Mission/History of Life Support

Mission

We are committed to eliminate unnecessary death and suffering for the citizens and visitors of rural Upper Kittitas County and travelers of I-90 by securing state-of-the art emergency and medical services.

Life Support overcomes converging regional challenges, by creating innovative and sustainable solutions, forging strategic collaborations and raising critical funds.

Timeline

Since its inception in August 1999, Life Support has diligently worked to raise the needed funds to improve the Emergency Medical Services and Health Care of Upper Kittitas County and surrounding communities. Life Support, which began with five community members, has since grown to over 30 dedicated volunteers and is guided by an elite Board of Directors.

2011	Completed first phase of three strategically placed Fire Stations for Emergency Medical Service response. Providing first time specialty care Cardiology in Upper County at the Cle Elum Swedish Clinic, Dr. Mark Reissman. Hosted 2 meetings with area volunteer fire departments with guest presentation by Al Church, President of Washington State Fire Chiefs Association.
2010	Ground breaking for three EMS facilities. Swedish Medical Center grand opening in November. Life Support 10th anniversary celebrations underway.
2009	Purchase of first aerial ladder fire/rescue truck. Formalized agreement with Swedish Medical Center.
2008	Ride 4 Life Support Event. First Tinsel and Glitz Holiday Dinner and Auction at Suncadia. Jeld - Wen Foundation Gifts $250,000. Final scope of project work for EMS facilities in process. Medical Center development underway.
2007	2007 Washington State Legislators and Governor Chris Gregoire allocates, 2.7 Million in Capital Budget for Expanded EMS facilities. Life Support honors Wilma Olsen Foundation for continued support. Over $100,000 gifted to EMS. (In Memory of Michael Coe, Trustee)
2006	Provides Upper County Regional police for medical kits for patrol cars. Retains Architects for preliminary work for Medical Center and EMS facilities. Life Support launches Annual giving program. Over $100,000 is gifted to Upper County EMS.
2005	First Annual Life Support Golf Classic Invitational event. 5th Annual Life Support Dinner Auction raises $160,000. KIMA new conference announcing gifting of over $150,000 to EMS.
2004	Life Support becomes Incorporated 501 c3. Established new governing board of Trustees. Established Auxiliary. Life Support announces plans State-of-the-Art non–profit medical center. "Planting the Seeds for EMS" luncheon featuring Ciscoe. Over $75,000 gifted to EMS.
2003	Life Support begins the process of transitioning from a grass roots organization to an organization with a governing board of trustee and auxiliary. Over $75,000 gifted to EMS.
2002	GA Design – creates and donates Life Support Logo. Life Support gifts over $75,000 to EMS.
2001	KOMO People Helper airs a story on Life Support. Life Support Board expands to nine. First Life Support Dinner Auction “raises $41,000.” Gov. Gary Locke signs budget with $920,000 for EMS facility.
2000	Life Support is officially established as a 501 c 3 tax exempt organization. Board of Directors established with five members Secretary of State, Ralph Munro serves as emcee for Life Support luncheon. Over 50,000 was raised and gifted for Emergency Medical Equipment. First Life Pack 12 in Kittitas County
1999	Community member, Cheri Marusa creates a vision of Life Support.

Life Support Documentation

Life Support recognizes the outstanding services that were provided by: Executive Service Corp

Life Support Logo design donated by:
GA Creative, Bellevue WA

We cannot say how or when our lives will end, but...

We can say how we will live our lives.

UPCOMING EVENTS