It’s a valuable relationship between Sibley Memorial Hospital and D.C. area communities, explains Monika Petter, a longtime Washingtonian, who has depended on the Johns Hopkins Medicine partner hospital for her health care needs.
Sibley offers a wide range of medical services from surgical, oncology, inpatient and outpatient, to community health initiatives and primary care. Petter underscores Sibley’s compassionate care, especially when she learned of her ovarian cancer diagnosis.
“I can truthfully say Dr. Jeffery Lin saved my life,” she says of the Sibley Center for Gynecologic Oncology and Advanced Pelvic Surgery director. “I’m appreciative of him, his team, and the hospital.”
Nearly 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the United States each year. It’s not exactly known what causes ovarian cancer, but according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, approximately 15% of ovarian cancers are linked to genetic mutations. Currently there are no approved screening tests, making early detection a challenge.
To show her gratitude for the care and treatment she received, Petter established a charitable gift annuity (CGA) to support the center’s needs. A CGA provides guaranteed income and potential tax savings to Petter and future funding to Sibley. She also made an outright gift to recognize her medical team.
We spoke with Petter about her giving, the importance of women’s health, and her relationship with Sibley.
Most recently, I’ve had a terrible affliction of stage 4: ovarian cancer, very advanced. Dr. Lin removed my cancer. Between Dr. Lin and Dr. Frederick Smith, a medical oncologist at Sibley, they are the reasons I’m still here and doing fine. Outside of the doctors, the nurses were so supportive. The nurses make it all bearable. I’ve been living in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 40 years. I’m a proud community member. It’s crucial to have a hospital so close; it brings less stress. I feel connected to Sibley.
I set up a CGA to show my appreciation for Dr. Lin. He regularly checks me for cancer. I know I’m in good hands with him. He’s a very pleasant person whom I trust. Dr. Lin, his team, and the entire staff at Sibley are empathic, helpful, and skilled.
I have empathy for everyone struggling with an illness or disease, but especially women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I received wonderful care from Dr. Lin and his team. I know firsthand the comfort of being well cared for, and I want others to experience this when they are in need. Dr. Lin is an expert. I hope he will continue to practice his wonderful skills and save the lives of more women in our community. There are so many amazing doctors and nurses at the hospital. I want community members to know about the resources available at Sibley.
The gift I made was in honor of Ashley Purwin, the gynecologic oncology nurse practitioner who works closely with Dr. Lin. Ashley assisted me during my appointments. I wanted to contribute because I knew the additional nurse practitioner would be beneficial to Dr. Lin, Ashley, and patients.
I hope my contributions will benefit Dr. Lin and the center. I hope Dr. Lin will receive more support and assistance to further the center’s goals. I feel good about making these gifts to such worthwhile causes, and I’m glad to be in a position to do it. I hope others will be inspired to give as well.
This story first appeared in the Spring/Summer 2024 edition of Planning Matters.
Topics: Faculty and Staff, Friends of Johns Hopkins Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Sibley Memorial Hospital, Promote and Protect Health