The SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital Auxiliary is sponsoring its 35th annual “Lights of Love” program, a living memorial or tribute to friends, relatives or dedicated citizens of the community. 

Proceeds from this year’s project will help to fund a cardiac ultrasound probe used by anesthetists to perform in-depth cardiac assessments prior to surgery. It can also be used in the emergency department to quickly evaluate life-threatening injuries. 

“This additional ultrasound probe would allow anesthesia providers and emergency medicine providers to provide point-of-care ultrasound in the acute patient,” according to Shane Garner, CRNA, anesthesia supervisor at SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital. “This would include cardiac assessment, lung pathology, hemodynamic responsiveness, hemorrhage, and other pathology.” 

Lights of Love provides the opportunity for individuals, groups, or businesses to purchase lights in honor or memory of loved ones for a gift of $5 or more. The colored lights on the large holiday tree outside of Ripon Community Hospital shine in appreciation or recognition of a living friend, family member or employee, while white bulbs are in memory of a loved one. 

Due to COVID-19, the tree lighting event will not be held this year. However, the tree will be lit on Thursday, December 8 with a list of names for light purchases to be published in the Ripon Commonwealth Press. 

Lights of Love brochures, including donation forms, are available at the hospital information desk and gift shop. 

For more information, call 920-229-2746.