November 16, 2017
Lawmakers gather in unanimous support for health system’s research initiatives.
For an evening in late October, members of Congress from both sides of the aisle found common ground: belief in Sanford Health’s vision to improve the human condition.
The congressional delegations from South Dakota and North Dakota, in addition to dozens of other lawmakers and policy leaders, including VA Secretary David Shulkin and Newt Gingrich, gathered at an awareness event on Capitol Hill to celebrate Sanford and the power of research to save and transform lives.
South Dakota’s senior senator, Sen. John Thune (pictured above with Kelby Krabbenhoft), welcomed guests, noting his pride in representing Sanford’s home state.
“I’m honored to partner with my friends at Sanford Health and nearly two dozen colleagues to host this event,” said Sen. Thune. “While Sanford extends across the country and around the globe, I’m proud that it is headquartered in South Dakota, where it has established a world-class hub for research and innovation.”
Sanford leaders Kelby Krabbenhoft, president and CEO; Micah Aberson, chief global brand officer; and Dr. David Pearce, executive vice president of innovation and research; each took turns at the podium, sharing the latest developments from the health system.
Dr. Pearce especially captivated the audience by detailing Sanford’s research endeavors in key areas, including breast cancer, diabetes, rare childhood diseases and cellular therapies.
The Sanford Health Foundation, which helped spearhead the event, will carry this momentum forward to build national awareness about Sanford’s leadership in medical research.
“The lifesaving promise of medical research is something we can all unite behind and embrace in a spirit of collaboration to bring real hope and healing to the people we serve,” said Krabbenhoft.
Honorary co-hosts
Thank you to the following members of Congress who graciously co-hosted the Oct. 25 event celebrating Sanford Health:
Senator Lamar & Honey Alexander
Senator John & Bobbi Barrasso
Senator Roy & Abby Blunt
Senator John & Cathy Boozman
Senator Richard & Brooke Burr
Senator Susan Collins & Tom Daffron
Representative Kevin & Kris Cramer
Senator Joni & Gail Ernst
Senator Deb & Bruce Fischer
Senator Al & Franni Franken
Senator Chuck & Barbara Grassley
Senator John & Mikey Hoeven
Senator Amy Klobuchar & John Bessler
Senator Heidi Heitkamp & Dr. Darwin Lange
Senator Jerry & Robba Moran
Representative Kristi & Bryon Noem
Representative Collin C. Peterson
Senator Rob & Jane Portman
Senator Pat & Franki Roberts
Senator Mike & Jean Rounds
Senator Marco & Jeanette Rubio
Senator John & Kimberley Thune
Representative Tim & Gwen Walz
