The McLeod Men, who meet quarterly, annually review McLeod Health programs and decide what their membership dues will support. In the past, the group has supported lung screening scholarships and funded equipment used to enhance the patient experience.

This year, Maureen Byrd, a nurse practitioner with the McLeod Home-Based Palliative Care Team, presented an exciting new effort to the McLeod Men — the Butterfly Fund.

The Butterfly Fund will provide immediate support for Hospice and Palliative Care patients who struggle to afford basic items necessary for their care. This includes medication, nutrition, minor medical equipment, and other needs requiring urgent assistance.

“In her compelling presentation, Maureen explained how providing critical support for patients can drastically change their medical outcome,” said Dr. Charlie Jordan, Chairman of the McLeod Men.

When it came time to vote, it was clear that this presentation had touched hearts. As a group, the Men approved funding to establish the Butterfly Fund.

“It took less than five minutes for us to realize the critical importance of this program,” recalled Dr. Jordan. “We knew that this is exactly what the McLeod Men are here to support.”

Through the generosity of the McLeod Men, the Butterfly Fund will provide patients with the “wings” necessary to journey through an especially difficult chapter in their life.

Dave Stoklosa, Athletic Trainer Coordinator for McLeod Sports Medicine, leads the effort for this project.  Having children participate in the city recreation programs, he learned that the parks and rec facilities did not have AEDs in place.  Stoklosa shared that in high school, as a pitcher for his baseball team, he was hit in the chest with a ball and his heart stopped. He was fortunate that a nurse was on site to perform CPR until EMS arrived with an AED.

Dave wrote a grant request to the McLeod Foundation to purchase the AED units. While this grant was under consideration, the McLeod Men, a men’s philanthropy group involved with the Foundation, learned of the need.  Led by Dr. Charlie Jordan, the group had heard a presentation by McLeod Electrophysiologist Dr. Rajesh Malik who shared his wishes to have AED units available for all gathering places that regularly have attendance of 50 or more people.  Dr. Malik is confident that this would save lives when seconds count.

The McLeod Men agreed to fund half of the requested amount of nearly $14,000 and the McLeod Foundation funded the balance.  If you are interested in learning more about McLeod Men, please call the office at (843) 777-2694.