Power of the Patient: One patient’s promise to help women facing breast cancer
When Katie Toms received her breast cancer diagnosis, she made a promise to God. If He helped her through it, she would, in turn, help other women.
Now, she’s sharing her story as this month’s Power of the Patient feature, just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
Katie’s journey is a reminder of what happens when patients feel supported enough to turn their hardest moments into hope for someone else. Take a few minutes to read her story in our latest blog post and see the difference our teams help make every day.
Please help share Katie’s story when you can, whether online, in person or wherever the day takes you.
Dr. Hernandez and Dr. Murray
We Are One TEAM: StAR Awards
“Dr. Murray and Dr. Hernandez are both absolutely wonderful! They swooped in like guardian angels and caught my sister’s cancer when others missed the signs.”
Thank you to Dr. Jillianne Murray, family medicine physician at St. Anthony Clinic in Carroll, and Dr. Maria Hernandez, urogynecologist and gynecologist at St. Anthony Clinic in Carroll and Denison, for making such a meaningful difference in a patient’s care.
Congratulations, Dr. Murray and Dr. Hernandez, and thank you for being StARs!
Hospice Puzzle Recap
Check out all of the event photos on our St. Anthony Facebook page.
1st Place – Winner!
2nd Place
3rd Place
Hospice Team
Employee Events:
About the Wave of Light Ceremony:
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. This year, St. Anthony and The Birth Place will gather again in remembrance of those lost for our annual Wave of Light ceremony.
Our service will take place Thursday, Oct. 15, at 6:30 p.m. at Garden View Assisted Living and the Grotto. Together, we will honor the sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and grandchildren who were called to return to their Heavenly Father. A short memorial walk will be followed by prayer, reflection, refreshments and a candle-lighting ceremony.
All are welcome — those who have experienced loss, as well as community members who wish to show support as we take time to remember these precious lives. If you would like to honor a loved one with a luminary light at the ceremony, please send name(s) to [email protected].
Construction Update: Phase 1 is Complete!
Our pharmacy team officially took over their new space marking completion of Phase 1 of our Master Campus Construction Project. Following the employee open house, the pharmacy got to work and moved into their new home.
Foundation News Flash
New Statue at Office Building
“Actions speak louder than words; let your words teach and your actions speak.” — St. Anthony
Staff gathered for a blessing ceremony for the new St. Anthony statue at the St. Anthony Office Building. Crafted in Italy, this statue brings connection to our faith and adds a touch of beauty to our east campus. Father Schrad blessed the statue during the ceremony.
It now serves as a daily reminder of the amazing work our employees do and how their actions do speak volumes as they care for our community.
We are grateful to the Spiritual Care Endowment for making this addition possible.
St. Anthony Foundation Year-End Report
See how generosity is making a difference at St. Anthony. Explore our 2025–2026 Year-End Report to discover the impact of donor support, the progress made possible through giving, and the ways we’re working together to strengthen exceptional care in our community.
Latest Blogs
A New Resource for Women’s Health: Meet Dr. Maria Hernandez
Dr. Maria Hernandez returned to St. Anthony last spring and is once again providing specialized women’s health care to patients throughout our community.
A board-certified gynecologist and urogynecologist, Dr. Hernandez specializes in women’s health and female pelvic floor disorders. Her areas of care include:
- General gynecology and women’s health
- Gynecologic surgery
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Urinary incontinence
- Recurring urinary tract infections, bladder pain and bowel issues
Dr. Hernandez understands that pelvic floor concerns can sometimes be difficult or uncomfortable to discuss. She wants women to know these issues are common, and there are treatment options available. Her goal is to provide compassionate, supportive care so patients feel comfortable throughout their care journey.
Dr. Hernandez is also Spanish-speaking, helping expand access to women’s health services for patients in our community.
Appointments with Dr. Hernandez are available at the St. Anthony Clinic in Carroll and Denison. To schedule an appointment, call 712-792-2222.
Finding a new normal: A breast cancer journey
Katie Toms never intended to tell her story. A breast cancer diagnosis wasn’t something she was going to let define her. She wanted life to feel as normal as possible, so the treatments and uncertainty would not overwhelm her or her family. For her two young daughters, Hadleigh and Pearl (then ages 11 and 7), Toms could not let fear take hold; normal was non-negotiable.
Now more than a year into her cancer journey, Toms has found a way to stay positive. In fact, someone meeting her for the first time might never guess what she’s going through, and we’re grateful she’s ready to share her story with others.
Good Catch of the Month!
Kelly Page and Janelle Barber of the BMU!
Our Good Catch of the Month recognizes employees who identified a potential safety concern or near miss before it could result in harm. These good catches help strengthen our culture of safety and make St. Anthony safer for our patients, visitors and team.
Thank you for speaking up and making a difference!
Star of Life Challenge
Challenge accepted! 
We were invited to do the Star of Life Challenge by some of our friends over at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove!
The Star of Life is the internationally recognized symbol of emergency medical services, with each of its six points representing a different stage of emergency care.
Want to join in? Send your team star photo to Brandi by 4 PM on Tuesday, October 6. The Hospice team already submitted their photo, see below.
We Are One St. Anthony - Gratitude
Take a moment to say thank you to someone who makes a difference at St. Anthony.
Maybe it’s a co-worker who always has your back, a team member who goes above and beyond, or someone who simply brings kindness to your day.
Who are you grateful for? Take a moment to let them know—you never know how much a simple “thank you” might mean.
Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendars
- Celebrate Carroll Parade, Saturday, October 10 at 10 AM
- Employee Influenza Clinic, remaining dates: Thursday, Oct. 8, 8:30-12 PM, St. Francis Room; Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2-5 PM, St. Clare Room; and Monday, Oct. 19, 12:30-1:30 PM, St. Anthony Office Building
- Wave of Light Event, location change: Garden View, Thursday, October 15 at 6:30 PM
- 2nd Annual St. Anthony Service Day; Saturday October 17, details above
- Day Trip to La Crosse, WI – only 14 seats remain! Saturday, October 17; click here to sign up for the trip.
- Blood Drive, St. Clare & St. Francis, October 19
- Retirement Reception for Deb Owen, Friday, October 30; details above
- Bomgaars Ladies Night Out, Sunday, Nov. 1
- St. Anthony Benefits Fair, Thursday, November 5
- Wear Blue Day for Diabetes Month, Friday, November 13
Welcome to Our Team!
- Kia, Emergency Dept
- Kenzey, Med, Surg, Peds
- Jane, Materials
- Grace, Surgery
- Stephanie, EVS
- Gracyn, Med, Surg, Peds
- Mark, Materials
- Chloe, Same Day Surgery
- Alexia, Carroll Clinic
In Sympathy
Our condolences for your loss this past month.
- Miranda (Carroll Clinic) for the loss of her grandfather
- McKenzie (Carroll Clinic) for the loss of her grandfather
- Lisa (MSP) for the loss of her grandmother
- Kolton (Maintenance) for the loss of his grandmother
- Kallie (MSP/CCU) for the loss of her grandmother-in-law
- Amber (Auth) for the loss of her nephew
The Pulse
If you have items to submit for The Pulse, contact Brandi Strautman. The Pulse is published on the First Friday of each month.