Growth Partner Spotlight: Sanford Health

Hope Blooms has partnered with Sanford Health since 2017. As we look forward to turning 10 in July, we’re taking time to reflect on just how grateful we are for our growth partners and their commitment to our community. Because of generous growth partners like Sanford Health, we’re able to continue serving community members facing isolation and hardship, working to deliver moments of joy to those who need it most.

Sanford Health values care, comfort and cure. These values align well with Hope Blooms mission as we strive to ease hard transitions and be a comforting presence as individuals face hard situations.

“Hope Blooms’ mission aligns closely with Sanford Health’s values through a shared commitment to caring for the whole person and strengthening the communities we serve. Both recognize that health and wellbeing extend beyond physical care and are deeply influenced by connection, compassion and feeling seen,” said Sara Bond, Lead Community Relations Specialist at Sanford Health Fargo Metro.

Hope Blooms brings joy, hope and human connection into moments when people may feel vulnerable or isolated — whether through a simple bouquet or a shared experience. That focus on dignity, presence and emotional wellbeing mirrors Sanford’s commitment to holistic care and meaningful community partnerships. Together, this alignment allows us to support individuals and families in ways that are both personal and impactful.

We visited with Sara Bond, Lead Community Relations Specialist at Sanford Health Fargo Metro, about the partnership between Sanford Health and Hope Blooms, and why it’s so important to our Fargo-Moorhead community.

What do you find most meaningful or rewarding about being part of Sanford?

What I find most meaningful about being part of Sanford Health is the genuine commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. It’s not just through clinical care, but through long-term, relationship based partnerships. Sanford consistently looks beyond its walls to understand community needs and invests in organizations that are creating real change at the local level.”

In my role, I have the privilege of building relationships with non-profit partners who are doing incredible work, like Hope Blooms. It’s deeply rewarding to walk alongside these organizations, listen to their goals and help connect them with support that allows them to grow and reach more people. Sanford trusts and empowers its team members to lead with purpose, and that makes my work feel very personal and intentional. Knowing that our community partnerships strengthen families, create hope and positively impact lives is what makes being part of Sanford so meaningful to me.

How long has Sanford been serving our community and how has your impact evolved over time?

Sanford has been serving the Fargo-Moorhead community for well over a century, with roots dating back to the opening of St. Luke’s Hospital in 1908. What began as a small, community-focused hospital has evolved into a comprehensive, integrated health system that continues to grow alongside the needs of the region.

Over time, Sanford’s impact has expanded beyond traditional health care by advancing access to specialized, world-class services while also addressing the broader factors that influence health. This includes investing in community partnerships, supporting nonprofit organizations and focusing on social determinants of health, such as food security, behavioral health and access to care.

Today, Sanford’s impact is defined not only by clinical excellence, but by its role as a trusted community partner. Through meaningful collaboration with organizations like Hope Blooms, Sanford is able to extend its reach and strengthen the community, recognizing that lasting impact is built through partnership, not isolation.

What makes the Fargo–Moorhead–West Fargo area such a special place to live and work?

The Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo community is special because of its people and the strong spirit of collaboration that connects the region. There’s a genuine sense of partnership across nonprofits, businesses, healthcare organizations, and local leaders, rooted in a shared commitment to serving others. There is a shared understanding here that no single organization can do this work alone, and that collaboration is essential to creating lasting impact. The willingness to listen, share resources, and support one another, especially across non-profit and healthcare spaces, creates a strong foundation for positive change and makes this region a truly meaningful place to live and work.

How do you see Hope Blooms making a difference in our community?

Hope Blooms makes a meaningful difference in our community by bringing joy, hope, healing and a sense of belonging to our most vulnerable neighbors experiencing isolation, loneliness or hardship, in simple yet powerful ways. Their work is rooted in helping people feel seen, valued and cared for — often through small gestures that have a lasting impact.

While the flowers are a beautiful and recognizable part of their mission, what truly sets Hope Blooms apart is the human connection behind each interaction. It’s about creating moments of dignity, warmth and community — meeting people where they are and reminding them that they matter. Those moments, rooted in compassion and presence, are what make Hope Blooms’ work so meaningful and impactful across our community.

As a community partner, what inspires you to support organizations like Hope Blooms?

What inspires me to support organizations like Hope Blooms is their ability to create meaningful human connections during some of life’s most vulnerable moments. Their mission is rooted in bringing joy, hope and connection — reminding people that they’re seen and valued when it matters most.

Since its inception, Hope Blooms has delivered more than 5,000 moments of joy to Sanford patients across areas, such as the Roger Maris Cancer Center, Reproductive Medicine, Hospice, Palliative Care and Pediatric Oncology. They have also delivered more than 2,000 moments of joy to residents at Good Samaritan Society Assisted Living in Fargo. While the flowers are beautiful, the true impact lies in the moments of connection they create — offering comfort, encouragement and hope during times that can feel overwhelming or isolating.

In addition to these deliveries, Hope Blooms’ Flower Empower program brings that connection even further by inviting residents and volunteers to create bouquets side-by-side at Good Samaritan. These hands-on experiences foster joy, creativity and community. They illustrate how small, thoughtful moments can have a powerful and lasting impact. Organizations like Hope Blooms embody the kind of partnership that inspires us at Sanford — one rooted in compassion, collaboration and a shared commitment to caring for the whole person.

Why do you think it’s important for people to feel seen, valued and appreciated?

Feeling seen, valued and appreciated is a fundamental human need. When people feel connected and acknowledged, it supports emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. In contrast, social isolation and loneliness can have a quiet but significant impact on overall health and quality of life.

Even small moments of connection can make a powerful difference. They remind people that they matter and help foster hope, resilience and healing — strengthening not only individuals, but the community as a whole.

What’s your favorite way to spread joy — personally or professionally?

My favorite way to spread joy is through small, genuine moments of connection. I don’t believe it always has to be a grand gesture — often it’s a smile, a brief interaction with a stranger or a meaningful conversation over coffee that can make the biggest difference. Whether it’s complimenting someone, sharing a laugh, sending an unexpected note or expressing gratitude, I’ve seen how simple moments of connection can genuinely brighten someone’s day.

Creating space for those interactions — no matter how brief — reminds people that they are seen, valued and appreciated.

Do you have a favorite flower? What is it and why?

I don’t know that I have just one favorite flower, but I’m especially drawn to flowers that feel simple, beautiful and full of meaning. Flowers have a unique way of marking meaningful moments and creating emotional connection — they can bring joy, comfort and even tears of joy without saying a word. What I love most isn’t the flower itself, but the intention and care behind it. When someone takes the time to create or share something beautiful, it can make a moment feel deeply special and unforgettable. That ability to spark connection and emotion is what makes flowers so powerful to me.

Learn more about Sanford Health and their impact in our community!

Interested in being a Growth Partner and supporting our mission at Hope Blooms? Contact us here!