Bon Secours

04/22/2026

Hope and healing happen every day thanks to the Bon Secours Foundation donor support. Karen’s journey from stroke to recovery is a testament to the power of compassionate care and the kindness of caregivers who go the extra mile. 💙

Karen Lester knows she experienced a terrifying medical emergency when she had a stroke last year. But what she remembers is kindness and dignity. Donor support of neurological care at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital helped Karen recover.

Donor gifts give stroke patients like Karen hope. It helps caregivers like those in the Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital ICU team care for their patients with compassion at every step.

“From the very start, the ICU team treated me with kindness and dignity,” she says. “Even though I couldn’t speak, they made sure to look me in the eye, acknowledge my presence, and include me in every conversation. One nurse even adjusted my bed so I could see the sunset. These small gestures made a profound difference.”

Karen started speech therapy where she learned — much to everyone’s surprise — that while she couldn’t speak, she could sing. Her first words, sung softly, were “I love you” to her husband.

“Thanks to the incredible care I received, I’ve regained my life,” she says. “I will always be grateful.”

Learn how you can support compassionate care in your community by visiting https://bit.ly/3Ut9JBl

04/21/2026

Discover how pelvic health physical therapy can help strengthen your pelvic floor and improve your quality of life. Our experts, Julia Skelton and Mary Tepe, are here to guide men and women through personalized care for pelvic wellness! Learn more by clicking the link in the comments below.

04/20/2026

"My journey didn’t start with motivation — it started with necessity," shared Bradley Coats.

"By late 2022, I was dealing with morbid obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, bradycardia, arthritis, and nerve pain in my feet. Every day life was becoming harder, and I knew something had to change. That’s when Dr. Dean Caven strongly recommended the Bon Secours Weight Management Center at St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, Virginia.

I took that step in March 2023 — and I committed fully. This wasn’t a quick fix or a surface-level program. It was immersive and required real effort. Monthly appointments with Dr. Bryan, weekly nutrition classes and monthly one-on-one sessions with Jennifer, as well as support with Wegovy as part of the treatment plan.

But before any of that could work, I had to make a decision: I needed to be mentally tough. I had to accept that this wasn’t temporary — that I would be fighting food cravings for the rest of my life. Once I committed to that mindset, there was no hesitation.

Jennifer, my nutritionist, had the biggest influence on me. She didn’t just teach nutrition — she helped me completely rethink my relationship with food. That shift was critical. This journey isn’t about dieting…it’s about transformation.

And today, the results speak for themselves.

My life now is richer, more active, and more fulfilling than it has been since I was a teenager. I play golf over 250 days a year. On days I’m not golfing, I walk 1–2 miles. I travel regularly — with family and for golf. I’ve taken all my grandkids to New York City, gone on golf trips with friends across the country, and even spent extended time in Europe walking everywhere.

None of that would have been possible before.

To anyone on this journey — or thinking about starting — here’s what I’ve learned. You will fall off sometimes. That’s reality. The key is simple: get back on the next day. We all hit walls. We all have setbacks. The difference is persistence. Stay determined, even when it’s hard — especially when it’s hard.

And one important truth: there is no magic.

Lasting weight loss requires a complete change in how you approach food. Completely. Wegovy is a helpful tool — but it’s not a cure. The real work comes from consistency, discipline and a willingness to change your habits for life.

To my care team — thank you. I truly appreciate your skill, your support, and the fact that you genuinely care. That made all the difference for me.

And without hesitation — YES, I absolutely recommend the Bon Secours Weight Management Center at St. Mary’s."

04/17/2026

Embracing the changes that come with menopause can be challenging, but self-care and understanding your body’s needs make a big difference.

"Nearly 87 percent of people experience hot flushes, and 33 percent even have 10 or more a day," says Jasmine Shah, MD, an OB-GYN in our Richmond area. More about menopause and self-care tips can be found in the comments below.

04/16/2026

Let's set the record straight on common health myths and trust the facts, not the tales! 🚫💡

04/15/2026

Did you know that Bon Secours — Ashland Emergency Center also provides imaging services in addition to emergency care? Take another behind-the-scenes tour with Dr. Michael Singleton and learn more about how Ashland Emergency Center brings care closer to you.

04/14/2026

For Gloriana Babb, finding the right primary care provider wasn’t easy. After years of searching for a doctor who would truly listen and make her feel seen, she finally found that connection with Dr. Rebecca Iskandar in Greenville, SC.

From the very first visit, Gloriana knew her experience was different.

“I had been searching for a primary doctor who genuinely cared, and she did that for me,” Gloriana shared. “It’s the highlight of my day when I have an appointment.”

At Bon Secours — Primary Care Pelham, Gloriana found more than just medical care; she found a partner in her health journey. She describes Dr. Iskandar as an advocate who listens, collaborates and encourages her every step of the way.

“She works with you, listens and truly has your best interest at heart,” Gloriana said. “She’s knowledgeable, compassionate and easy to talk to. That kind of bedside manner is rare.”

Now, Gloriana feels empowered to stay proactive about her health, knowing she has a care team that supports and understands her. “I’m so thankful I finally found a doctor who makes me feel heard and cared for.”

Has the compassionate care you or a loved one received at Bon Secours made a lasting impact on your life? Visit the link in the comments to share your story with us.

04/13/2026

We’re excited to welcome Gina Paponetti, APRN-CNP, to the Bon Secours — OB-GYN team!

Gina brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion and dedication to women’s health, and we’re thrilled to have her caring for our community. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome!

Visit bonsecours.com to schedule an appointment.

04/10/2026

Inspired by the care he received and the people who made a difference in his life, Craig Newton gives back to honor those he loves and to help others in need. Paying it forward, one heartfelt gift at a time. ❤️

Craig Newton supports the Bon Secours Richmond Health Care Foundation because giving feels personal to him. His gifts often honor people who mean the world to him, including Mabel Sebra, whom he lovingly calls his “second mom.”

He began donating after learning that the Foundation helps people facing medical hardship. He especially wants to help those who have fallen on hard times. Craig says he’s even more inspired by the people who work inside the hospital.

“There are some grand employees at that hospital,” he says. “Those nurses are fine people. Their kindness, especially during my recent health challenges, motivates me to continue supporting others in the community.”

Grateful for his good health, Craig believes giving is simply the right thing to do. He also feels strongly that every gift is a way to help someone who needs a little of the same care he’s received.

“I’ve been a lucky individual all my life,” he says. “I give because it’s important to pay it forward.”

Learn how you can support health care in your community by visiting https://bit.ly/3Ut9JBl

04/07/2026

Bon Secours — Southern Virginia Medical Center in Emporia, Virginia, is sharing hope, one meal at a time. We were honored to partner with Feed More to provide food for more than 300 households. This means that members of our community will not have to choose between food and medicine this week, and parents will not have to worry about feeding their children tonight.

04/06/2026

As health care needs continue to evolve, we are committed to meeting patients where they're at, bringing advanced care closer to home. Bon Secours — St. Mary's Hospital President Bryan Lee discusses the Bon Secours — St. Mary's Hospital Tower Expansion Project progress, as well as how this project will enhance patient care.

Watch the video to learn more.

04/05/2026

This Easter Sunday, join us as we celebrate and remember Jesus' resurrection with this prayer.

God of life and love,
Today we celebrate the joyous feast of Easter, commemorating that first Easter Sunday when you raised your son Jesus from the grave to enjoy new and everlasting life. In the midst of the crosses we bear through life, may our celebration of Jesus’ resurrection renew us in faith, strengthen us in hope, and inspire within us a greater commitment to love generously and courageously. Open our hearts to the gift of your Spirit, that we might aspire to live in the light of the newness of life and love your son’s resurrection makes possible. We make this prayer through Christ our risen Lord.