Asante receives largest gift in its history

Wanda and Sherm Olsrud, Southern Oregon business owners and philanthropists, made a historic gift for families who receive care at Asante. The Olsruds’ $12 million in support to Asante Foundation – the largest donation in Asante’s history – will name the women’s and children’s hospital on the top two floors of the new pavilion at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford.

Sherm, who died in May 2019, often spoke about philanthropy in terms of giving back to the community that had been so good to his family. Sherm and his wife, Wanda, supported a number of children’s programs in the Rogue Valley. “As a family, we viewed this important project as a perfect opportunity to continue their legacy to ensure children and families have a dedicated space to thrive,” said Steve Olsrud, owner of Sherm’s Markets and son of Sherm and Wanda.

“The Olsrud Family Women’s and Children’s Hospital at Asante Rogue Regional is where families will welcome new babies, where children will receive specialized care and where families from across our region will receive something precious that all children deserve—hope,” said Andrea Reeder, vice president and executive director for Asante Foundation. “We’re so grateful for the Olsruds’ leadership and generosity for patients who receive care in Southern Oregon.”

The Olsrud Family Women’s and Children’s Hospital will inhabit the top two floors of the new six-story pavilion at Asante Rogue Regional. For the first time, these floors will bring pediatric and women’s services into one, co-located area of the hospital. This includes new and expanded space for the following services:

• Pediatrics department
• Pediatric outpatient infusion clinic for children facing cancer and other diseases requiring infusion
• The region’s only level III Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
• Labor and delivery
• Family Newborn unit
• Obstetrics
• OB Emergency Department
• Support programs and services, such as Child Life

“Our hope was that our gift would become the second largest gift in Asante’s history,” said Dick and Mary Heimann. “I am so inspired that the Olsrud family made this commitment.” The Heimanns donated $5 million in 2021 to benefit cancer services at Asante, naming the Heimann Cancer Center in Medford.

The AsanteForward capital campaign has surpassed the $45 million milestone as a result of this gift. “We’re getting close to the goal, but there’s so much need that we must keep going. I encourage everyone in the community to consider how they, too, can contribute what they can to AsanteForward. Whether a gift is $20 or millions, the need for life-services services in Southern Oregon is critical to our growth and sustainability as a community, and everyone can make a difference,” added Steve Olsrud.