Spearfish Nurse Anesthetist raises thousands for MS Society

Spearfish Nurse Anesthetist raises thousands for MS Society

When Sioux Falls native Angie Kent, DNAP, moved to Spearfish in 2013, she wanted to do more than start her first nurse anesthetist job. She wanted to fully integrate herself in the community and find a way to help others. Joining a cycling team that participates in the 150-mile “Bike MS” ride for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society turned out to be the perfect fit. But Angie does more than raise the minimum $300 for her team.

If you stroll through Common Grounds or The Junk Drawer in downtown Spearfish, you will see stickers and hats featuring Crow Peak, designed by Angie, which have become pretty popular around town. All proceeds from her merchandise are donated to charities. In 2018 Angie donated $5,000 to the MS Society, and she expects to donate another $5,000 this year.

“In the last five years that I’ve ridden with the team, I’ve gotten to know people who have this disease. That has inspired me to continue doing it and to see how much money I can raise.” She started selling her stickers in 2018 at Crow Peak Brewing. When she realized how popular they were, she decided to produce a hat with the same design. Her first batch of 30 hats sold out at Common Grounds in just 48 hours. She has sold 900 hats and 1,200 stickers so far.

Angie has also donated $3,000 to the Kenadi Jean Weis Foundation, based in Spearfish. She has accomplished these fundraising efforts while pursuing her doctorate in nurse anesthesia practice from Mount Marty College, graduating this past December. She loves working at Spearfish Hospital because she has the autonomy to work at the fullest scope of her practice, meaning her focus is always on what’s best for the patient. “I think that’s one of the biggest strengths of nursing – being able to provide evidence-based care that is focused on the patient.” She especially enjoys helping patients better manage their pain and loves knowing she’s helping them and their family get a good night’s sleep.

Angie also loves the relationships she has with surgeons and other caregivers. “We’ve built a great rapport with our surgeons, and that doesn’t happen at every hospital. Nurse anesthetists don’t always know the surgeons they work with. But people here are so invested in each other.”

Bike MS, a national program, raises more money than any other cycling event for any other cause. Angie’s team, Team Chicken Legs, will participate in Wyoming’s Bighorn Country Classic on Aug. 10-11. The team of 27, which includes many Monument Health providers and caregivers, is in the lead with the most money raised. To donate to Team Chicken Legs or to join the team, visit their Bike MS web page. Those interested in buying hats or stickers can email Angie.