I have not unfolded this work alone. The task has been "given" to me by the sick for whom I have cared over the years. The great community of those who have passed away and the numerous people who are here now all contributed to this Center; all of these people gave me the spirit, the energy and the vision to do my work. I have listened to them and trusted them. Together, we have unfolded what I truly believe to be a new ministry of healing. Our efforts are intended to help heal our healthcare system, but first and foremost, to heal individual people within the community.
I have never been alone in this work. After hearing stories about all the people that The Center helps, someone recently said to me, "I never realized what a community you have around you!" Another said, "The secret is out!"
Let the credits roll!
We are indebted to the following people for their extraordinary assistance with this website over such a long period of time:
Thanks to Nathaniel Marks, President, MarketingMarks Corporation and a founding Board member of The Center. Nate did the original design work, and was tireless in his efforts to actualize this long awaited site.
Others who must be mentioned include: Yale graduate Mr. Francis Heller for his research of all existing websites having to do with healthcare ethics and Jim Shay, a New Trier High School junior who, in the summer of 2002, edited and updated Fran’s original website work. Jim remained faithful to the unfolding of the project throughout the 2002-2003 academic year. He laid the foundation for what emerges today. In the summer of 2003, Rachel Adamczyk, junior at Northwestern, actualized the work of the others. Without Rachel's administrative gifts, this website might have remained in the "nearly-finished-but-not-done" state. There are countless others who should be named, but these four deserve accolades beyond belief.
Most importantly, we are indebted to the donor of this site, whose life-dance supported this effort. She has asked to remain anonymous. Her life continues to be lived most profoundly in her dancing. Her husband has danced into the infinite "I am" and is here with us guiding us with each new step that we take.
My hope and prayer is that this website, interwoven over the years, will adequately tell the story of so many courageous sick people. I could never have done it without them, for sure.
Peace,
Mary Margaret McDonnell, RSCJ