Michele Ronfeldt
Respiratory Therapy Technician
Buena Vista Regional Medical Center, Storm Lake

Michele Ronfeldt is the definition of a Hospital Hero. She is someone who reached out to another in time of need and did so with no expectation of reward or recognition.  It is a part of who she is and the character of her soul.  Michele made an unselfish decision to give the gift of life to another person.  And in the amazing way that miracles often happen, she was given a gift of life in return.

Michele, a wife and mother of three, had been a Respiratory Therapy Technician at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center since 2002.  Her supervisor, Larry Schubert, states, “When Michele was hired, the entire department quickly realized she had one of those personalities that you admire. Her positive attitude, professional skills and eagerness to pitch in earned the respect of the staff and they began asking to be scheduled to work with her because she made the shift so enjoyable.” 

When Gary Hoffman, a Schaller firefighter, announced his kidney disease required him to quit and begin dialysis. Michele’s husband Jason, a fellow firefighter, knew Gary’s only hope was a donor kidney. Jason asked to be tested and was an acceptable match until a medical complication disqualified him. Michele immediately stepped forward and asked to be considered. 

Amazingly, Michele was a match but doctors warned her that her hope of another baby would be delayed as it would be virtually impossible to conceive for almost a year following the surgery. Fertility had been a complicating issue but the importance of this decision called Michele to action.

The surgery went well and Gary gratefully returned to a state of well being without complications.

Never looking for any recognition, Michele returned to work but soon received an unbelievable reward.  The experts said it was “impossible” and a “miracle,” but little Cole Ronfeldt was born 11 months later.

Michele is an everyday hero and a role model for other hospital employees and everyone who knows her.