Jerry and Judy’s Golden Anniversary: A Legacy of Love and Giving

Jerry and Judy Lisewych stood hand in hand, surrounded by family and friends, as they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this August—a golden milestone marked not only by a half-century of shared life, but by another enduring achievement: their commitment to giving back.

After five decades together, their love had weathered countless seasons, but nothing quite compared to the challenge they faced when Jerry underwent 36 grueling days of chemotherapy on the 5th floor of Confluence Health Hospital Central Campus. Through it all, Judy was by his side, and together they drew strength from each other and from the extraordinary care team Jerry affectionately calls “angels on legs.” Nurses, food service staff, and countless others lifted their spirits and restored their hope.

Out of this profound gratitude Jerry and Judy founded The Lisewych Family Endowment with the Confluence Health Foundation. Their gift is designed to inspire future generations of healthcare workers and to ensure that children of Confluence Health employees, especially those in oncology and infusion services, can pursue their dreams of a medical or healthcare degree.

Earnings from the endowment fund the Lisewych Family Scholarship, formally known as the Oncology Grateful Patient Scholarship.  Since the first award in 2020, the Lisewych Family’s support has provided an incredible $103,500 for 14 local students. These scholarships continue to honor the extraordinary care received from the oncology team that saved Jerry’s life and touched Jerry and Judy’s hearts.

Fifty years after saying “I do,” Jerry and Judy’s union continues to radiate kindness, gratitude, and hope—an anniversary gift to their community, and a legacy that will inspire for generations to come.