The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) saved the best for last this past week during their 21st annual Post-Acute Partners in Care Conference. Health care professionals from across the state traveled to Sioux Falls to attend the conference focusing on senior living, but it was the closing keynote speaker, Jim Morris, that left the biggest impact with many.
Jim “The Rookie” Morris is best known for his rise from teacher to a flame throwing, major league pitcher for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. His Cinderella story made cinematic history when Disney made a movie about his life featuring Dennis Quaid. His story serves as testimony to the power of dreams and their ability to inspire and transform human life. Jim shared his story with those attending the conference, referencing how difficult it has been the past few years for those in healthcare “I know how difficult the past two years have been for all of you, so thank you from me and from all of us. Just remember when you are caring for someone, you are healing more than just that one person and you are taking care of the people that need it the most, thank you for that.”
Jim’s story has become an inspiration to anyone interested in overcoming life’s obstacles and living their dreams. Over 130 attendees were able to listen to Jim’s story in addition to his own healthcare struggles and how he has overcome his own challenges through the years, using his own story to inspire conference attendees. “We can achieve so much more than we
think we can. You guys are a gift and I want you to learn your worth. People love you for what you do every single day.”
Jim wrapped up the 2022 Post-Acute Partners in Care conference with his moving words and a special gift to an attendee, an autographed Tampa Devil Rays baseball jersey with Jim’s number. Jennifer Eppens from Sanford Health was the lucky winner.
To learn more about Jim “The Rookie” Morris and his story, visit his website.
Remember to save the date for SDAHO next in-person event: Rural Health Leaders in Pierre July 12 & 13. Registration Opens soon.
