Amelia at 11 years old started facing some unusual symptoms she texted her mom one day while she was at school something unusual happened. When Amelia got home from school she was telling her mom what right away what happened so an appointment with there family doctor was made. Within 30 mins Amelia started having a seizure she was rushed to a local sandford ER. There they did a CT scan where a brain tumor was found. Amelia then was transferred to Sioux Falls children’s hospital where she was in the PICU until she received her first brain surgery. She endured brain surgery, chemo, and a second surgery at a another hospital to remove her tumor today she thrives, we can’t thank the doctors nurses child guide specialist everyone who aided in her care.
On March 8th of this year, Liam was just 3 months old when he was brought to the Sanford Luverne ER. He was having increased work of breathing and tested positive for RSV and Covid. We were transferred by ambulance to the Sanford Children’s Castle. The next day, Liam was moved to the PICU floor and by the afternoon put on a ventilator. He developed 2 types of bacteria pneumonia in both lungs. Liam continued to stay on the ventilator for 8 days before he was Extubated and placed on high flow oxygen. The next morning, March 17th, Liam stopped breathing. The doctors and nurses try bagged him and gave him chest compression. He was still not breathing, so they put him back on the ventilator. After 4 more day on the ventilator, Liam was successfully Extubated and on high flow oxygen. We spent 5 more days in the PICU and move to Pediatric floor on March 25th. We were able to take Liam home on March 30th. We spent a total of 22 days in the Sanford Children’s Castle. We are so grateful for the Doctors and Nurses at the Sanford Children’s Castle for saving our little boys life. If it wasn’t for the generosity of Denny Sanford, we may not have been able to get amazing care and support we did. It is a blessing to have the Sanford Children’s Hospital so close to home.
The Heart Behind Sanford Harmony.
Behind every Sanford Harmony lesson, every classroom where a child feels they belong, and every healthy relationship that has changed a life was one extraordinary vision.
That vision belonged to Denny Sanford.
Denny believed the greatest gift we can give a child is the ability to build healthy relationships.
He understood that when children feel connected, seen, and valued, they don’t just succeed in school—they thrive in life.
Because of his generosity and unwavering commitment, Sanford Harmony has reached millions of students, empowered hundreds of thousands of educators, strengthened families, and inspired communities around the world.
His impact cannot be measured only by the numbers, but by the countless lives forever changed through kindness, empathy, belonging, and human connection.
As we honor Denny’s life, we celebrate the heart behind Sanford Harmony—a vision that will continue to shape generations to come.
His legacy lives on every time a child feels they belong, every time a teacher creates a culture of connection, and every time a healthy relationship changes the course of a life.
Thank you, Denny. Your vision became our mission, and your heart will continue to inspire it for generations.
On behalf of the San Diego State University community, I extend our deepest condolences to the Sanford family and all who had the privilege of knowing T. Denny Sanford. Denny's generosity transformed communities and changed countless lives. His vision reached far beyond philanthropy, he invested in people, possibility, education, healthcare, and scientific discovery. His impact on San Diego will be felt for generations, just as it will across South Dakota and communities all around the world. We are profoundly grateful for his enduring commitment to improving lives. His remarkable legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Thank you for being a beacon of hope in our world.
I was deeply blessed to be one of the folks who got to welcome Denny into the Sanford Children's gala each year.
This past year, as he rolled up, he stopped his wheelchair and entourage to grab my arm, pat me on the hand, smile, and say "there he is!" I told him thank you and "it sure is good to see you, Mr. Sanford."
That night, I watched him take the stage and make a couple of the the kids feel more comfortable while he was ever-so-slightly off task and talking with them as Erin and Bill spoke from the podium. What a valuable skill that is to make a kid feel like a kid again! I continue to be deeply stuck by his hearty and tearful gratitude as he spoke to us from the stage that evening. For a guy who (hopefully) heard his share of "thank you"s during his generous life, I was delighted that he spoke one himself. What a great example.
I don't know who will read this, but I hope you know how deeply grateful for Mr. Sanford we are who work, each day, in service of children and our community. We stand on the shoulders of kind giants like Mr. Sanford... and if I'm ever-so-slightly off task during my service of kids facing cancer, I happily dedicate those moments to Mr. Sanford.
With Gratitude and Undefeated Hope, PT Dan
Sanford Children's
Denny’s gift to establish the Edith Sanford Breast Initiative has saved the lives of thousands, including my mom who was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago. Thanks to care from the Edith Sanford Breast Center in Sioux Falls, she achieved remission and remains cancer-free. In making a gift to honor his mother, who he lost to breast cancer, Denny saved the life of my mother — giving our family the best gift of all: time. Time to create more moments, time to celebrate more milestones and time to make more memories. I’ll be forever grateful.
We met Denny when our daughter, Emma Bader, was chosen as the CMN miracle child in 2004. Emma was born at 25 weeks in the year 2000 and weighed 14 ounces. We met him at a few events and at what was then a fundraising gala. Her picture, sitting with Denny, has been in the lobby of the Premier Center since it opened. Every time I see it I am reminded of everything he has done for children. He was a wonderful, generous man.
When I joined Sanford Health Foundation in 2014 as the Sanford Children’s Miracle Network Program Director, I had only lived in Sioux Falls a few short years. I was still finding my footing in a new community, continuing my career in healthcare philanthropy, and quickly realizing I had so much to learn.
One thing, however, became obvious almost immediately.
This community was built differently. Philanthropy here was unlike anything I had experienced before, and it was impossible not to recognize the profound example Denny Sanford had set. His generosity had helped shape a culture where giving wasn’t the exception…it was part of who this community was.
At first, what I knew was what everyone knew. I saw the transformational gifts, the buildings, and the extraordinary impact.
But as my role within Sanford Health Foundation evolved over the past 12 years, I was given the privilege of seeing something even more meaningful: the human behind the philanthropy.
I came to know Denny as a man with a deeply caring heart, remarkable vision, and an unwavering desire to make life better for others. He truly did live a life of significance, not just success, and that is a lesson I will carry with me forever.
His generosity has transformed healthcare, bringing world-class care close to home for countless families. I’ve witnessed that impact not only through my work every day, but through the exceptional care my own family and loved ones have received at Sanford. His generosity has touched lives in ways most of us will never fully know.
There are very few people whose legacy will continue changing and saving lives for generations. Denny Sanford is one of them.
God bless this remarkable man. How fortunate we are to have walked this earth at the same time as someone whose compassion and generosity changed so many lives.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” ❤️
My thoughts and prayers go out to Denny's family and friend's. His motto "Aspire to inspire before you expire" is something all of humanity should live by.
Denny Sanford was a man with incredible vision who hit home run after home run with his kindness, generosity and philanthropy. Our family and many others are so proud to have the Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo, ND. and we can’t thank Denny enough for his vision to grow it into a national destination for cancer care. Denny’s positive impact on others is truly impossible to measure, but that impact will be felt every day through his initiatives to healthcare, comfort and cure.
Mr. Sanford's focus on helping military veterans and active servicemembers should not be forgotten. Sanford Health's priority to be a provider and employer of choice for those who serve is one of the many reasons I'm proud to work for the organization.
There are so many other impacts I could mention as well but I will just touch on one more. I recently spent some time in the Sanford Children's Hospital in Sioux Falls. You can't walk through the Castle without imagining all the lives that have been saved or touched by that place. The space and the caregivers inside were there for my family years ago when we needed help. I'm forever grateful.
I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Sanford at the Sanford International Golf Tournament in 2025. What impressed me was his kindness and humility as he welcomed people to Sioux Falls and the tournament. His generosity to Sanford Health has been remarkable and makes a difference to so many people. It was a privilege to meet him.
Mr. Sanford's legacy and impact on improving lives in the Midwest will live on forever. I hope we can make him proud and continue the great work that he has inspired in all of us at Sanford Health.
To some, the impact Denny had on healthcare in our region and beyond is simply unimaginable due to its size and breadth. While generations to come will benefit from his generosity, his legacy goes beyond his own personal philanthropy. How many followed his matter of fact and humble nature in supporting causes that would benefit others? The man himself was a giant, a leader. He never forgot where he came from. He was a listener, only speaking after others had offered their opinion, always ensuring that no voice in the room was left unheard. He was curious, always asking the what-ifs. He was wise, always offering his thoughts on potential outcomes and, in my case, using insight and knowledge of science that he was rarely given credit for.
Thank you, Denny, for so much more than can be put in a note like this. And thank you for teaching me the importance of a firm handshake!
It is my honor to work for an organization that was given life by the philanthropic contributions of a generous and kind human being like Mr. Denny Sanford. Although I had never met him in person, I always felt his impact on our Sanford Family. Mr. Denny Sanford has passed away, but I believe his legacy and service to humanity are immortal and will be cherished forever. Rest in peace, Mr. Sanford. We will keep you alive in our memories as we carry on your legacy of care, comfort and cure with selfless service, humility and courage.
So sorry to hear of Denny's passing. Great friend, client, mentor for 30 years. He will be greatly missed and was one of a kind.
I’m so sad to hear of Denny’s passing. Twenty years ago Denny called me and asked to help build a new NICU at the Sanford Sioux Falls hospital. We have been blessed to be able to help establish The Boekelheide NICU in honor of our daughter Amanda Kay Boekelheide. By far this is the best thing I’ve done in my life and Denny a heavenly Thank You for having us help!! God Bless and may you rest in the peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ🙏😇
Thank you, Denny Sanford, for your extraordinary generosity and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others. Your contributions to healthcare, education, and communities have left a lasting legacy that will continue to make a difference for generations to come. Your impact will be felt not only across our local communities, but around the world. May you rest in peace.
Mr. Sanford was an extraordinary man; his vision and philanthropy are unmatched. Countless people and organizations will continue to benefit from his generosity for generations to come. In my time as President and CEO of Sanford Health Sioux Falls, I had the privilege to witness Denny’s passion for healthcare firsthand. His investments in research, clinical advancements, and women’s and children’s health helped bring world-class medical opportunities to those in need. How blessed are we to have lived in his lifetime and known his kindness.
Healthcare in the heartland of America wouldn’t be what it is today without the extraordinary philanthropy of Denny Sanford. His generosity has advanced healthcare and improved countless lives, leaving a legacy that will be felt for generations. May he rest in peace and be reunited with his beloved wife, Edith. One of my favorite mantras came from Denny Sanford, and I carry it with me every day in my career at Sanford Health and as a brand ambassador : “Find where there is the most need. Go where you can do the most good.” His words and the example he set continue to inspire me to serve others with purpose, compassion, and gratitude. Thank you, Denny, for the legacy you leave behind.
Thank you, Mr. Sanford. Health care professionals have long known what could be accomplished to improve the human condition if we had the resources to experiment, research, and deliver new technologies and treatments. Your incredible gifts have helped make those dreams a reality for our providers. Thank you for your loyalty and commitment to Sanford Health and its mission — and for your friendship.
Thank you, Mr. Sanford!
Mr. Sanford, you have inspired future physicians. The kindness, strength, expertise, and friendship my daughter received from her Sanford oncologist drove her to pursue medical school to become an oncologist herself.
Thank you for all you have done to help children like me!
Mr. Sanford, your gifts have inspired gratitude from every Sanford Community—patients, staff and physicians alike are motivated to do their best because of you. Thank you for your dedication to rural health in our community.
Thank you for making the best place for children!
Thank you, Mr. Sanford, for your gift. Because of your generosity, children like our son can receive the diagnosis and treatment they need to live happy, healthy lives. The team at Sanford has become like a second family‚ always going above and beyond to help our son feel comfortable and safe!
Thanks to you and your gifts, I was able to ring the bell. I had the most amazing team and feel so lucky these medical professionals were put into my journey.
Thanks to you, Mr. Sanford, each step of the way there was someone who made a difference. Someone who went above and beyond to give us a sense of normalcy during this storm in our lives where we were feeling pure chaos.
Mr. Sanford, because of your generosity, I am here today. Sanford Children’s gave me the care and hope that saved my life.
Mr. Sanford, I am so thankful for your gift for the Edith Sanford Breast Center in Sioux Falls. Cancer is terrifying, and it takes away from so many things in life — but I wouldn't be alive without my medical team. Your generosity helped ensure I received the care that saved my life.
Sanford has the best caregivers...I've had so many! They are deeply concerned about their patients' care and wellbeing. Thank you, Mr. Sanford.
Thank you, Mr. Sanford!
Mr. Denny Sanford, your care and compassion have shown through in more ways than one. My daughter was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia shortly after her third birthday. Life changed in the blink of an eye, and we were suddenly navigating treatments, surgeries, and long days and nights. We couldn’t have done any of it without your support.
Mr. Sanford, your investments in Sanford USD Medical School and medical education ensure that the next generation of physicians is equipped to deliver exceptional care. Thank you for teaching people what it truly means to be a Sanford Family.
Mr. Sanford, the Edith Sanford Breast Center program is saving lives and inspiring stories like mine. Because of your gifts I have had the best experiences had in health care. Thank you. Your kindness will not be forgotten.
Thanks to Denny Sanford, I was able to receive care that made a life-changing situation into something that didn't seem so daunting. We appreciate everything he has done.
In 2004 I was the COO for the Sioux Falls Medical Center. I remember being in awe of someone being willing to provide millions of dollars in funding for the Castle of Care. Little did any of us know of what was to come. I remain in awe of the depth of Denny’s commitment to philanthropy and what has been accomplished at Sanford Health and elsewhere.
I have had the honor of working with Denny for the better part of the past 20 years. In that time, I have come to know a person for whom generosity is his life’s mission.
There are not enough words to adequately describe Denny’s generosity and his humility. I once asked him what he had done over the weekend, and he told me he had spent it on the floor of his home assembling a desk he had bought at Walmart. He added that he had tried to buy the floor model, but they wouldn’t sell it.
That says a lot about Denny, although he has the means to buy anything he wants, he directs his resources toward others. He has often said that he hopes to “die broke,” and for decades he has worked to make that a reality, using his wealth to advance health care, children’s health, research, education, and economic development.
I have attended many philanthropic events with Denny, and what has always stood out is that he is never focused on his recognition. Instead, he thanks others for their work and contributions. At these events, he spends his time with caregivers, researchers, and patients. Often, Denny is the last person to leave making sure he has a chance to meet as many as possible.
One of the most transformative examples of his vision and generosity was his gift to Sioux Valley Health System, leading to the creation of Sanford Health. The discussions we had leading up to Denny’s gift never focused on his recognition, but on what significant advances would be made because of it. That gift funded groundbreaking initiatives and inspired other organizations to join Sanford Health, ultimately creating the largest rural health system in the country covering 250,000 square miles and serving over one million patients. It delivers leading-edge care while also ensuring vital health services remain accessible to rural communities.
I have witnessed that the organizations Denny leads reflect his values. For more than two decades, First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard have made community involvement a priority. They are consistently among the leaders in philanthropic efforts and community involvement, with their executives and employees providing leadership and service to countless community organizations across the state.
Denny’s legacy is defined by the transformative impact he has had on Sanford Health and many other organizations and by the countless lives that are healthier and stronger because of it. I have been honored to work with Denny and witness his groundbreaking philanthropy.
Denny’s positive impact on others is truly impossible to measure because it’s so far-reaching, but I can share his incredible impact on my life and career. I first met Denny in my role as campaign director at the Sioux Empire United Way in the early 2000s. Denny had just begun to make his mark as a philanthropist in South Dakota and gave his first ever six-figure donation to the organization. At the time, there was a mixed reaction of awe and fear…fear that others might not participate because “Denny had taken care of it.” I remember that moment so clearly because it replayed itself multiple times over the course of my fundraising career. I have been fortunate to witness first-hand that, instead of slowing support, his incredible gestures of generosity sparked a transformation and created countless new philanthropists. His first gift to Sanford Health in 2004 to build a dedicated children’s hospital was the start of my incredible journey in healthcare philanthropy. I was hired to run the campaign to raise an additional $16M in gifts from the community to match Denny’s gift of $16M. That successful campaign resulted in a children’s hospital that looks like a castle and transformed kids from patients to princes and princesses. His generosity grew from there throughout the state of SD and beyond. I have had the privilege of sharing his story through many guided tours of the Sanford House, a physical tribute to the gifts he’s given and inspired, and each time the reaction is one of admiration and gratefulness. Though he’s no longer with us, his legacy is magnified each and every time a gift is given to improve the life of someone else, just as he hoped.
Denny Sanford was a visionary whose impact will endure far beyond his lifetime. In every interaction, he brought an unmatched sense of purpose and optimism about what was possible for the future of health care. His commitment to strengthening communities and improving lives was genuine and deeply felt. Over the course of my career in public service, I have had the privilege of working alongside many exceptional individuals. Denny’s extraordinary generosity and relentless belief that we all carry a responsibility to leave the world better than we found it never ceased to inspire me. His investments in health, research and innovation will continue to shape the lives of countless families for generations to come. I am grateful to have witnessed his passion and to have seen firsthand the lives he touched. His legacy is profound, and his spirit of giving will continue to inspire all of us who have the honor of carrying this mission forward
Denny Sanford’s vision and generosity changed the course of health care in our region and far beyond. His historic gift in 2007 was not simply transformational for Sanford Health, it was an enduring act of belief in rural communities and the people who serve them. Because of Mr. Sanford, millions of patients have access to world-class care close to home, and our teams are empowered to pursue innovative solutions to the most pressing health challenges of our time. We are profoundly grateful for his life, his leadership, and the legacy of compassion he leaves behind.
Denny Sanford lived his life with a rare and powerful sense of purpose, guided by his belief that we should ‘aspire to inspire before we expire.’ His generosity has expanded access to care for millions, but it was his call to service to others that continues to propel our mission forward. Denny inspired all of us to think bigger, care deeper and pursue bold ideas that change lives. His legacy lives in every breakthrough, every caregiver and every patient whose world is better because of his vision. We honor him with gratitude, and by carrying his spirit of inspiration into the work ahead.
Denny Sanford’s extraordinary generosity forever changed the trajectory of Sanford Health and the lives of countless people across the globe. His vision and belief in the power of world‑class care—no matter the zip code—transformed what is possible for rural health and inspired all of us to think boldly. The Sanford initiatives he championed will continue to advance discovery, save lives and bring hope to families for generations to come. His influence is woven into every corner of our organization, from the programs he helped create to the spirit of possibility he sparked. I am grateful to have witnessed the impact of his vision and to help carry forward the future he believed was possible.
Transformation requires vision, courage and the ability to see possibility long before others do. Denny Sanford embodied each of these qualities. In my work shaping the future of care delivery, I am constantly reminded that so much of what defines our system today exists because of Denny. Throughout my career journey across the country, I have never before encountered anyone who has done more to impact so many lives. His philanthropy did not just support transformation. It sparked it. Denny empowered us to reimagine what care could look like for rural America and for the world. He invested in breakthrough research, pioneering technology and new approaches to care that changed what is possible for patients and communities. His belief in innovation gave our teams the inspiration to pursue solutions that improve lives every day. Beyond the visionary impact, Denny’s benevolence and sense of mission left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He reminded us that our endeavors are about people and about building a healthier, more hopeful future for all. His legacy continues to guide and galvanize our work. It is an honor to play a small role in creating the future he believed in.
In health care, we often think about investments in terms of growth and return on investment. Denny Sanford showed us that true investment is measured in human impact.
His generosity, nearly two billion dollars given to Sanford Health over his lifetime, was driven not by financial return but by the desire to create lasting change. I have had the privilege to see firsthand how Denny’s generosity accelerated progress, expanded access and helped build programs that reshaped the landscape of rural health care.
What set Denny apart was not the size of his giving, but the intention behind it. He gave so others could experience hope, healing and opportunity. His investment in us was an act of trust. He believed we would use his gifts to serve with purpose, compassion and ambition.
His legacy is present in every corner of our organization, and it will continue to shape the health and vitality of our communities for generations. I am grateful to have witnessed the good made possible through his belief in our mission.
When I joined Sanford Health in 2011, I was drawn by an audacious vision: an organization committed to curing disease and improving health throughout our region, fueled by the transformational philanthropy of Denny Sanford. In the years since, I've seen time and again how his generosity did more than build programs or facilities—it inspired bold thinking, optimism, and a deep commitment to service that continues to shape our work every day.
Denny understood that transformational change begins with people. His trust in Sanford Health ignited a spirit of collaboration and innovation that challenged us to think bigger, move faster, and stay focused on the human impact behind every decision. Close to my heart is our precision medicine program for veterans and our national partnership with the VA—initiatives made possible by Mr. Sanford's philanthropic investment and his belief that those who served our country deserve the very best care we can offer.
What stands with me most is the clarity of his purpose. Denny invested in Sanford Health because he believed in the good that could be done here—for children, for families, and for communities across the world. Recently, my daughter visited a great-aunt in the hospital with her grandmother. As they approached the medical center in Sioux Falls, she noticed the statue of Denny Sanford out front—and immediately recognized him, asking grandma to take her picture beside it. It was a small but powerful reminder that Denny's legacy transcends generations, reaching even those who never had the chance to meet him.
It has been an honor to witness the impact of his vision and to be part of an organization shaped so profoundly by his belief in what is possible.
Denny Sanford’s unparalleled philanthropy and foresight forever changed the landscape of health care for generations to come. His remarkable generosity empowered us to confront the most pressing health challenges facing our world today, enabling us to provide innovative solutions for a healthier and brighter future for all.
Although he is no longer with us, his impact and philanthropic spirit will continue to resonate for years to come. His legacy is a shared future that will guide and inspire us as we strive to make a lasting difference in the lives of countless individuals.
Today and every day, we celebrate his extraordinary life and express our deepest gratitude for his unwavering support. May his legacy continue to inspire us to reach new heights and create a world where compassion, innovation, and philanthropy unite to transform lives.
