Charlie and Mary Kay Horner

A connection to Saint Luke's has been a family affair for Charlie and Mary Kay Horner for decades.

Both of the Horners were born at Saint Luke's Hospital. Charlie's father served on the hospital board for 30 years and spearheaded the purchase of the land for the first Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute facility.

Charlie filled his dad's board seat when he retired in 1981. Charlie has chaired the Cardiovascular Service Line Committee since 1985. He's been active on 16 boards and committees throughout Saint Luke's Health System.

Mary Kay has chaired events that benefit the Heart Institute, and she serves on the Saint Luke's South Advisory Board.

The Horners' strong bond with Saint Luke's goes beyond their board and committee service.

"So many times over the years, we are the ones who have benefited from the care at Saint Luke's," Charlie said.

In 2005, their nephew underwent an emergency heart valve replacement at Saint Luke's, after arriving by air ambulance from Tokyo. He had a life-threatening heart infection.

More recently, Mary Kay underwent surgery for lung cancer that was detected when she had a CardioScan.

"You cannot imagine a more shocked person, having never smoked," Mary Kay said. "It basically saved my life.

The Horners' commitment to their community and giving back were instilled at a young age and lie at the core of their family values.

"Somewhere early in life you are imbued with the idea that you give of your time and talent," said Mary Kay.

Experiencing different sides of Saint Luke's, from board service to patient care, has only reinforced the Horners' ties to the health system and its growth.

Charlie and Mary Kay gave a recent gift to name the presurgical area for patients in the new Mid America Heart Institute. They have also included the Heart Institute in their estate plans and are members of Saint Luke's Foundation's Heritage Society.

"Our family's vision is to be good stewards of our time and resources," said Charlie. "Saint Luke's reflects those values."