The Heart of Giving: From the Beginning to the Most Advanced Technology
In 2004, Hal was asked to join the Finance Committee of the Foundation Board of trustees. It was that involvement that caused him and Donna to witness the arrival of Good Sam's first daVinci surgical robot which was made possible by generous donors. As time progressed they spoke with Dr. Smith and learned that Hal was a candidate for roboticassisted surgery with the daVinci. Together, they decided it was time to address Hal's heart condition now that there was a minimally invasive option.
The day of the surgery was a difficult one. They were simultaneously apprehensive and optimistic about the opportunity to pioneer new technology. Hal was taken into surgery, and the wait began for Donna and their two daughters. Donna remarks that while sitting and waiting while a loved one is in surgery is incredibly difficult, everyone at Good Sam was "fabulous," noting that "all the people who touch your life that day are very important…I don't think you could ask for nicer people to take care of you." Hal's surgery was successful, and due to the benefits of the da Vinci, Hal was able to return home after only three days in the hospital. He was back to work in two weeks. When asked of his experience, Hal has a simple, yet profound response: "It kept me alive."
Hal and Donna saw firsthand how the generosity of others can not only save a life, but do so in a way that maintains the best quality of life possible. Already involved in giving back to the community, including Good Sam in their efforts was natural. Hal and Donna support Good Samaritan Hospital both through gifts of treasure and time. Hal has served in multiple roles over the years as Chairman and Trustee of the Foundation, a TriHealth Board Committee Member, and a Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science Board Member. Donna is a member of The Good Samaritans, a volunteer organization associated with the Foundation dedicated to assisting Good Sam in its mission through raising funds to support various programs and initiatives.
Their most recent gift helped bring the next generation of robotic assisted surgery to Good Sam with the da Vinci Xi, the newest version of the same robot that saved Hal's life a decade ago. With their gift, Hal and Donna have one principal hope: to save more lives. "Good Sam stands for compassion," Donna says. "Our gift is just a part of that; it's about giving back and helping others in the community where you live, the community where your family lives." With the achievements made in Good Sam's Robotics Program and the expanded offerings of minimally invasive procedures now possible with the da Vinci Xi, Hal and Donna Klink's hope is coming true every single day.