The Nancy Theiling Thuma Foundation

Eleven years ago, a Foundation was established to honor the memory of Nancy Theiling Thuma. Diagnosed with cancer in 1992, Nancy passed away in May of 1996. Throughout her life, and perhaps, more profoundly during her illness, Nancy exhibited strength and courage that was truly inspirational. Recognizing this motivated many of her friends and family to establish this Foundation with the sole purpose of awarding scholarships to graduating seniors of Willoughby South High School, Nancy’s alma mater, ‘78.

Since inception, scholarships totaling $39,500.00 have been awarded to 32 outstanding students. The Scholarship is open to all students regardless of intended major. Emphasis is placed less on an applicant’s strict academic achievement and more on their demonstrated desire to excel in post secondary education. Previous recipients have matriculated to both private and state sponsored institutions. A brief list includes Lakeland Community College, Cleveland State University, John Carroll University, and Case Western Reserve University.

Additionally, in 2006, our Foundation made a commitment to The Gerald Daniels Memorial Scholarship. Mr. Daniels began his career in 1969 as a math teacher at Willoughby Junior High School and moved up to South when the High School expanded to grades nine through twelve. Many of our committee members had the privilege of receiving his tutelage. Unfortunately, in 1988, Mr. Daniels passed away quite suddenly. The Scholarship established in his memory ran from 1989 through 1996. The remaining funds were presented to his twin daughters on their eighteenth birthdays thus closing out the Scholarship. Out of respect and admiration, our Foundation has provided the financial resources to recommence this $1,000.00 Scholarship award.

In closing, when our committee first met, our goals were rather simple; to raise enough money to present a Scholarship to honor the memory of Nancy Theiling Thuma, someone who was loved dearly and taken away much too soon. We thought our initial efforts would raise enough money to last a few years. The generosity we encountered well surpassed our expectations. We believe this generosity to be fittingly reflective of the love Nancy experienced in her lifetime and the regard she has maintained in her absence.

The Nancy Theiling Thuma Memorial Scholarship Committee

Lake Hospital Foundation

Lake Hospital Foundation is the philanthropic affiliate of Lake Hospital System, a not-for-profit corporation that serves the health and medical needs of the residents of Lake County and the surrounding areas. Donations to the Foundation are used to enhance patient care, including the support of projects that improve the facility, advance technology, and expand programs.

An example is the Medication Assistance Program. At discharge from Lake Hospital System, due to a lack of resources or insurance, some patients are unable to purchase the necessary prescriptions that will continue their healing. Without medications, these patients would often return in worse condition than when they were first admitted. To qualify for the Medication Assistance Program, all other options must have been exhausted. Lake Hospital Foundation helps fund the purchase of medications at a discounted rate thanks to a special agreement with a local pharmacy. Financial support of Lake Hospital Foundation is crucial to this program's continued success as there is no local, state or federal funding to fill the gap for home-going medication.

Support in the form of gifts, such as the suggested share of proceeds from the Extravaganza, contribute to Lake Hospital System’s ability to fulfill the health care needs of our community.

Visit the LHS Foundation Site.