Many years ago, when my husband and I were hoping to start a family, I learned that because I had endometriosis, it would be harder for us to have a child, so we began pursuing adoption. We were so grateful when we were blessed with a son by adoption in 1977. Filled with love for our son, my husband and I were still hoping and praying for another baby. Then, after a routine physical exam in 1982, my Winona Health physician, Dr. Degallier, contacted me with some test results: I had cervical cancer. When I heard those words, I was devastated. I decided to get a second opinion in La Crosse, and they told me the same thing. I remember crying before surgery for my cancer, because I knew then that I would never be pregnant. But another blessing occurred. Shortly after my surgery, we were again blessed with a child by adoption, a daughter this time. I’m very thankful to God, our heavenly Father, for his goodness to us, and I’m also thankful to my doctors then, Dr. Degallier in Winona and Dr. Everett Beguin in La Crosse, that I am here today—cancer free for more than 38 years. Another remarkable part of my story—the son of Dr. Everett Beguin who was my doctor in La Crosse all those years ago, is Dr. E. Allen Beguin who now is my physician at Winona Health! My husband, Duane, and I have been married for 50 years this year. Our Lord Jesus blessed us with our children, and now, with beautiful grandchildren. Mrs. Linda Egge Connections through the generations The tradition of caring for our community through generations continues at Winona Health. Yet another thread was woven into this story when Hannah Degallier, PA-C, joined Winona Health in 2019. Hannah is married to Dr. Degallier’s grandson, Peter, who is now a dental therapist with a local dentist. Hannah Degallier shared, “Unfortunately Dr. Degallier, who was my husband’s grandfather, passed away before I was able to meet him. I’ve heard only great things about him. It’s meaningful to me to think of walking some of the same hallways in which he walked, and caring for the younger generations of some of the families he cared for. These local connections are some of what makes this community so special.” On a side note, Linda added… Being the Lunch Lady at Winona Senior High School for many years, I enjoyed the young people that I helped serve food and love. All the students meant so much to me. I’m happy to see all the young students I met and very happy to see how they’ve grown. — Mrs. Linda Egge Since 1894, Winona Health has been here to take care of every member of the community… including your favorite lunch ladies.
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