From Care to Commitment

Lynn Blauser Foster has been a dedicated supporter of Memorial Health Foundation (MHF) for the last decade, faithfully contributing each year to a mission close to her heart. Her story weaves together personal and professional experiences that have greatly influenced her dedication to improving the Marietta, Ohio community through philanthropy.

 As a trained critical care nurse, Lynn’s early career took her to Riverside Hospital in Columbus, Ohio where she worked and met her future husband, Michael, a medical student at The Ohio State University. Together, they forged a deep connection in healthcare before eventually coming home to Marietta.

The Foster’s story in Marietta began when Michael was named director of emergency services at Memorial Health System in 1980. This move marked a significant chapter in their lives, bringing them full circle back to Lynn’s hometown after years of traveling and working. Following his role as director of emergency services, Michael established his own practice. Lynn continued to work as a nurse alongside her husband before assuming the position as practice manager for Michael’s practice. With this transition, Lynn decided to pursue further education at West Virginia University at Parkersburg focusing on accounting, business, and economics—an endeavor that equipped her to successfully run the business.

Life presented Lynn with challenges, including personal health battles and the loss of loved ones. In 1997, she lost her mother to breast cancer. That same year, Lynn took over the family business, Blauser Energy Corporation, with her sister and brother. She then sadly experienced the loss of both her father and husband Michael in 2001 within three months of one another. In 2010, Lynn faced her own physical battle when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. With the help of treatments, Memorial Health System provider, Kelli Cawley, MD, and Belpre Cancer Center team members, Lynn found comfort and support throughout her journey. She bravely fought and won her battle with cancer.

Lynn’s philanthropy extends beyond her firsthand experiences, focusing on initiatives close to her heart. To show her gratitude, one of Lynn’s first gifts was to the Cancer Center Patient Emergency Initiative, which supports patients who are undergoing treatment to maintain their quality of life and continuity of care. She has also supported critical areas such as COVID-19 relief and ICU renovations. Her commitment to giving to MHF is a testament to her gratitude for the care she received and her desire to ensure others in her community receive the same level of support.

Lynn retired in 2017 but remains active in the community today. She frequently visits the wellness center to stay active, enjoys reading and being a member of book clubs, and still loves to travel. Her energy and resilience shine through as she enjoys life in remission, surrounded by family and friends. Lynn has two grown children and four grandchildren, all of whom she speaks about with pride.

Through her contributions to MHF, Lynn continues to embody the spirit of giving back, ensuring that her community thrives, and future generations benefit from the same compassionate care she received.

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