Deb Koski, CFRE
Chief Philanthropy Officer
giving for good bemidji
For patients at the Sanford Joe Lueken Cancer Center, the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center and beyond, your generosity makes all the difference. Together, we’re powering new insights, driving breakthroughs and providing patients and families with world-class, comprehensive care close to home in the Bemidji region. We’re saving more lives thanks to the addition of the new PET/CT digital imaging system at the Sanford Joe Lueken Cancer Center and the regions first Mobile Mammography Unit.
Last year, we put over $2.2 million in philanthropic gifts to work across the Bemidji region. Read more in the 2025 annual report.
Local Priorities
Philanthropy is an integral part of the care provided at Sanford Health. The Sanford Health Foundation in the Bemidji region plays a crucial role in supporting specific programming for patients and staff, upgrading essential equipment, and funding special projects tailored to meet the needs of our communities.
Leadership Connection
A region update from Dr. Jason Caron, president & CEO of Sanford Bemidji.
April, 2026
Last year, Sanford Children’s in Bemidji had the privilege of caring for more than 14,000 local kids — each with unique and often complex needs. From routine and preventive care to lifesaving interventions to long‑term treatment and support, our team is here for every child and family, every step of the way. This impact is only possible because of friends like you. Your generosity allows us to continue leading the way in delivering world‑class pediatric care for the Bemidji region. Here, our residency‑trained, board‑certified providers represent 16 pediatric specialties, working together to help every child achieve the hopeful, healthy future they deserve.
With your continued support, we are advancing pediatric care even further through our current priority project: launching the region’s first child life program — an innovative step that will transform the care experience for children and families across our area. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing with Sanford Children’s in Bemidji. Because of you, local kids have access to the care they need, when they need it, close to home. We are beyond grateful.
Dr. Jason Caron
Bemidji’s Signature Events
Below are a few of the signature events we host in the Bemidji region. To see more events in Bemidji, visit our calendar.
Get Involved through Fundraising
At Sanford Health, our doctors, researchers and caregivers are working to bring health, hope and healing to more than 1.2 million people across the Upper Midwest. With you on our team, we can accelerate our race to uncover new breakthroughs, develop new treatments and create meaningful programs that support patients and their families.
Launch your fundraiser in the Bemidji region and inspire others to give for good today!
Bemidji Team
Amy Hinkemeyer
Vice President – Fargo & Bemidji
Sally Corser
Philanthropy Officer – Bemidji
Emily Aitken-MaGaurn
Senior Development Officer – Bemidji
Stephanie Skaret
Development Specialist – Bemidji
Bemidji Board Members
Chair
Ryan Welle
First National Bank Bemidji – President
Vice Chair
Pete Aube
Retired, Businessman
Secretary
Steve Rith-Najarian, MD
Sanford Health – Physician
Treasurer
Suzanne Frambers
Retired, Clinical Nurse
Joseph Corser, MD
Sanford Health – Physician
Jason Caron, MD
Sanford Health – President & CEO
Jolyn Seitz, MD
Sanford Health – Physician
Ashley Lundin, MD
Sanford Health – Ophthalmology
Mary Fairbanks
Retired, Clinical Nurse and Nursing Professor
Doug Carlson
Retired, Community Volunteer
Krisi Fenner
Bemidji State University – Vice President of Finance and Administration
Andrea Kingbird
City of Bemidji – Attorney
Brad Smith, PA-C
Sanford Health – Physician Assistant