Cheers to Samantha Hancock, a physical therapist assistant at McKay-Dee Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Clinic, who defied the odds at a power lifting competition in July where she broke three state records soon after experiencing a personal loss: “I found out I was pregnant in early May,” says Samantha. “My doctor had given me permission to keep lifting throughout my pregnancy and encouraged me to back off and listen to my body as needed. In July, at the 12-week mark, my husband and I learned I’d miscarried."
"We were devastated, but we’ve since learned miscarriages are common, especially in the first trimester," says Samantha. "During all this craziness, I’d been training for a powerlifting competition for many months and my doctor gave me the OK to compete a few days after my miscarriage — and I decided to go through with it. I was in a lot of pain, but I held my head high, beating three state records that day. The records included a bench press of 170.86 lbs., a deadlift of 319.67 lbs., and beating the total state record weight of 490.53 lbs.”
Nathan Reber, PT, DPT, says, “Samantha always brings a positive energy and attitude to work that’s contagious to all with whom she associates.” LaRae Almeida, authorization representative, adds, “Samantha is one of the most positive, outgoing, kind, young women in our department. She’s always uplifting to her colleagues and patients.”
Congratulations to Doug Wellman, chaplain at Dixie Regional Medical Center, who writes books part-time and is the co-author of two new books: Five Minutes, Mr. Byner! (published in June), an autobiography, and Surviving Hiroshima, A Young Woman's Story, (published in September), the true story of an aristocratic Russian family who moved to Hiroshima, Japan, only to have the atomic bomb dropped on them. Before working at Dixie Regional, Doug had a career in Hollywood as a television producer-director, as well as assistant dean of the film school at the University of Southern California.
A standing ovation to Mikelle Moore, Intermountain’s senior vice president and chief Community Health officer, who’s been named new board chair for the United Way of Salt Lake. Board members are nominated for their leadership positions in business, government, or community organizations, their expertise, and their dedication to the United Way’s mission.
“Mikelle has been a dedicated member of our board for several years now and is truly committed to creating lasting change in our community,” says Bill Crim, president and CEO of the United Way of Salt Lake. “Her expertise, passion, and leadership are exactly what we need to guide our work and continue to make a lasting impact for Utah kids and families, regardless of their race or zip code.”