Blog | First Hand Foundation

Who We Are

Blog

We invite you to learn more about First Hand and the donors, volunteers and partners who make it all possible. We encourage you to read more about the lives you've changed and continue to change on a daily basis!

Announcing Cerner Charitable Foundation

This year, we celebrate the first 25 years of giving through our charitable foundation, First Hand, and look to the future. We have the exciting opportunity to evolve and broaden the foundation’s scope. With a goal to expand the foundation’s reach and advance Cerner’s impact through corporate philanthropy, First Hand Foundation is evolving to Cerner Charitable Foundation.

Closing the Gaps in Health Care – Fiscal Year 2020 Annual Report

As Cerner’s charitable foundation, First Hand has worked to close the gaps in health care for children and families around […]

COVID-19 Relief Response

The unprecedented ripple effect of the coronavirus can be felt around the world. Health care systems, governments and humanitarian organizations are rushing to provide care. As Cerner’s foundation, First Hand is committed to supporting COVID-19 relief efforts in the areas where Cerner associates live and work.

The Advantage of a Healthe Classroom

Kelly Henrichs has been an elementary school nurse in the Kansas City area since 2005. Her role extends beyond providing basic health services to educating her students ...

Dreams Become Reality

Children grow up envisioning what they will do and who they will be when they are older. The children we help are no different.

A Giving Culture in a Corporate World

First Hand has always been a way for Cerner associates to give back to the community around them and fill the gaps in health care that they see in their roles. If you ask Cerner leadership, you’ll discover that First Hand is more than just a part of what Cerner does – it is the heart and soul of the organization.

No Barriers for these Students

On May 25, 2001, Erik Weihenmayer became the first blind person to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. Now, he shares his inspirational journey to audiences across the world as a motivational speaker and is the founder of the No Barriers movement for people facing challenges.

Providing Care with Dignity

Five-year-old Gwendolyn is a happy, kind and exuberant child whose smile, unfortunately doesn’t reflect her personality. During a free health screening at her elementary school a nurse discovered extensive decay, resulting in a dental referral for three fillings, eight stainless steel crowns as well as two root canals. Gwendolyn’s mother works full time and her father is on disability.

Imagine a World Where – Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Report

Thank you for your very generous investment in First Hand! Imagine a world where children receive access to not only care, but also to proactive health and wellness programs that allow them to thrive and succeed in school, work and life. At First Hand, we are committed to creating that world.

A Culture of Giving Offers Something for Everyone

Close your eyes and think about the last time you supported your favorite charity, tossed paper in the recycling bin, or helped out a friend. Several examples probably come to mind, and you probably feel pretty good about that!

First Hand Earns Platinum Seal of Transparency

First Hand earned a 2019 Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by GuideStar — the world’s largest source of nonprofit information.

Building healthy generations in school, work and life

Through your support and generosity, First Hand is helping children, families and communities achieve their full health potential.

Remembering Jeanne Lillig-Patterson

We are heartbroken to share the news of Jeanne Lillig-Patterson’s passing. Today, September 4, she passed to the hands of her Lord, joining her beloved husband Neal Patterson. Jeanne lived an extraordinarily generous life as a devout Catholic who loved her family and friends dearly.

Remembering Neal Patterson

It is with a heavy heart that we write this note about the passing of Neal Patterson. After a hard-fought battle with cancer that began in January of 2016, Neal passed away on July 9th.

Jeanne Lillig-Patterson Receives Honorary Doctorate

Jeanne Lillig-Patterson, First Hand’s founder, received an honorary doctorate from her alma mater during Avila University’s May 13th commencement ceremony.