Saint Luke's Hospice House

09/22/2025

This year’s Plaza 10K brought together more than 2,000 runners and walkers from 25 states, raising more than $25,000 in support of Saint Luke's Home Care & Hospice.

Every dollar raised helps ensure patients receive expert, compassionate care during recovery or at the end of life.

Thank you to every donor, fundraiser, participant, sponsor, and volunteer. Whether you gave, ran, or cheered, you played an essential role in making this event a success.

Platinum Sponsors
- Capital Electric Construction Company Inc
- JE Dunn Construction
- Saint Luke's Hospital Auxiliary

Gold Sponsor
- John A. Marshall Co.

Silver Sponsors
- Kansas City Life Insurance Company
- McCownGordon Construction

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.

09/08/2025

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.

09/04/2025

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.

09/03/2025

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.

08/19/2025

Lace up your sneakers—the Plaza 10k is racing toward us! 🏃

Every step you take and every donation made to the Plaza 10K helps bring comfort, dignity, and peace to patients in their final days. Saint Luke’s Home Care & Hospice is a lifeline for those at the end of life and the loved ones they leave behind. Join us in honoring their journey.

For more than 45 years, Saint Luke’s has stood by patients and families during their most vulnerable moments. From healing after illness to navigating the pain of loss, our team provides presence, peace, and unwavering support.

Here are some exciting ways you can jump in and be part of this year’s 10k:
🏃 Donate: Your donation serves more than just patients—it helps families navigate this difficult time.
🏃 Participate: Register to run or walk.
🏃 Volunteer: Help on race day and cheer on your favorite runners.

Learn more and register: saintlukeskc.org/plaza10k

06/26/2025

With the Plaza 10K only three months away, now is the perfect time to lace up and start training. Register for the Sept. 7 race by July 13 to take advantage of early-bird pricing. 🏃👟

Saint Luke’s Home Care & Hospice is honored to be the beneficiary of funds raised at the Plaza 10K—the largest 10-kilometer race in Kansas and Missouri. The flat course runs along the banks of Brush Creek and winds through the heart of the historic Country Club Plaza.

Register for the race and download your 3-month training guide: https://heyor.ca/u38B3M

06/25/2025

Congratulations to Rich Liekweg, BJC Health System CEO, who announced his plans to retire on October 1, 2025, concluding an extraordinary career spanning almost 40 years in health care, the last 16 of which were devoted to BJC.

“It has been an honor to serve and lead our team members these past 16 years as they deliver exceptional care to our patients and communities,” said Rich. “Together, we successfully navigated through unprecedented times in the industry, never losing sight of our singular purpose to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. I am deeply proud of our caregivers, the culture we have created, and the values we share that place the patient at the center of all we do.”

BJC is pleased to announce that Nick Barto, current BJC Health System President, will succeed Rich as President and CEO of BJC Health System.

“I am honored to be selected to succeed Rich Liekweg as BJC Health System’s President and CEO,” said Nick. “I look forward to working with our 47,000 team members to build on Rich’s vision that grew BJC into a super-regional health care leader, to continue to provide extraordinary care to the communities we serve, and to position BJC as a mission-oriented academic health care leader for all future generations.”

Read more here: https://heyor.ca/j1yUMR

05/16/2025

Join us for this year’s Plaza 10k on Sunday, September 7 at 7:30 a.m.! 👟🎉

The Plaza 10K is Kansas City’s premier 10K event. With thousands of participants, the race is the largest 10K in Kansas and Missouri. Enjoy a flat course that runs along the banks of Brush Creek and through the heart of the Country Club Plaza and receive a commemorative shirt and medal.

Saint Luke’s Home Care & Hospice is honored to be the beneficiary of funds raised at the Plaza 10K for nine consecutive years. Learn more and register today: https://heyor.ca/u38B3M

05/15/2025

For more than a decade, Saint Luke's Home Care & Hospice has worked in collaboration with the Girl Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri to host an annual summer camp to help area youth process the unique feelings of grief.

Express Yourself Camp (June 13–14) is specially designed for children ages 5–14 who have experienced a loss or change, such as the death of a loved one, a divorce in the family, a serious illness, or even the loss of a special friendship or pet. Children will be able to connect with others who’ve had similar experiences while enjoying activities, such as art, music, hiking, fishing, and canoeing.

Learn more and register: https://heyor.ca/lW5HNn

10/03/2024

We are pleased to announce this year’s Plaza 10k raised over $20,000 for Saint Luke’s Home Care & Hospice! With more than 2,100 runners and walkers from 23 states joining in—including nearly 120 Saint Luke’s employees who laced up and hit the course—it was a fantastic morning for a race. 🏃

Saint Luke’s Home Care & Hospice has been dedicated to providing compassionate care to patients and their families during their most challenging times for over 45 years. Thank you to KC Running Company and our event sponsors:

Platinum Sponsors
—JE Dunn Construction
—Saint Luke's Hospital Auxiliary

Silver Sponsors
—Commerce Bank
—Kansas City Life Insurance Company
—John A. Marshall Co.

Bronze Sponsor
—Martha Comment

08/26/2024

Bentley is one of many beloved dogs from Pets for Life, Inc. who visit Saint Luke's Hospice House as part of the Dogs on Call (DOC) program. His owner, Bill, brings Bentley every week to interact with patients, families, and staff who absolutely adore him. He loves attention and standing up to receive treats.

Pets are a valuable source of comfort and support in hospice care. Animals are shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance social interaction. There is a reason dogs are called man's best friend. 🐶

08/08/2024

With only one month left until the big day, time is running out to register for the 14th annual Plaza 10K. 🏃

This unique race provides scenic views of Kansas City, taking runners along Brush Creek and through the heart of the Country Club Plaza. Proceeds benefit Saint Luke’s Home Care & Hospice.

Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/3ac1cde

07/08/2024

The 14th annual Plaza 10k is only two months away! Don't miss the discount—be sure to register before fees increase on July 14. We can't wait to run with you on Sunday, September 8! 👟

Register today: https://bit.ly/4cyGh3j

05/31/2024

With the Plaza 10K three months away, now is the perfect time to lace up and start training. Check out the training guide at the link below to help you hit your race day goals!

Saint Luke’s Home Care & Hospice is honored to be the beneficiary of funds raised at the Plaza 10K for eight consecutive years. Register today: https://bit.ly/3QMbsQ5

04/24/2024

Saint Luke's volunteers play an important role in our health system. They greet visitors, help patients, and donate their time and energy to selflessly serve our community.

To our volunteers: You are a beacon of light. You make a positive difference in the lives of many, and your generosity and compassion mean so much to our team and the people you serve. We are so thankful for you—Happy !