Currently viewing the tag: "Frederick Health Hospital"

September 7, 1967 – February 29, 2024

Jerry E. Ferson, Jr., 56, of Thurmont, passed away on February 29, 2024, at Frederick Health Hospital in Frederick. He was the beloved husband of Patricia (Tomalewski) Ferson.

Born on September 7, 1967, in Sunnyside Washington, he was the son of Reverend Jerry E Ferson and Linda F (Radach) Ferson.

Jerry graduated from Lee University and worked as a sound engineer and videographer.

As a devoted husband and father, Jerry exemplified unwavering love and support for his family. He valued the moments spent with his boys, instilling in them integrity, perseverance, and kindness. He was a pillar within the Catoctin Youth Association (CYA) community. A leader and advocate, known for his love of football and commitment to the Thurmont youth. Throughout the years, Jerry’s involvement in youth sports included coaching, football coordinator, vice president of CYA Football, and a member of CYA Inc. He was the first one on the field on Saturday mornings for youth football and the last one to leave. No job was too small or insignificant. He was a constant encouragement for new coaches, and he would often help out or fill in until a permanent coach took over. On Friday nights, Jerry could be found in the high school announcers booth, recording the football and lacrosse games. Jerry will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the entire youth sports community.

In addition to his wife and parents, Jerry is survived by his sons, Wayne and Wyatt Ferson; sister Lee Ann Ferson-Roehl and husband Mike. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the Thurmont community for the tremendous outpouring of support that they have received. Words cannot effectively communicate how humbled and moved they are by your expression of love for Jerry. The words of encouragement and memories shared has strengthened them through this difficult time.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, March 9, at 11:00 a.m. at the Thurmont United Methodist Church, 13880 Long Road, Thurmont.

Campaign Urges Residents to BE FAST

Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater recently announced the launch of a county-wide project to raise awareness of stroke signs and the action to take. More than 300 stroke patients are treated at Frederick Health Hospital each year. This project has been a year-long collaboration between Frederick County Government agencies, including Division of Fire & Rescue Services, Frederick County Health Department, Diversity and Inclusion Office, Communications and Public Engagement, Senior Services Division, and Frederick Health Hospital.

“Stroke Smart Frederick has the potential to create lasting and meaningful change in our community,” County Executive Fitzwater said. “Strokes have an enormous impact on Frederick County. Through this collaboration, more people will know the signs and symptoms of someone having a stroke, will know they need to BE FAST, and the safer and healthier our community will be.”

This project launch can be found on the website using FrederickCountyMD.gov/Stroke and includes information on the signs of a stroke and actions to take—call 911! A short video is available for people to view, along with a quiz to confirm that the key points have been learned. This resource expands access to information, allowing any community group to view and share it. Videos in Spanish will be added to the website soon. A PSA video has been created in English to relay the importance of this health issue from the local perspective. A Spanish version of the video is under development.

“For decades, stroke has consistently been one of the leading causes of death in Frederick County, as well as the leading cause of disability,” said Frederick County Health Officer Dr. Barbara Brookmyer. “We’re using local data and setting a goal, and I look forward to seeing our progress.”

“Frederick Health is honored to help make Frederick County the first Stroke Smart county in the nation,” said Heather Kirby, vice president of Integrated Care and Chief Population Health Officer at Frederick Health. “When it comes to a stroke, every second counts. That is why we’ve been working to expand our outreach efforts and partnerships to educate our community on the signs of a stroke. Frederick Health has an award-winning stroke care team and is here for you when it matters the most.”

“It’s an honor to be part of this public health collective impact initiative,” said Kathy Schey, director of the Frederick County Division of Aging and Independence (formerly known as the Senior Services Division).

Contributed by Lion Joyce Anthony

On March 9, 2021, the Thurmont Lions Club donated a “Brady Buggy” to the Frederick Health Hospital. The Brady Foundation makes transport animal cars for pediatrics. There are various animals you can get for the buggy, but the club chose a lion. Colorful wagons known as “Brady Buggies” are used for young cancer patients in hospitals. It allows the patient freedom to roam around the halls instead of being trapped in a tiny hospital room. An IV pole is already mounted that carries the pumps and the platelets and blood or other necessary apparatus. All you need to do is push or pull the patient and IV pole.

A thank you note received from the Pediatric staff said as follows: “Thank you so much for your generous donation of the Brady Buggy to the Pediatric Unit here at Frederick Health Hospital. We have never had anything like the Brady Buggy, and it is AMAZING! It will provide much-needed entertainment for kids that need to change the scenery of their hospital room! You are so wonderful to think of us! Thanks, again.”

Pictured from left are IPP Lion Joyce Anthony; Chari Crawford, Nurse Manager, Pediatrics Frederick Health; Staff Pediatric Nurse; Lion Kim Grimm; PDG Paul Cannada; Staff Pediatric Nurse.