For 26 years, Sheryl Stoolman was a dedicated, compassionate and patient-focused nurse in St. Anthony's emergency department and an EMT with the Carroll County Ambulance Service. Sheryl touched the lives of countless people in the Carroll area over the years and was recognized with many state-wide honors for her exceptional nursing skills, dedication and contributions to the community. On May 13, 2010, Sheryl was assisting in transporting a critical patient by ambulance from Carroll to Des Moines, when a tragic vehicle accident took Sheryl's life and the life of the patient.
Sheryl's family received an outpouring of love, support and memorial donations from friends and family after the accident. The family decided to partner with the St. Anthony Foundation to establish a scholarship fund, in Sheryl's memory, to provide ongoing education to those with the passion and perseverance for excellent healthcare. Dan Stoolman, Sheryl's husband, said of the partnership, "We received many donations in Sheryl's memory. Partnering with St. Anthony allows our family to stay involved in scholarship decisions while giving donors the advantage of making a tax free donation."
"Each year when scholarships are presented in Sheryl's memory, we have opportunity to share the story of an exceptional person who touches the lives of many people during her life and career. Students who are called to a profession in healthcare can hold Sheryl up as a model for excellence," said Trish Roberts, Development Director for the St. Anthony Foundation.