Making an Impact

Ruth Strom McCutcheon’s healthcare journey—from nurse practitioner to healthcare leader—has always centered on well-being. Inspired by personal and professional experiences, she became a Helper in the Problem Management Plus (PM+) program to assist others in navigating stress and uncertainty. For Ruth, PM+ is about resilience, connection, and hope. “Sometimes, we just need a quiet space to talk,” she says. “PM+ is a gift, and I’m honored to share it.”

When Jim Ransom lost his wife, Heath, Solvay Hospice House gave them more than care—it gave them the space to say goodbye with love and dignity. In their final weeks together, Jim discovered the power of four simple phrases: Forgive me. I love you. Thank you. Goodbye. Now, he honors Heath’s memory by supporting Solvay through Miller-Dwan Foundation, ensuring others find the same peace, comfort, and love—even in goodbye.

Seven-year-old Guthrie has always seen the world a little differently. When his beloved nana passed, undiagnosed autism led him into a deep place of grief and anxiety, leaving his family unsure how to support him. Amberwing – Center for Youth & Family Well-Being diagnosed Guthrie and guided him and his family through coping strategies that have made all the difference.

Emma McDonald is redefining what’s possible. At 18, she juggles school, friends, and work while living with spina bifida. Thanks to Northland Adaptive Recreation (NAR), she found freedom on a snowboard, building confidence and breaking barriers along the way. For Emma, inclusion isn’t just about adapting—it’s about thriving.

Russ Whitehouse lived a life rooted in hard work, service and deep love for his family, but it was in his final weeks at Solvay Hospice House that his family experienced an unexpected sense of peace. What began as fear of hospice became a gift of comfort, compassion and meaningful time together, allowing Helen to simply be present with her husband. In the end, Solvay provided not just care, but the priceless opportunity to say goodbye with dignity, love and support.

Despite being a high-achieving student, Nissa Johnson faced significant physical and mental health challenges that made daily life overwhelming. Through Amberwing’s comprehensive, team-based care, they found safety, learned coping skills, and rediscovered a sense of hope for the future. What Amberwing provided went beyond treatment—it gave Nissa the confidence and support to believe in what’s possible.

For more than 15 years, Pam Zehowski has consistently shown up for the Miller-Dwan Foundation, turning her belief in giving into sustained action that supports real community needs. From enhancing behavioral health spaces to supporting rehabilitation services and championing innovative programs like PM+, Pam’s contributions reflect both professional insight and deeply personal motivation. Her ongoing commitment is rooted in a simple philosophy: meaningful change happens when you keep showing up.

After years of being told what her son Johnny would never be able to do, Alina Galligan took a chance on adaptive archery—and discovered a community where he could truly belong. Through Northland Adaptive Recreation, Johnny found joy, connection, and a sense of pride, transforming not only his abilities but how his family sees his future. What began as a single activity became something much greater: renewed hope, possibility, and a place where Johnny can simply be a kid.