Connersville dedications pay tribute to a mom’s legacy, local artists

Jan Deer was determined not to let others make the same decision she did.

Despite a career in healthcare, despite her involvement in the Reid Health Foundation’s BRAvo! campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer, she skipped her annual mammogram only to find out later she had Stage 4 breast cancer.

“When she was diagnosed, she said, ‘We need to tell people I skipped my mammogram and that they shouldn't do that.’ It became her whole story, telling people why the mammogram matters,” said Roxie Deer, Jan’s daughter.

“I think she knew women always put themselves last on the list of things we have to take care of, and there was something about BRAvo! that was always fun even though they were talking about a really tough subject. She had a passion for helping people understand what they needed to do.”

Roxie has carried on her late mother’s cause, becoming a champion for cancer prevention and the life-saving power of early detection.

A gift from the Deer Family Fund to the capital campaign for the new Reid Health Connersville facility was honored Saturday with the formal dedication of the Jan and Roxie Deer Mammography Suite.
For Roxie, the donation was both a tribute to her mom’s legacy and a way of giving back to Reid.

“My mom worked at Reid my entire life, so I never knew what life was like without Reid,” she said. “I think about the moments and years after she died, and Reid was still part of the family.

“When given the opportunity to make a gift, there was no other place that felt like home and that drove the mission of what I care about more than Reid. They're worried about women's health like I am. They’re passionate about women's health like I am, and so this gift felt like the perfect way to honor my mom.”

Next to the mammography suite is a place where patients, families, and staff alike can find a moment of respite and comfort.

The Stephen Joseph Holmes & Elizabeth Handley Holmes Art Gallery also was formally dedicated Saturday, honoring a gift from Elizabeth and her late husband.

“I knew I wanted to contribute to the new building project in some way I just wasn't sure what it was at first,” Elizabeth said. “I thought the art gallery is a good match for me because of my connection with the Whitewater Valley Arts Association. I know there's a lot of talent there that would be good to highlight.”

The couple were longtime supporters of local artists and the arts association. A new exhibit in the space opened in conjunction with Saturday’s dedication. Titled “Women, Healing & Home,” it features works from 33 women representing Fayette County and communities throughout the Whitewater Valley region. Judy Hrenos’ piece “Summer Light” was voted Best of Show at the event.

“I don’t have an artistic bone in my body, but I do appreciate artistic creativity and wanted to highlight everything the Whitewater Valley Arts Association does,” Elizabeth said.

“I've always enjoyed the gallery at Reid in Richmond, and I just thought, ‘You know, this would really enhance the hospital. It's on the first floor. It's very visible. It's where a lot of people will go by and hopefully appreciate the art and maybe get some comfort from it, too.’” 

As a sixth-generation Fayette County resident, Elizabeth knows the importance of having a state-of-the-art medical facility in Connersville.

“I was delighted Reid took on this project. It means a lot because so many rural hospitals are ceasing to exist and having that in Connersville is just a big plus,” she said.

“I know my life has been very blessed, and I just wanted to be able to return something to the community.”

“Communities are shaped by the actions of those who call these places home. Everyone’s contributions – no matter the size – add up to create a place worth living in, a place where families, businesses, and organizations can grow and thrive,” said Jason Troutwine, Reid Health Vice President and Reid Health Foundation President.

“We’re grateful for all the things Roxie and Elizabeth have done to make their homes better, through their hard work, their charity, and their determination to make a difference in the lives of others.”