Veteran’s legacy lives on through generous donations

Mayhew wanted to honor veterans with a monetary donation and those who were closest to him made the decision on how to do that. His sister, Kimberly Hansen and brothers, Jeff and Bruce Mayhew decided that the best way to honor their brother’s legacy was to donate $20,000 to the Fisher House in Salt Lake City and $20,000 to the VA Clinic in Pocatello, Idaho on behalf of all Idaho Veterans. Mayhew’s siblings presented the checks and commemorative placards in his memory at separate ceremonies.

Mayhew passed away in February 2024 after battling leukemia. Throughout his treatment at Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, he stayed with family at the Fisher House, a “home away from home” for Veterans and their loved ones during medical care.

“He was a real quiet, just no-nonsense kind of guy,” said Hansen. “I picked his birthday for this ceremony because I am hoping to turn the sadness into some goodness.”

While Mayhew was undergoing chemotherapy and preparing for a bone marrow transplant, he needed somewhere to stay that was close enough for his doctors to monitor his progress. 

“They wanted him close for bloodwork,” Hansen said. Her brother was able to find some peace during his stay. “For all the hell he went through because of his illness, he was comfortable at the Fisher House. Very comfortable”

Mayhew was also able to bring comfort to others at the Fisher House.

“When he was feeling good, he was able to cook for others because that is what he loved to do,” Hansen said. “That’s how he proved his love: cooking for people.”

Salt Lake City Fisher House manager Heather Dunnigan said the donation will go a long way in helping families.

“Our continued ability to fulfill our mission heavily depends on the generosity of donors,” Dunnigan said. “These contributions are essential for supplying food, beverages, toiletries, and even furniture replacements, ensuring a comfortable environment for those we serve.”

“I extend my heartfelt condolences for the loss of their brother, and it was a pleasure to have him stay with us during his treatment,” Dunnigan continued. “I appreciate his service to our nation. A donation like this has the potential of impacting hundreds of veterans and families that stay each year.”

About a week after making the trip to Idaho to make the second donation, Hansen got a text message from a friend. “It said ‘I’m up at the VA in Pocatello with my dad. Seen a really cool plaque of little Norm,’ and it really touched my heart,” she said it was a moment that honored Mayhew in the exact way his family wants. “Somebody locally saw it and recognized it. That’s all I want to do: honor his legacy.”

Hansen said multiple people at VA went above and beyond for the care of her brother.

“Kathy Caton helped Norman go through all his explanations of benefits. You can tell she cares and that means the world to me, and it did my little brother as well. She is not just there for a job, she is there to make any Veteran’s progress better,” she said. “Sarah Hallen has been wonderful also. She even drove up to Pocatello (from Salt Lake City) to share the day with us on the day we made the donation up there. There were quite a few advocates, no matter what department I needed help with. Everybody was just so helpful.”

Mayhew’s family wants the plaques to serve as a reminder for all who see them that they are not alone.

“I hope they can look at that plaque and know they aren’t alone in their suffering,” Hansen said. “Our Vets deserve all the honor and respect we can give to them. Norman felt the same way.”

To explore volunteer or donation opportunities with the Fisher House and other organizations at VA Salt Lake City, Contact the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) Office via email: VHASLCVoluntaryService@va.gov or office telephone: 801-582-1565 extension 4699