OSF HealthCare Mission Partners (employees), in collaboration with OSF HealthCare Foundation, came together on September 24 to unveil “Faith’s Closet,” a legacy project dedicated to the memory of Faith McNamara, an Emergency Department nurse who lost her courageous battle with cancer on August 10, 2023.
Faith, known for her deep faith, boundless compassion, and remarkable strength, left an enduring mark on her OSF Family. ‘Faith’s Closet’ will continue her legacy by providing clothing to patients in need upon discharge from the Emergency Department.
Dan McNamara, Faith’s husband, shared a heartfelt story during the unveiling: “I can’t tell you how many times Faith would call me from work asking me to bring items for a patient,” he said. “This would make her so happy to know that she’s still caring for people in need.”
The project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa and Peru, OSF Center for Health in Streator, the OSF HealthCare Foundation, donations given to the OSF Foundation by Faith’s family and friends and the generous contribution of artwork from the Open Space Art Gallery & Studio. The gallery’s donation added a special touch to the space, further honoring Faith’s passion for caring for others and her vibrant spirit.
“The OSF Foundation truly enjoys supporting legacy projects, like ‘Faith’s Closet’ that benefit our communities,” says Cherie Reynolds, director of the OSF Foundation in the I-80 area. “In addition, it’s a memorable way to honor those who have made a lasting impact.”
The dedication and blessing of Faith’s Closet marks the first of three installations planned for OSF emergency departments across the I-80 region.
For more information on Faith’s Closet and its heartfelt effort to serve those in need, contact Cherie Reynolds, director of OSF Foundation, I-80, at Cherie.R.Reynolds@osfhealthcare.org.