability, the goal is simple: keep moving to support both your body and your mind for lifelong health.

09/09/2025

Jamie, our restorative aide, brings fun to every therapy session. 🎨

In addition to working on fine motor skills and manual dexterity, this therapy session had great mental health benefits. Participating in artistic activities, such as this painting class, helps alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression, giving our residents a creative and meaningful outlet for self-expression.

09/08/2025

As families recently posted their back-to-school photos and chalkboard signs, we wanted to get in on the action to celebrate the spirit of health care, where learning never stops.

Many of our team members have been in health care for years, even decades. From navigating new technology to figuring out life lessons, the learning that happens day in and day out helps shape who we are. Check out some of our longtime team members' colorful responses.

09/08/2025

We savored the last bits of summer with this super cute watermelon craft! 🍉

The precise and delicate action of picking up and gluing down buttons works the small muscles in the hands and fingers. This can help residents maintain or improve their ability to perform daily tasks like buttoning a shirt or using utensils. Crafting has never looked so delicious!

09/06/2025

Summertime in Kansas is not complete without having fresh corn on the cob!

Thank you to Jamie, our restorative aide, for picking up this yummy treat from the Garnett Farmers Market, and thanks to our residents for helping us get it all shucked in time for dinner! 🌽 🍴

09/05/2025

Residents had a blast crafting botanical bookmarks with beautiful butterflies and blooms in preparation for a visit to the new bookstore, The Beloved Book Co., inside 130 Collective in Garnett.

They're ready to mark their next great reads with these handmade creations! 📚

09/04/2025

When Saint Luke's Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center and Saint Luke's Cancer Institute join forces to educate our community on the importance of women's health, the result is a Gem of a Night!

The inaugural Saint Luke's Gem of a Night event brought a full house to the luxurious Meierotto Jewelers with bejeweled flowers, live music, and a picturesque balloon display provided by Up, Up & Away! Cardiologist Dr. Tracy Stevens and breast radiologist Dr. Ruby Meierotto gave eye-opening presentations about heart and breast health.

Together, we’re empowering women with knowledge, sparking conversations, and shining a brighter light on the future of women’s health.

09/04/2025

Strike a pose! 💃🕺

Residents and staff at the RLC turned up the style for a glamorous photoshoot, complete with fancy outfits, big smiles, and lots of laughs. Everyone looked fantastic, and had fun too! 📸✨

09/03/2025

Hey there, September! 👋 It’s time for flannels, football, fall fun, and the new issue of the Connections Newsletter.

Discover a delicious recipe for an apple pineapple salad, meet some new members of the RLC team, and catch up with some of our residents in this month’s edition.

Read the full newsletter: https://heyor.ca/sPpopS

09/03/2025

This calls for a celebration! Terry, a medical lab scientist at Saint Luke's South Hospital, recently reached her 50th work anniversary with Saint Luke's. She started at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City in 1975 and transferred to South in 2011.

"I like my job. I feel like this is the best system to work for," said Terry. "It's the family atmosphere. We know about everybody we pass in the hallway, and we call them by their name. I like that. I'm not ready to retire yet. This is still my happy place."

Cheers to you, Terry! Thank you for your years—decades!—of service. 💙

09/02/2025

Dr. Elizabeth Grier’s interest in math and science led her to a career in medicine. In college, she loved learning about the heart in her physiology classes. Today, she is a Saint Luke’s interventional cardiologist.

“I specifically developed an interest in interventional cardiology because I really like working with my hands and appreciate the variety that comes with working in the cath lab,” said Dr. Grier. “I get to do a lot of different procedures, so no two days are completely alike.”

Dr. Grier treats a wide range of heart conditions, including valve repairs and replacements. She has a special interest in helping patients who were born with heart defects because she enjoys the challenge of working with their unique anatomy. Her role at Saint Luke's allows her to participate in important clinical research that is advancing the field.

“The field of structural interventions is rapidly evolving, which allows us to incorporate new technologies today that weren’t available even a year or two ago,” she said. “I feel it is important to take a patient-centered approach, incorporating the values and preferences of the patient and their family into their care decisions.”

At the end of the day when she takes off her lab coat, Dr. Grier is most likely reading a book or riding on her Peloton. She is also learning Spanish, a skill that will undoubtedly be useful with patients.

08/29/2025

Jaylen will play his first football game as a college athlete at MoWest tomorrow. Two years ago, he broke his collarbone during practice on his high school team, and playing in college seemed like it may never happen. He feared for the future of his football career—until he got a second opinion from Dr. Larry Frevert at Saint Luke's Rockhill Orthopaedic Specialists.

Watch the FOX4 News Kansas City story about this college freshman's big comeback: https://heyor.ca/bLtQfW

08/27/2025

Ten years ago, doctors estimated Melissa had about three years to live.

In March 2015, Melissa was experiencing severe headaches. On March 25, the pain became overwhelming, and her husband Don called for help. An ambulance took Melissa to Wright Memorial Hospital, and an MRI revealed Melissa had glioblastoma—a serious form of cancer that originates in the brain with a five-year survival rate of about 5%.

Melissa was sent to Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City for emergency surgery, followed by chemo, radiation, and rehab. Ten years later, Melissa, 68, has recovered physically, emotionally, and spiritually—and now greets each day with excitement.

“I wake up smiling, and it carries with me,” Melissa says. “It's in everything you see, every song you hear. It's everywhere.”

In 2023, Melissa began seeing Dr. Samuel Goldlust, a neuro-oncologist, for continuing care.

"Dr. Goldlust is very impressive," Don said. "He took the time to understand our history before entering the room."

Though Melissa has physical limitations and had to relearn to speak, she embraces what her body can manage and cherishes time she once feared she’d lose. Melissa and Don recently saw their son graduate from Kansas State University summa cm laude—another one of those little moments that mean so much.

Melissa and Don saw firsthand how Saint Luke’s stands apart through our dedication to advanced cancer research and treatments. With support from generous donors, we deliver leading-edge care to thousands of patients. 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲: https://heyor.ca/Ji6lOs

08/26/2025

Happy to our beloved Saint Luke's Rehabilitation Institute facility dog, Henli! You bring joy, hope, and comfort to patients every day and motivate them to work hard. Thank you for reminding us of the healing power of unconditional love. 💙 🐾

08/22/2025

Summer sunshine offers many joys—but it also comes with some risks. Skin cancer remains the most common type of cancer in the U.S., affecting 1 in 5 individuals.

Dr. Megan McNally, a surgical oncologist at Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, emphasizes sun protection strategies and the crucial role of early detection. Watch her conversation with KCTV5 News Kansas City to learn how to protect your skin: https://heyor.ca/SM8H5E

Megan McNally, MD, a surgical oncologist with Saint Luke's Cancer Institute, shares tips on sun protection and early skin cancer detection.

08/21/2025

Dr. B. Todd Moore recently completed his 2,000th robotic surgery at Saint Luke's South Hospital! He performed the first robotic procedure at Saint Luke's South in 2016 and has seen the technology evolve firsthand.

Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive technique where the surgeon controls robotic arms from a remote console. It uses smaller incisions, improves precision, and leads to faster recovery for the patient. The program at Saint Luke’s South has grown exponentially in volume, case offerings, and multispecialty usage over the past nine years.

“I think it’s amazing how far we’ve come in regards to robotic surgery,” said Dr. Moore. “It is a significantly advantageous technology used not just by me and Saint Luke's Surgical Specialists, but by nearly all specialties at Saint Luke’s to offer the best care to our patients.”

Saint Luke’s offers a one-year fellowship for graduating surgeons to learn and master robotic surgery. Thanks in part to Dr. Moore’s work, general surgeons are being trained in these advanced procedures.

“The common misconception is that the 'robot' is performing the surgery,” Dr. Moore said. “The robot is simply a highly sophisticated piece of technology that we use. The surgeon is hands-on for the entire procedure.”

Saint Luke’s South is on pace to reach 3,500 robotic surgeries later this year. With Dr. Moore’s milestone and the program’s continued growth, Saint Luke’s South proudly stands at the forefront of robotic surgery, transforming lives today and shaping the future of patient care.

08/11/2025

A simple smile can go a long way. 😎

Kindness can be as easy as sharing a smile with someone. Smiling not only helps lift your mood, but it's contagious—spreading warmth and positivity to everyone around you. BEE the reason someone smiles today!

Here's a look at some of the beautiful smiles brightening our community. 💛

08/08/2025

There’s nothing better than a sweet cherry cheesecake on a summer day, and it’s even better when it’s shared amongst friends. We always enjoy the opportunity to spend time with each other over a shared sweet treat! 🍒

08/07/2025

We've got just the thing to keep your summer days bright—the August issue of Connections! ☀️

Inside, you’ll find a savory tomato pie recipe that’s perfect for peak tomato season, a warm introduction to Dr. Cecilia Mathis, the new medical director of the RLC, and plenty more stories from around our community.

Read the new edition: https://heyor.ca/mA9x35