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    Published on July 15, 2024

    Owensboro Health Foundation Dedicates Carolee and Russell Moore Memorial Conference Room

    group photo at the event

    The Owensboro Health Foundation proudly hosted a heartwarming dedication ceremony on Friday, June 28, at the Owensboro Health Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center (MMCC). The event marked the unveiling of a plaque in the conference room, officially naming it the Carolee and Russell Moore Memorial Conference Room. This dedication honors a significant gift made by the Moores in gratitude for the exceptional care Carolee received at the center.

    photo of the plaque

    Carolee Moore, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 and passed away in November, 2023, was deeply connected to the Owensboro Health community. Her and her husband Russell’s bond with the staff, particularly with Owensboro Health Foundation ​​Director of Philanthropy Chad Hart, the former CEO at their local YMCA, played a pivotal role in their journey. Chad, who had known the Moores since his tenure at the YMCA, remained a close friend and support system throughout Carolee’s battle with cancer.

    Friends and family from across the country attended the dedication ceremony, including Carolee’s sister, Karen Bloomer, who traveled from South Carolina. Tracy Naylor, Executive Director of the Owensboro Health Foundation, shared touching remarks about Carolee’s legacy and her profound impact on those around her.

    "Carolee was a beacon of grace and dignity," Naylor said. "Her generosity and kindness were evident to everyone she met, and her legacy will live on through this conference room and the many lives she touched."

    Russell Moore, Carolee’s devoted husband, reflected on their life together and the love they shared. "Carolee had an aura of dignity and grace that captivated everyone. She genuinely cared about people and made everyone feel special," he shared, recalling their first meeting in Kansas City, Missouri.

    Karen Bloomer echoed these sentiments, highlighting Carolee’s natural ability to connect with others. "She was a natural at making people feel like they were the most important person in the room," Bloomer said. "Her caring nature and genuine interest in others made her truly special."

    group photo at the event

    The Owensboro Health Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center team, including Dr. Jacob Hodskins and nurse navigator Deanna Young, was recognized for its exceptional care and compassion. "Carolee was confident in her care team," Bloomer noted. “Their immediate and confident responses to her needs gave us immense comfort during a challenging time."

    The Moores’ gift, totaling over $30,000, was made possible through donations from Carolee’s colleagues at Crestline Hotels & Resorts and friends nationwide. Crestline, where Carolee worked, honored her memory with murals created during their annual retreat, two of which will be displayed at Owensboro Health’s facilities.

    Chad Hart, reflecting on his relationship with the Moores, emphasized the importance of gratitude in healthcare. "Carolee was a master at expressing gratitude, and her legacy will continue to inspire us to channel this gratitude into our daily work," he said.

    The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the plaque, featuring a heartfelt inscription in memory of Carolee. The Carolee and Russell Moore Memorial Conference Room will serve as a lasting tribute to Carolee’s life and the love she shared with everyone she met.

    For more information about the Owensboro Health Foundation and its initiatives, please visit OwensboroHealth.org/Foundation.

    About Owensboro Health Foundation

    The Owensboro Health Foundation supports Owensboro Health in its mission to heal the sick and improve the health of the communities it serves. Through philanthropy, the foundation funds projects that enhance patient care, support medical education, and promote community wellness.

    About Owensboro Health Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center

    The Owensboro Health Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer care, including diagnosis, treatment, and support services. The center is dedicated to delivering compassionate care and advanced treatment options to patients and their families.

    About Owensboro Health

    Owensboro Health is a nonprofit health system with a mission to heal the sick and to improve the health of the communities it serves in Kentucky and Indiana. The system includes Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, nationally recognized for design, architecture and engineering; Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital; Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center; the Owensboro Health Medical Group comprised of over 350 providers at more than 30 locations; three outpatient Healthplex facilities, a certified medical fitness facility, the Healthpark; a weight management program, and the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center.

    On average each year, we have more than 19,000 inpatient admissions, deliver 2,000 babies and provide the region’s only Level III NICU. Owensboro Health physicians perform nearly 33,000 surgical procedures, including nearly 150 open-heart surgeries. Our physicians and staff have 90,000 Emergency Department visits and more than 1.25 million outpatient visits annually. Visit our home page for more information.