John Grubelnik and Family

In 2012, New Mexico rancher John Grubelnik’s brother, George, suffered a severe injury to his throat. Far from any major hospitals or trauma centers, John and his family – including his aging parents – packed up and ended up at Penrose Hospital for care. George’s situation was grim – a torn esophagus with about a 1% of full recovery.

Due to their hasty departure, John had not much but a flip phone and no plans, no GPS, nor place to stay. Luckily, George’s physician referred the Grubelniks to the John Zay Guest House, within a few short minutes’ walk of Penrose Hospital. He and his parents were able to stay there and easily walk back-and-forth to Penrose as needed, while a surgeon saved George’s life and he began his healing journey. They were so thrilled with both the care George received at Penrose, and the care their family received at the John Zay Guest House that they paid it forward and made a major gift to our new Ingram Guest House. Their gift will help us serve countless other families like theirs, in their greatest time of need.