January 2026
Tom understands the value of going the extra mile to help someone out. When an injury caused his health to decline last year, he and his niece Sharmell spent months searching for reliable home health care. After a few unsuccessful attempts, they found Mary Greeley Home Health, a program United Way of Story County invests in to support collective well-being in our community. It has been “the best home health that Tom has had,” as Sharmell puts it.
Tom’s nurse Audra visits him at the assisted living facility he currently resides at twice a week to help him stretch and walk. In addition to strengthening his physical abilities, Tom and Sharmell appreciate the relationship they have built with Audra and know the regular visits don’t just make things easier; they are lifesaving. “If it wasn’t for Audra overseeing him and being in communication with me when Tom had a heart attack, who knows what would have happened,” Sharmell, who lives near Seattle, Washington, says. The peace of mind that comes from reliable care means everything to Tom’s family.
Beyond providing high-quality care for Tom, Audra and other Mary Greeley Home Health staff are making a difference as advocates. “She has discussions with the staff here about things that need to be done,” Tom explains. He appreciates the medical expertise brought in by Mary Greeley and the support they offer when navigating complex care needs.
For many older adults and families, the ability to receive care at home is not just convenient—it’s essential. Home health services like Tom’s provide dignity, safety, and stability, ensuring that people can continue living full lives in the places they know best. By investing in this kind of care, UWSC helps remove barriers and ensures that health and healing are accessible to everyone, right where they need it most.
Knowing that Audra and her team are taking great care of Tom, Sharmell can enjoy time with her uncle and get to know Ames better each time she visits. “It’s a town that they take care of. I love that there are a lot of events that happen in the parks. People get out, they walk, they bike,” she says. “I’ve met some of the kindest people I’ve ever known here.”
“It turns out we have everything in this town that I want,” says Tom, as he reflects on his five decades in Ames. Tom taught for thirty-eight years at Iowa State’s journalism school and impacted thousands of students. Along the way, he led morning broadcasts on WOI TV, had a movie review column in the Ames Tribune, met several presidential candidates through his local involvement, advised the student newspaper, and even served in the Air Force Reserve. “A full life, I’ll say that," says Tom.