When Kahina Ahmed's husband, Rafique Ahmed, PhD, lost his battle with cancer in May 2017, she wanted to do something to honor his memory and express her gratitude for the great care they received.
During years of treatment, Dr. Ahmed, a retired University of Wisconsin-La Crosse professor, and his wife met many wonderful, compassionate providers and staff at the Gundersen Cancer Center. This compassionate care inspired Mrs. Ahmed to reach out to her husband's oncologist Roger Kwong, MD, asking if there was any way for her to help other cancer patients.
Dr. Kwong was moved by Mrs. Ahmed's desire to help others in her husband's memory and connected her with Gundersen Medical Foundation's Gifts of Gratitude program. Jon McKenzie, development officer at the Foundation, worked with Mrs. Ahmed to determine how her generosity could be put into action to make a difference.
"Gundersen had recently begun plans for renovations of all the infusion rooms at the Cancer Center as it had been 15 years since the center opened. The care that Dr. Rafique received over his long battle with cancer—including many hours in Infusion—inspired Mrs. Ahmed to make a gift in his memory toward these renovations and patient care."
"In remembering her husband with her gift of gratitude she made a very positive impact for many patients at Gundersen," Jon adds. "It's a fitting tribute to Dr. Ahmed's upbeat attitude, courage and faith."
If you're interested in giving Gifts of Gratitude, please contact the Foundation at (608) 775-6600 or email Gundersen Medical Foundation.
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