A Trusted Ally in Times of Need
Louis and Diane Fisher have learned time and again the value of having high-quality health care that is accessible and close to home.
Through the years, the Emergency Department of Emanate Health Queen of the Valley Hospital has been there for the Fishers in times of need — and has never disappointed.
First was the time their son, David, was struck by a car at the age of 10. Mrs. Fisher was waiting in line at a gas station with her son, who was a Cub Scout at the time. Proud to have recently learned how to pump gas, David offered to fill the tank for his mom. He positioned himself behind the car where the gas tank door was located beneath the license plate. Seconds later, the car behind them accelerated into David, crushing his right leg between the car bumpers and puncturing a major artery. Thankfully, a Boy Scout troop leader who had been in a vehicle nearby witnessed what had happened and ran to their aid, placing pressure on the wound to help slow the bleeding.
When David was struck, the growth centers in his injured leg were stunted, causing extremely poor circulation throughout his life. Following the accident, issues often arose with David’s leg. Each time they did, the Fishers relied upon Emanate Health Queen of the Valley Hospital’s Emergency Department. “Because he got the care that he needed, we knew that it was a good hospital, that they would care for people no matter what their needs were, and we appreciated that,” shared Mrs. Fisher.
BEING THERE, WITHOUT HESITATION
Another example of the compassionate care the Fisher family received at Queen of the Valley Hospital took place years later when Mrs. Fisher’s younger brother, Barry, was diagnosed with melanoma of the eye at age 40. Less than a year after his surgery to remove the tumor, Barry was informed that the cancer had spread throughout his body. He joined Mr. and Mrs. Fisher in their Diamond Bar home while continuing treatment.
Diane faithfully drove Barry to his medical appointments in Los Angeles until the day came when Barry experienced severe weakness and pain. Upon learning about Barry’s condition, the Queen of the Valley Hospital Director of Emergency Services at the time offered to see him immediately. Barry was admitted to the hospital directly from the Emergency Department, and his care was transferred to a Queen
of the Valley Hospital oncologist. Barry passed away a few days later.
“They were all very thoughtful, concerned people,” recalled Mrs. Fisher.
A few years later, Mrs. Fisher would have hip replacement surgery at Queen of the Valley Hospital.
“Through our memories of the hospital and how well they took care of my brother, and helped us out in such a wonderful manner, we continue to go to Queen of the Valley Hospital.” - Diane Fisher
IN THE BEGINNING
Mr. Fisher first became involved with Emanate Health, formerly Citrus Valley Health Partners, when he joined the Finance Committee of the Queen of the Valley Hospital Board of Trustees. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Board of Trustees in 1988.
He recalled Board meetings involving Immaculate Heart Community members, medical staff and volunteers who were among the founders then still active on the board. “I continue to admire their vision, organizational skills and commitment to health care for the populations served. I am deeply grateful to have been included.”
During his tenure on the Board, Mr. Fisher had the honor of serving as Board treasurer and as a member of the Merger Committee, which accepted the Immaculate Heart Community’s generous gift of Queen of the Valley Hospital to form Citrus Valley Health Partners with Inter-Community Medical Center in 1994.
Since leaving the Board in 2001, Mr. Fisher has been a member of the Strategic Planning Committee. He said, “I am grateful to be part of the Emanate Health tradition of service in the San Gabriel Valley and to be associated with the very capable, forward-looking people who continue to build the health care system.”