Perspective – Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Purposeful In Pink: A story of newfound hope and faith as part of Breast Cancer Awarness Month

Steven Cavazos on October 22, 2024

A cancer diagnosis can feel like a life sentence, but for Sandra Moreno it has become her life’s purpose. Moreno is a Case Manager II, with Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Inc. – she is also wife, mother, and breast cancer survivor; it’s a path she does not walk alone. Before the end of 2024, more than 300,000 women will likely receive a breast cancer diagnosis. During October, stories of survival and remembrance are shared as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is also a crucial time to exchange resources and encourage mammograms. Moreno is reflecting on her battle with breast cancer—a journey that led her to discover newfound strength and faith.

A Familiar Foe

In 2000, Moreno’s father was diagnosed with prostate cancer; her older sister also battled a form of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and in 2017 stage 1 breast cancer. Given her family’s medical history, Moreno wanted to know if she could be at risk, “I had tested when my sister was diagnosed and did not meet any of the family genetics at that time.” However, Moreno said cancer “can be silent.” Towards the end of 2020, she began to feel a change in her body. Moreno decided to wait for her annual exam, which was scheduled in May 2021. That appointment led to a mammogram, and biopsy; Moreno later learned she had stage 2 breast cancer. She recalls the phone call that changed her life forever, “One of my triplet sons was with me at home when my doctor called me with the results. It was not an easy call, as he cried on the phone with me. My son held me until my husband came home. We sat and cried, and I still see us in those dark moments of uncertainty.” Although her doctors said her cancer was treatable, she was plagued with emotions and fear of “dying, leaving my family, worry, anger, feeling alone.”

The Long Journey Ahead

Moreno’s cancer was considered aggressive which meant her treatment would be as well. She required a port and chemotherapy, which took a toll on her body, “I was not able to work long at the office after five days of chemo—the effects were terrible. I was weak, frail, tired, not eating, nauseated and could not be far from the bathroom. Eating was the hardest. Smells made me sick so my family could not cook. I developed chemo rash in my face that was very painful, I could not be in the sun, and these were all effects I could not control.” Although her days were filled with uncertainty she found comfort in her family, neighbors, and MHM team members. Moreno eventually had a double-mastectomy and reconstruction in December of 2021, “I spent six weeks recovering and needed extensive physical therapy. I worked hard every day. My goal was to return to running, as I had been running half marathons for fun.”

Pain to Purpose

Her journey to remission was not easy, but she is aware not everyone is able to share their experience, “I have lost so many around me from other cancers; I cry for them.” Moreno’s outlook on life changed, and so did her purpose. She is part of Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Refresh Campaign, a fundraising initiative that benefits several organizations. She also leads the efforts for the American Cancer Society, “I have presented to internal departments, met privately with team members, clients, shared my books, information and the will to fight.” She remains thankful for her loved ones and the faith that carried her through, “I had the power of prayers around me. We need to lean on each other, and everyone does it their way.”

The road to being a cancer survivor is often paved with struggle and heartache. For Moreno, those moments will be etched in her mind forever, “Not too many know of my bad days, how I was sick, how I didn’t want company, how I cried many times.” However, her journey is also filled with strength and perseverance. Moreno hopes to shine a light for others during their dark days, “It is time to show others how much one can do on the other side. They can fight and they can come out stronger.” Moreno is filled with hope, and a stronger sense of faith; she reminds others, “they are not alone.”

Raíces de Nuestra Gente: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with stories of culture, impact, and inspiration

Steven Cavazos on October 9, 2024

Culture and tradition often influence beliefs and behaviors within communities. As connections form over time, so do feelings of support and reinforcement, which can then lead to positive changes. ¹ Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Inc. recognizes the importance of partnering alongside these vibrant communities. As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, Methodist Healthcare Ministries is celebrating diversity across its 74-county service area, including within its own workforce. Several team members are sharing their stories of culture and how it has inspired them to be a part of MHM’s mission in Serving Humanity to Honor God.

A unique bond to culture and community:

Prosperemos Juntos|Thriving Together (PJTT) is a unique program deeply engrained in parts of Bexar County, the Mid-Border region, and the Laredo area. PJTT is a power-shifting collaborative that engages and supports coalitions to create solutions that improve the health and well-being of their respective communities.² Cristina Ordonez, PJTT Supervisor, has been with MHM for two years said, “I support the coordinators in our departments as we deepen our work. I also support the coalitions in the communities we serve as they work on upstream efforts through the health equity strategies they identify, develop, and implement.” Ordonez describes the people in these areas as, “loving, resilient, and inspiring”; she also shares in their passion for advocacy and change. At an early age, Ordonez experienced challenges that existed in her own neighborhood, “I grew up on the West Side of San Antonio, in the 78207-zip code, one of the most economically disadvantaged areas in the city. While I witnessed a lot of inequities in our schools, justice system, and even the infrastructure of my neighborhood, I never saw a lack of community.” Ordonez forged connections with people, who inspired her to make a difference, “I was fortunate to meet incredible community organizers and advocates early on, who instilled in me the importance of giving back to my community and being a proud advocate and representative.”

Paving a path toward inclusion and representation:

Ordonez credits her Mexican American culture for shaping her work ethic and views on community, “Growing up, I learned the importance of family, solidarity, and mutual support—values that guide how I approach collaboration and problem-solving in my work.” Her upbringing and connection to her culture is an invaluable insight that MHM defines as “lived experience”; personal knowledge about the world gained through direct, first-hand involvement in everyday events. Ordonez said her lived experience has been a source of inspiration and motivation, “My culture has taught me to honor my roots, stay connected to my heritage, and use my experiences to advocate for greater inclusivity and representation. It pushes me to ensure that Latinx voices are heard, and that the richness of our culture is reflected in the work I do, whether through creativity, storytelling, or advocacy.” Ordonez believes Latinx representation is important because it creates a clearer picture of society and the diversity that exists, “When Latinx voices, experiences, and cultures are represented in media, politics, and other spheres, it promotes understanding and breaks down stereotypes. Representation also ensures that the issues and perspectives of the Latinx community are considered in decision-making processes, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and just society for all.”

Honoring tradition and celebrating connection:

Ordonez believes it is important to recognize the trailblazers and teachers who have broken barriers, and the impacts that have been made throughout history, “Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Latinx communities. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the diverse traditions and experiences that shape the identity of millions of people.” Culture has played a significant role in Ordonez’s everyday life. She values the teachings that were instilled in her at an early age, which have helped her connect with coalitions on a deeper level. She said Hispanic Heritage Month holds a special meaning and serves as a reminder, “For me, it represents pride in cultural roots, a chance to reconnect with the heritage passed down through generations, and a moment to recognize the influence we have had in shaping society. It’s also a reminder of the importance of inclusivity, education, and ongoing efforts to ensure the stories of Latinx individuals are told and celebrated.”

A strong connection to community and culture can lead to a bigger impact over time. Ordonez’s environment helped to shape her views and inspire her to advocate for others. MHM understands the importance of a workforce that is enriched with diversity and experience. Across its service area, there exist unique challenges and barriers. However, MHM team members like Ordonez hold a deep understanding of the resilience within these communities. Representation is crucial in creating growth, fostering relationships, and creating a stronger foundation within MHM’s workplace and across its service area.

Raíces de Nuestra Gente: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with stories of culture, impact, and inspiration

Steven Cavazos on October 1, 2024

Tradition, family, and faith are held sacred within Hispanic and Latino communities. These core values are essential to one’s identity—and ripple across generations. Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Inc. recognizes the importance of these values within its workforce and across its 74-county service area. Cultural insights play a crucial part in both forging trust with communities and even influencing health behaviors.¹ As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, Methodist Healthcare Ministries will feature of some its team members sharing their stories of their heritage contributes to their unique impact and inspiration.

The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is a place where culture is deeply rooted. The region is situated along the United States – Mexico border and is made up of several towns and pockets of communities. There are places bustling with business and commerce, while other areas are rural and isolated. Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Wesley Nurses have an important role in the RGV; their goal is to provide care coordination for uninsured patients, including health education and promotion. As registered nurses, they address mind, body, and spirit in a holistic approach to health. ² Omar Chavez believes Wesley Nurses go above and beyond for the communities they serve, “The truth is, no words can really paint the picture Wesley Nurses bring to life every day.” Chavez is the Wesley Nurse in McAllen, and he is a constant presence in the area, “We are inside buildings that don’t have AC, or at parks under trees. Sometimes on top of trailers carrying food, water, school supplies, or even clothes.”

Between 2010 and 2019, the Hispanic population grew by 10.6 percent in the RGV; nearing 1.3 million.³ Due to its proximity to the border, there is also a significant number of families with mixed immigration status; children may have a U.S. citizenship, but their parents may not. Spanish is a first or second language for most; Chavez believes speaking both languages alongside cultural insight allows for deeper connections to form, “My culture has influenced my work by providing me with the knowledge of the language, food, the lingo, the festivities, and the common familial battles. It allows me to share the same jokes. It allows for mutual compassion. Mutual empathy. And often, mutual tears.” He describes people within communities as “survivalists” and “strategists”, who are dedicated to improving the lives of the next generation, “Every community has numerous characteristics in common, but the one that remains as a pillar, is sacrifice. Fathers and mothers doing everything possible to provide their children with the necessities to survive. Once they have secured the necessities to survive, then they can turn their attention to anything else.”

Chavez has been a Wesley Nurse for over seven years and has built a strong rapport with communities. Over time he has found there are often more similarities than differences. “Some of their testimonies are like mine or if not mine, my parents, and through storytelling, I’m able to connect the dots.” He remains thankful for his upbringing, which has influenced the way he lives out Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ mission in “Serving Humanity to Honor God”. Chavez said Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to raise awareness, “When the spotlight is on any specific population, it means people are paying attention. It means people are being informed of information regarding that population that may not be on the everyday agenda. It means it is a chance to showcase the importance of that population.” Chavez is steadfast in his faith, and believes he is fulfilling a greater calling, “Christ gifted me my heritage. Christ gifted me my culture. Christ gifted me life. Christ placed me here for His Purpose.”

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated for a variety of reasons. While it is an opportunity to spotlight the important strides and contributions that have been made, it is also a time to reflect on the values that have influenced the work and lives of many. Chavez credits his own connection to culture and faith, which have helped in his line of work. By holding these values close, Chavez has been able to strengthen trust within the communities he serves. These bonds are crucial across of all levels of Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ service area as they lead to cultural insights that lead to a deeper understanding and create a greater impact across South Texas.

Raíces de Nuestra Gente: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with stories of culture, impact, and inspiration

Steven Cavazos on September 20, 2024

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with stories of culture, impact, and inspiration. Roots of Mi Genie: Jo Ann Diaz Jordan

The Bold Step Forward: MHM’s journey to advance health equity at Aspen Ideas: Health

Steven Cavazos on July 9, 2024

Embarking on a new journey is a conscious decision to embrace change, new possibilities, and transformation. However, journeys are seldom easy, and the path ahead is often brimming with unexpected barriers. Novel pursuits require years of lessons and growth but also commitment, courage, and conviction. Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas Inc. is embracing its current journey with a sharpened focus, greater intention, and broader mindset. To fully live out its mission in “Serving Humanity to Honor God,” Methodist Healthcare Ministries is forging a path to advance health equity and improve the wellness of the least served. Methodist Healthcare Ministries defines health equity as a framework of thought and action that strives to reduce racial and socio-economic disparities so that everyone can reach their full potential for health and life. In June, Methodist Healthcare Ministries shared its journey on a global stage.

Broadening ideas and minds

A delegation from Methodist Healthcare Ministries, St. David’s Foundation, and the Knapp Community Care Foundation travelled to Colorado for Aspen Ideas: Health. For over a decade, the event has been an international draw for various sectors of government, public health, and philanthropy. Over a thousand attendees engage in one-on-one interviews, panel discussions, live podcasts, and a plethora of other opportunities. The majestic mountains and green pastures set the scene for the one-of-a-kind experience which brings visionary minds and bold leaders together in one place. Notable speakers this year included Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, and Mandy Cohen, Director for U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 2024 program was comprised of over 60 sessions and over 150 speakers that shared innovative ideas, and solutions to challenges in modern day health, medicine, and science. Among those speakers was President and CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Jaime Wesolowski, who has led the organization’s journey to advance health equity. “As we continue to live out our mission in ‘Serving Humanity to Honor God’ it is important we recognize opportunities to highlight our work. Aspen Ideas: Health is the perfect stage to share our story and engage with others who have been or are just beginning their health equity journey.”

The first day served as a networking opportunity for members of the South Texas delegation. Sandra Martinez, Vice-President of Strategy & Partnerships for Methodist Healthcare Ministries shared what keeps her inspired. “What brings me joy is seeing the progress we’re making on our organizational journey of learning and partnership as we advance health equity. We’re transforming from within and seeing our processes, polices, and partnership change to be more community-centered and led.” Wesolowski met with Wendy Ellis, Director at the Institute for Racial, Ethnic and Socioeconomic Equity at George Washington University. The conversation revolved around systems thinking and systems change and the shared work in advancing social justice and health equity.

Illuminating legacies and lessons

Reimagining Equitable Systems for Thriving People and Places was a session on the second day. Conversation focused upon strategies that challenge traditional healthcare views and ways to build lasting community-led solutions. Wesolowski was joined by Kate Bollbach, Executive Director of Partners in Health United States, and Dave Chokshi, Chair of Common Health Coalition. Somava Saha, President and CEO of Well-Being and Equity in the World, led the conversation. Wesolowski opened with a retrospect of Methodist Healthcare Ministries first 25 years of creating access to care for the uninsured. Although there had been great strides, there were deep rooted challenges that needed to be addressed. “Health outcomes were not getting better they were getting worse, and they were getting worse for the populations we serve at a greater pace. Even though the work we are doing is important, we realize we have to do something else.” This new mindset led the organization to pivot and focus upon factors that impact the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH); outlined in Methodist Healthcare Ministries 20/20 Vision: Advancing Health Equity: The Strategic Plan & Framework. Wesolowski pointed to the three strategic focus areas that have served as Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ roadmap; transform internal processes and culture; strengthen communities; and impact systemic change. In transforming internal processes, Methodist Healthcare Ministries made investments at all levels of the organization, including the creation of the Organizational Excellence department; dedicated to implementing organizational systems and developing practices that align with Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ commitment to health equity. In an effort to strengthen communities, Methodist Healthcare Ministries is supporting the region it serves through community-led coalitions that are engaged to address concerns and empowered to create their solutions. Intentional investment into crosscutting areas, such as economic mobility, digital equity, and food security continues to grow and helps the organization to impact systemic change. By focusing attention into these areas, Methodist Healthcare Ministries began to broaden its definition of health care. Wesolowski said the strategic focus areas have guided the organization’s efforts in its journey to advance health equity. “We will continue to provide direct care, and we will do it very well, and at the same time we will prioritize community by community; what biggest gaps they have and address them with the same effectiveness.” Ballbach and Chokshi shared their respective expertise with the audience as best practices were exchanged, and ideas illuminated.

Courtesy: C2 Photography

Is it Really Radical? The Right Risks for Systemic Change was a roundtable discussion hosted by Methodist Healthcare Ministries, which was held on day three. Over 20 national and global leaders spoke of innovative risks that are necessary in their work to advance health equity. The objective was to enlighten guests on how industry leaders can support a resilient framework of thought and action. Wesolowski spoke of the importance of investment in communities. “Follow the money in health to find opportunities to change structural well-being challenges. When you follow the money, most people will think of hospital or doctor profit margins. But those are typically below 5%. If you follow further, you will find far higher margins for pharmaceutical companies. Wouldn’t it be radical to reimagine how to redistribute some of that wealth to invest in community-led solutions based on the Social Determinants of Health?” Rishi Manchanda, MD, MPH is the founder of and President of HealthBeings. The organization supports the improvement of the social drivers of health and equity at all levels. Manchanda spoke of his experience, “Part of continuous learning; is unlearning. As our organizations seek to grow, we must take the radical risk of intentionally identifying what we need to unlearn when it comes to the narrative, economic and societal structures that unconsciously shape our work.”

Moving the mission forward

Courtesy: C2 Photography

Embarking on uncharted territory requires risk, and the thought of the unknown can lead to trepidation before a journey even begins; yet journeys are an inevitable part of learning and growth. Methodist Healthcare Ministries recognizes that its journey is still unfolding, and the path to living out its mission is perpetual. Although systemic inequities have not been eradicated in communities, Methodist Healthcare Ministries remains steadfast in its commitment. Conversations and collaborations lead to new thoughts and action, which is why gatherings like Aspen Ideas: Health are crucial in moving the organization forward. By deconstructing archaic mindsets, refining its strengths, and adopting new strategies bold steps are being taken to advance health equity. Through its commitment, courage, and conviction Methodist Healthcare Ministries is embracing the next part of its journey.