Connie Payton Wows Saint Francis Hospital

Margo Schafer

Director, Marketing and Public Relations

Saint Francis Hospital

847-316-4000 

Evanston, IL – (January 23, 2008) In honor of Martin Luther King Day, Connie Payton, wife of the late football legend Walter Payton, was the inspiring keynote speaker to a standing-room-only audience at Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston January 21.  Payton spoke about the life of Dr. King and his inspiration, as well as how each of us can carry on Dr. King’s dream to make the world a better place.

"On this day set aside in observance of a passionately committed American patriot, I ask that you find your own purpose with your own God-given talents to make the world a better place for someone else,” Payton said.  “Make the world a place filled with faith, hope, love, and justice for everyone," as Dr. King did for so many, she advised.  “My challenge to you is to dream, and to dream big.”  

Payton spoke briefly of her work on behalf of several organizations, including the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, which helps neglected and abused children, as well as her work with the Walter Payton Cancer Fund. "There are many ways you can touch a life. There is no task too small or too big that does not go unappreciated," she noted, “I challenge you to work to make this world a better place each day.”  

The annual event, sponsored by the hospital’s Diversity Committee, featured readings from Dr. King’s work, as well as an outstanding performance by the New Revelation Community Choir from Evanston. Past keynote speakers have included the Honorable Lorraine H. Morton, Evanston’s mayor; and Dr. Hardy Murphy, the Superintendent of Schools in Evanston.  

Connie Payton is author of the book “Stronger than Cancer,” and works closely with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to help abused and neglected children. She is a member of the Board for the Cancer Treatment Research Foundation and works tirelessly to change the face of cancer at the bedside of patients everywhere. More information about Payton and her work can be found at http://www.payton34.com.   

Saint Francis Hospital is a part of Resurrection Health Care, a family of health care services providing advanced medical care and exceptional customer service with compassion and hope.  Our hospitals, nursing homes, retirement communities, home health services, behavioral health programs and other services are conveniently located in many Chicagoland neighborhoods. Resurrection Health Care is a not-for-profit Catholic organization sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth and the Sisters of the Resurrection.# # #