Meet Memorial – Casey Lusich
At Memorial, compassion extends beyond hospital and clinic walls, and few exemplify this more than Casey Lusich, a dedicated Respiratory Therapist. Casey’s commitment to her community goes far beyond her professional role. Through her extensive volunteer work and charitable giving, Casey embodies Memorial’s mission of healing and inspiring others.
A Heart for Community Giving
For Casey, giving back is a family tradition that began when she was young. “I have a big family, and we were always helping each other or participating in events in our small community,” Casey shares. “My family are some of the most giving people I know, and they paved the way to make me the person I am today.”
Today, Casey channels that spirit into a wide range of charitable activities. She is an active Board Member of the Robert Ingersoll Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the local community through events like the Annual Christmas Festival, which provides free gifts, snacks, and holiday cheer to children. This festival has become a cornerstone of her charitable work.
“The first year of the Christmas festival, two children stood out to me,” Casey recalls. “One had never received a Christmas gift before, and the other simply asked Santa to make her mom better. It broke my heart. That year reminded me why it’s so important to give back. It motivates me to keep going, even when I’m exhausted.”
Building Joy, One Event at a Time
The foundation’s events, like the Annual Christmas Festival and the Robert Ingersoll Memorial Poker Run, bring the community together in meaningful ways. Meetings for these events are held at the Lakeshore Community Center in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, and they involve a team of dedicated volunteers, many of whom work in healthcare.
“Our poker run this year included a pig wrestling competition, and six of the 13 teams were healthcare professionals,” Casey laughs. “Two of those teams even placed first and second!” The entry fees and proceeds from these events directly support the foundation’s mission, funding community programs like the Christmas festival.
Casey’s work also includes handmaking Halloween costumes for NICU babies, bringing smiles to families during challenging times. “Giving those parents a little happiness in such a stressful time is something we as a unit look forward to every year,” she says.
The Ripple Effect of Kindness
For Casey, volunteering has been life-changing. “I feel it has made me a better person all around,” she reflects. “It has helped me gain more understanding, patience, and meaning in my work and my life. I’ve realized that every person has a story, good or bad, and that we, as healthcare workers, can make a difference from the first interaction.”
Her experiences giving back have deepened her empathy for patients, helping her connect with their unique needs and situations. “We carry our patients’ burdens on our shoulders along with our own, and it doesn’t stop when we clock out,” she explains.
Advice for Others
Casey’s journey offers valuable insights for anyone looking to make a difference. For those creating or running giving-based groups, she suggests, “Never turn down help, be open to others’ opinions, and remind yourself it’s okay to say no sometimes. Volunteering can be overwhelming—remember, you’re human and need a break too.”
To her fellow healthcare professionals, Casey emphasizes the unique opportunity they have to lead by example. “We pour our hearts into our patients every day. Pour some kindness into your community and watch it flourish. Whether it’s collecting school supplies or delivering a meal to an elderly neighbor, each initiative starts with a small idea and a little kindness.”
Making an Impact Together
Casey isn’t alone in her efforts. Many of her colleagues join her in volunteering. From decorating for the Christmas festival to organizing relief efforts, like serving hot meals to tornado victims in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, Memorial team members show up for their community.
“About 35% of our volunteers and donors for the Christmas festival are healthcare workers,” Casey notes. “Their willingness to help reflects the same care and dedication they show to their patients every day.”
A Legacy of Love
Casey’s story is a testament to the power of community and the impact of small acts of kindness. From organizing events to sewing costumes, every effort builds a stronger, more connected community.
“At the end of the day, it’s about making a difference for someone else,” Casey says. “That one moment of joy or comfort can mean the world to someone—and that’s what keeps me going.”