Vivian's Story of Hope - Chapter 1
The donors of Aurora Health Care Foundation are committed to transforming care and building stronger, healthier communities. Behind each donation is a desire to make the world a healthier place.
We offer our warmest thanks to you for assisting the Monson-Dupuis family in their journey to healing. For them, sharing their son Ethan’s story was instrumental and therapeutic. And because you chose to get involved in an even bigger way, we were able to raise more than $30,000, much of which was designated to Aurora Behavioral Health Services. Thank you so much for enhancing these vital behavioral health programs and for helping more people get the critical care they need.
Over the next four weeks, we will share with you Vivian’s Story of Hope. Vivian King is one of many examples of how supporting Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center will enhance care for people, not just in Wisconsin, but all over the world. We look forward to sharing more messages just like this.
Vivian King is an active, outgoing and a caring member of her community. Therefore, certain aspects of her life should come as no surprise. Vivian is an enthusiastic world traveler. Whether it’s diving the Great Barrier Reef in Australia or salsa dancing in Havana, Cuba, Vivian’s zest for life and desire to experience all it has to offer is inspiring. Watching her move through a room with a contagiously bright smile, it’s obvious to all how much she enjoys life.
Vivian not only wants the best for herself, but for others as well. She became a proud member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority in college, focusing heavily on community service. Vivian's effervescent and magnetic personality, paired with a passion to help others, led her to become a popular news anchor for more than 18 years.
"There are a chosen few that have the ability to brighten the day of each and every person they meet," a good friend said when describing Vivian. This ability allowed her to be welcomed into viewers’ homes on a daily basis and ultimately led to her position as vice president of community relations for Aurora Health Care.
When she first joined Aurora Health Care in 2013, she was excited to learn about this new organization and the impact she and her team would have in elevating Aurora’s commitment in the communities we serve. She had no idea that just three months later, she would be in the hospital being cared for by her new employer.
The morning of October 25, 2013, started like any typical morning, but it became one she would never forget.
Vivian was scheduled to attend a leadership breakfast for the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin. She wasn't feeling quite up to it, but she didn’t really understand why. She thought of canceling, however, she made a promise to a colleague and upholding that promise was extremely important to Vivian. She proceeded to get ready for the event but found herself lacking her usual enthusiasm. Always taking pride in her appearance, she skipped her usual makeup routine.
No matter how she was feeling she would see through to her commitment.
When Vivian arrived at the Hyatt Regency, the ballroom was alive with energy, laughter and cheery conversation. Unfortunately, the spirited environment did little to perk up the usually vibrant Vivian. She slowly made her way through the lively room to her table filled with the familiar smiling faces of her colleagues. When you saw Vivian you couldn't help but smile. However, one colleague in particular was quick to recognize a difference in Vivian’s demeanor and tried to lighten the mood.
"A friend noticed I did not have my typical full face of makeup and made a joke about what I did the night before. I did not respond," Vivian recalled.
The aroma of breakfast in the air gave Vivian hope that eating might be just what she needed. Her stomach thanked her as she took a bite and that was the last thought she had as the room went black.
Vivian, who was otherwise healthy and had no immediate medical issues, suddenly collapsed at her table. For the next 20 minutes, the people at her table came to her side and called 9-1-1. The event leaders asked at the podium if a doctor was in the room, and held the start of the event as first responders arrived to help. There were no more smiling faces. The various sounds and conversations had died out, overtaken by an eerie silence.
Nothing but darkness and quiet.
Give hope for what is close to your heart.
The donors of Aurora Health Care Foundation are committed to transforming care and building stronger, healthier communities. Behind each donation is a desire to make the world a better place.
At Aurora Health Care we say “Yes” when others say “No.” With you as a partner, we can do so much more together to give hope to so many.
We ask you to give generously to the Aurora programs that are close to your heart. One hundred percent of every gift is going directly to what matters most to you. And, we are your partners in making what you want happen, so call us at 877-460-8730 and we will be with you each step of the way.