Sioux Falls...vacation destination?

In my 30 years and three million miles of business travel around the world, I had never been to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Before arriving there on Friday, I really didn’t have a good or bad perception of Sioux Falls…OK, maybe this…teepees and wagon trains?  Coal-fired locomotives?  Snow?

I traveled there to meet Annika and attend several Sanford Health events, including the 12th Annual Sanford Children's Gala. Needless to say, Annika and I had an absolutely amazing visit – both with Sanford Health (SH) and in Sioux Falls!

SH has quickly become one of the leading healthcare organizations in the US.  Yes, the Sioux Falls metro area is populated with less than 200,000 people, but Sioux Falls-based SH serves 2 million people between Minneapolis and Denver.

We made this trek because Sanford Health is rapidly taking a leadership role in solving some big-time healthcare issues. Its passion for children’s health and wellness closely aligns with ours.

Mr. Sanford and the ANNIKA Foundation have much in common!

Denny Sanford, the 75 year-old philanthropist who made immense wealth in the banking and credit card industries, is the financial engine behind Sanford Health’s bold initiatives. Since 2007, Mr. Sanford has invested more than $800 million in gifts to support research to find a cure for both diabetes and breast cancer. Last Wednesday, SH announced it would spend $1 billion over the next five years to construct new research and medical facilities to find a cure for these diseases. In addition, Mr. Sanford announced a $100 million gift to construct a state-of-the-art breast cancer research center, named in honor of his late mother, Edith Sanford, who died of the disease when he was four years old.

Like the ANNIKA Foundation, Mr. Sanford is passionate about children’s health and wellness around the world. A few months ago, Annika began discussions with him about working together to teach kids and their families about preventative healthcare – encouraging them to pursue a healthy, active lifestyle through regular physical activity and great nutrition habits.

Annika with ESPN golf analyst and former US Open Champion Andy North.

ESPN golf analyst and former US Open champion Andy North chairs Sanford Health’s Children’s International Board. He invited Annika to serve on the Board and she gladly accepted. Today, SH has seven children’s clinics open or in the works, including new ones announced this week in Israel, Mexico and Ghana. The clinics are desperately needed in these underserved areas.

The Sanford Health facilities, doctors and professional staff were first-class and the gala was inspirational.  Every aspect of our visit greatly exceeded our expectations. We hope to make a big announcement soon about how the ANNIKA Foundation and Sanford Health will partner to promote children’s health and wellness around the world!

My perception of Sioux Falls is quite different now.

- Don Ochsenreiter, President, ANNIKA Foundation