Ever since settling in Dufur in 1966, David Gross has had many occasions
to visit Mid-Columbia Medical Center. The retired U.S. Forest Service
employee has been treated in the emergency room, spent a week in the Rehabilitation
Center, and used the Lab and Radiology departments prior to being both
an inpatient and an outpatient. “I ran a Youth Conservation Corps
on the Mt. Hood National Forest, and I had kids sometimes land in the
ER during their activities, too,” he says. Many of his visits involved
visiting friends and family who were patients. And then there were the
births of three children at MCMC and three grandchildren. They, too, have
been treated at MCMC for a variety of bumps, bruises and various illnesses.
“In short, MCMC has been part of my life for a long time,”
says Gross.
His latest visit, in January 2020, was another exceptional experience that
prompted Gross to write a letter of thanks commending the care he received
while in the acute care unit. Words he used to describe the staff included
caring, compassionate, concerned and friendly. He also has high praise
for the physical therapy staff. “They encouraged me and sometimes
pushed me beyond what I thought I could do, always with the goal of getting
me back to doing the things that made my life so enriching,” he says.
Even when he is not a patient, MCMC is part of Gross’ life. “My
art has been exhibited on the walls of the cafeteria, the Celilo Cancer
Center and Water’s Edge,” he notes. The latter facility houses
the fitness center and pool that he uses on a regular basis. “I
do my bike work while looking right out on the banks of the Columbia River,”
he states. “You can see seagulls and Canadian geese; it’s
a beautiful spot!”
To show just how grateful he is for the care he has received, Gross made
a donation to the Mid-Columbia Health Foundation, the fundraising entity
at MCMC. His philanthropic support will help ensure that MCMC is here
serving The Dalles for many generations to come.