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Sr. Mary Jean Ryan Receives Crystal Wagon
On September 23, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation honored Sr. Mary Jean Ryan with the prestigious Crystal Wagon Award.
November 03, 2011
On Friday evening, September 23, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation honored Sr. Mary Jean Ryan with the prestigious Crystal Wagon Award during the special banquet at the St. Louis Club in Clayton.
Sr. Mary Jean was sole 2011 recipient of the award, which SSM Cardinal Glennon presents “to those individuals who have significantly contributed to the care and welfare of our children.”
A number of SSM executives offered their congratulations. Mr. Bill Thompson, President and CEO of SSM Health Care, told her, “I can think of no one more deserving than you to receive this very special honor.” He pointed out that Sr. Mary Jean always said that “All employees are leaders in this organization” and then empowered others to live out that vision.
Mr. Doug Ries, president of SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center for 25 years—1983 to 2008—praised her as a true leader. “Sr. Mary Jean has a superlative vision of what we are all about, and her commitment to that vision and values means not just planning but execution—and execution with results that show,” he said. “Hope is not a plan. A plan requires that strategic vision that she exudes.”
Mr. Ries described how in the 1990s the Board was seriously considering other, more viable options for Cardinal Glennon: relocating to West County or to another SSM hospital, or even merging with a local competitor. Sr. Mary Jean remained adamant that the hospital stay at its current location, serving the very vulnerable population of children in the city. Through her personal commitment to those children, Cardinal Glennon was reborn, staying where it is, serving its special population.
Through her visionary leadership, Cardinal Glennon has become famous for its excellent and caring doctors, nurses, and staff; for the little red wagons used to transport the children. “She has a special place in her heart for the poor and vulnerable,” Bill Thompson said—and maybe especially for the very vulnerable children who make up the population of SSM Cardinal Glennon.
Sr. Mary Jean thanked the Board of Governors: “Over the years, your support and generosity have helped Glennon grow from an excellent community hospital to a world-class children’s medical center. You are truly some of the finest people I have ever known. You have been faithful to the original intent of the founders to accept all children in need, regardless of their ability to pay. And you’ve ensured that Glennon remained in the city, where the needs are so great.
“While I am very honored that you’ve singled me out for this recognition, the honor truly goes to my congregation—the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, for the commitment of the sisters over the 55 years of Glennon’s existence. The spirit of the sisters can be felt in every part of the hospital.”
Cardinal Glennon’s physicians and employees, who so often go above and beyond their jobs, carry on that spirit: “The hospitality, the heart, and the love of the employees and physicians for the children is one of the greatest gifts of the spirit I’ve ever seen.”
You can find Sr. Mary Jean’s name on the Crystal Wagon Award Recognition Wall on permanent display at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center.
Congratulations, Sr. Mary Jean!
Photo courtesy of Jimmie Carter, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation