Bastyr University Donor Interview – Sandra Jones

Why did you begin treatment at Bastyr Center for Natural Health? Why do you continue using the services of the clinic?

I had a re-occurrence of foot numbness, which I had experienced several years previously. Fortunately, a friend who had successfully used acupuncture recommended it. I first came to Bastyr in April of 2012, and with the first acupuncture treatment, I experienced progress. Within a few treatments, all my symptoms disappeared. I became a believer in Bastyr’s clinic's quality of their staff and teaching program.

Has Bastyr Clinic care improved or changed your life or health? How so?

 The Bastyr staff identified issues that were undermining my overall health and taught me what wholistic alternatives I have (diet, meditation, breathing) in addition to acupuncture and visits for specific conditions. Between acupuncture, natural health, and other holistic services, I experienced a real health boost over the last 12.5 years. As one of my allopathic doctors remarked, “You are one of the healthiest patients I have.”

How would you describe our organization and mission to your neighbors or friends? 

Bastyr is a healing organization dedicated to helping individuals take greater responsibility for their health and helping them do that with their teaching and services.

Is there any standout aspect of Bastyr Center or Bastyr University that you would like others to know of?

Acupuncture Faculty and Clinical Supervisor Kathleen Lumiere has been a guiding light through my time at Bastyr. Her listening ear, her deft training of her students, and her healing presence consistently make a difference to me. The high quality of the acupuncture her students provide gives me confidence that I will consistently receive high-quality treatment, and I do.

What do you care about that the Bastyr mission accomplishes?

Healthier community, reducing health care costs, promoting self-responsibility in patients, and providing affordable treatment to elders and those of lower income.

Could you see yourself becoming more involved with our organization?

By sharing my story here and leaving money through my will. If I were younger, I would be taking classes! 

What was important for you to fund with your gift to Bastyr?

Ongoing quality treatment and training, providing complementary, integrative health care to the extremely expensive managed health care system we have. 

As a closing thought, why should others become a patient or consider giving to allow more people to use Bastyr Center?

Healthier people make for healthier families, a healthier workforce, and a healthier mind, body, and spirit. Bastyr Center is a guiding light in making that happen.

If you would like to join Sandra and consider making Bastyr Clinics a part of your will or estate, please contact Joyce Robertson for more information: JRobertson@Bastyr.edu or (425) 602-3041.