MaryLynne’s Legacy

The greatest legacy anyone can leave behind is not engraved in stone monuments, material possessions, and earthly accomplishments. Instead, we make a mark on this world through the hearts that we touch, lives that we change, and people that we inspire. And when we have truly succeeded in making such an impact on others, the wonderful legacy that we have built lives on forever.

So today, March 22nd, we celebrate the birth of a very special woman who has touched the lives of many--MaryLynne Bergener, Co-founder of Medstar Transportation. Although physically, she is not here with us, we would like to honor her legacy and celebrate a life well lived.

MaryLynne was extremely shy in her youth. She didn’t like attention, but being the youngest child in her family, she received more than she wanted. She met her husband Brad at Church, and she made an everlasting impression on him that he proposed just nine days after their first date. They got married, had four wonderful children, and created a business that many consider as their second family--the Medstar Family.

Dan Markland, Medstar driver of 33 years, recalls the very first day he met MaryLynne and her husband: “My first impression of the Bergeners pretty much became my second, third, and fourth impressions. MaryLynne and her husband were consistently kind--no air. They tried to say yes to everyone. They were a kind family and I am not sure how else I can describe them. They were very good people and they inspire you to serve others. Watching them serve just inspires you to be better and to also be kind to those around you.”

Lloyd Bennett who has worked with Medstar for 27 years cannot forget the day he was hired by MaryLynne: “The day I was hired by her was my most precious memory. She always made me feel welcome and made sure that I was never left behind. She was a very caring and loving person--very understanding and very positive. That’s just the type of person that she was! She was fair with everybody even when we did something wrong. I can still remember, during the Y2K bug in 1999, she made sure that her drivers had water and food, in case anything bad would happen. She had a heart of gold.”

MaryLynne’s life and drive was God, her family, and her farm life. In December of 2017, MaryLynne passed away at Topperish Community Hospital.

“When she died, our hearts were broken because there was nobody else like her. She would always be in my heart as one of the best women that I’ve worked with my entire life. She welcomed me into their world, and she made sure that we’re taken care of. She was my boss, but she’s also one of the very best friends that I’ve ever had,” Lloyd expressed.  

On this special day, Lloyd, Dan, and the rest of the Medstar Family, honor and celebrate MaryLynne’s life. To a dear mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend --

Happy Birthday! You’ve never left our thoughts. Not a single day passes by that our minds aren’t filled with wonderful memories of your presence.

We love you, and your legacy is etched in our hearts forever.

It Takes A Very Special Person To Drive A Bus!

Bus drivers remain some of the most highly trained, skilled, tested, and scrutinized drivers on the road. Amidst the pandemic, they play a critical role, not just in ensuring that the public’s mobility needs are met, but also in getting economies moving again, while curbing the spread of COVID-19.

Two of the most diligent and hardworking Medstar bus drivers talk about what they love most about their jobs. 

“I want to make people happy because I recognize that sometimes, we are their only outlet.”

- Rocky Nelson

“As a bus driver, I just love getting out there, conversing with everybody, and making rides enjoyable. One time, someone asked me to do Elvis--and I just did it! I want to make people happy because I recognize that sometimes, we are their only outlet. I want to make them laugh and make them feel that I am their friend.

Now that I also train other drivers, I always make sure that I train people right. I want other drivers to have a caring attitude, especially when we assist patients or people with mobility needs--because someday, we’re gonna be on that spot. And when that happens, we would also want to be treated well.”

Rocky has been with Dial-a-Ride for 19 years and Medstar for almost a decade. As a bus driver, bus trainer, and field assistant, he expressed how Medstar has become like a family: “People take care of each other, and if there is a problem, you can always talk to management.”

“I have found a family here, and I will do this job until my limbs wear out and I can’t drive anymore.”

- Mike Rainford

“I enjoy doing this job and serving the people-- whether it be on the route or giving directions or helping people on wheelchairs. I’ve always loved doing volunteer work and service because I believe that when you are in the service of your fellow men, you are also in the service of God.

This work is not just about the paycheck. It fits for me and it is what I like to do. I love showing up on time, smiling--and just by driving, I feel important. I have found a family here, and I will do this job until my limbs wear out and I can’t drive anymore.”

Mike, 62, has worked with Medstar since 2014: “I have stayed in Medstar because I love how respectful and kind the people are. In this work, I feel needed.

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Rocky and Mike, along with hundreds of bus drivers throughout Washington State, continue to work diligently and tirelessly to deliver safe and reliable transportation to all. They are fundamental pillars of our lives.

It takes a very special person to drive a bus. So to all our beloved bus drivers, thank you for all that you do!

Happy Bus Driver Appreciation Day!

Medstar: A Nurturing Environment for Women Empowerment

Do you know that according to Forbes, only 20% of women work in the transportation industry? This is not true for Medstar Transportation. 

We believe that any organization that fails to harness the creativity, talent and vigor of its women puts itself to a great disadvantage. That is why at Medstar, we give high value and appreciation for the contribution of women in providing safe and reliable transportation services.

Listen to some of the women who work for Medstar, as they explain why Medstar Transportation is a great environment for women empowerment.

“Medstar is a nurturing environment for women empowerment because they take the time to listen to me. Medstar has looked beyond gender and recognized the women in the management field. Medstar works with us to achieve our goals, not only in our profession but also in our personal lives.”

• Brandy, Safety and Fleet Manager

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“Medstar is definitely a nurturing place for women empowerment because here, I feel that my ideas and contributions are highly valued. Every single day, there are just countless opportunities to create, to lead, to showcase my energy and talents, and to grow as a woman.”

• Gelene, Executive Assistant

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“Medstar is a great environment for women empowerment because most of our leadership team are women.”

• Shannon, HR Generalist

Medstar Transportation has successfully provided medical and accessible rides in the Pacific Northwest since 1984. And this won’t be possible without the contributions of women who have worked relentlessly to provide equal opportunities for people to access safe, reliable, and sanitized rides across Washington State.

So this month of March, we would like to express our appreciation to all women, especially those who work in the transport sector: 

We Recognize You, We Value You, We Celebrate You! 

Happy International Women’s Month!

Meet Some of the "Stars" at Medstar

They say that when you share your happiness with someone, that happiness is multiplied.

Such is true for Luz Mendoza, who has been working for Medstar Transportation for almost three years now. It was in June 2018 when she first stepped into the Medstar Office, which she now calls her second home. She started working as a scheduler or dispatcher, and is now working happily as a manager. And because she has learned to love her job, she decided to share the “good news” to Xochil, whom she referred to work as a Medstar Driver. More than just the referral bonus from the Employee Referral Program, Luz explained that she encouraged Xochil to apply because she knows her very well. “She is passionate, loves to help people, and can take any challenge. I’m very proud of her,” she said.

Xochil worked as a cashier and became a full-time mom before applying at Medstar. She recalled, “I kept noticing that Medstar is hiring drivers. Luz encouraged me to apply and I did. The application process was very smooth!” She expressed how happy she is working as a Medstar Driver for two months now. She remains at the forefront in providing safe and reliable transportation services 24/7 365 days a year, including non-emergency medical transportation and on-demand ADA or wheelchair accessible rides, across Washington State.

“This Company gives you the hours that you need and the right pay. But more than that, what I love most about being a Medstar Driver is that everyone’s just really helpful and you do not feel any less than anyone! With all the jobs that I’ve had before, I’ve always felt that I was “less” than my manager. But here, you’d never feel that. They listen to you, they value you--and that’s a good environment to work in. You also meet a lot of people with different life experiences...and you’d have the most amazing conversations with them,” Xochil shared.

Luz and Xochil remain happy and satisfied Medstar team members.

They encourage everyone who has the same passion of helping people to apply for Medstar Transportation or refer someone who would be a great addition to the Team.

Overcoming Mobility Barriers: Joan’s Story

Transportation sits at the center of our daily lives. Having access to it could also mean having access to food, clothing, education, jobs, friends, necessities and all other resources that the world has to offer. Indeed, it provides numerous opportunities and possibilities. 

Yet, for some people, having no reliable and practical alternatives to transportation could not just be an inconvenience--but a nightmare. This is because there is no other way for them to access healthcare and live normal lives.

“I have been driving my whole life, but I keep forgetting how to drive… Medstar has been a lifesaver. I have decided that whenever I need a ride, I just have to call Medstar instead of anyone else.”

This is not just fiction for Joan Oxentenko, 62, who suffers from several conditions and has no spouse or children to rely on. Aside from several nodules on her lungs, she also has some balance issues and keeps forgetting things. Medical professionals are still trying to determine whether she is suffering from Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease or some other related illnesses. Because of these conditions, driving and going to different places have been very challenging for her.

“I have been driving my whole life, but I keep forgetting how to drive. I’ll be in the middle of the highway and ask myself, ‘Where am I?’ I am exhausted, and stuck, and I have nobody. I do not have a lot of family.” Joan expressed.

In 2019, Joan found out about Medstar Transportation, an experienced ADA paratransit and fixed route contracted transportation provider, delivering on-demand non-emergent transportation services throughout the State. She has been using its services for one and a half years now. 

“Medstar has been a lifesaver. I have decided that whenever I need a ride, I just have to call Medstar instead of anyone else. The people there are really nice and polite,” she said.

Joan may have been suffering from memory issues, but she has always remembered some of the names of the drivers who help provide her mobility needs--Freddie, whom she described as a funny, sweet, and talkative guy, is one of them.

“Moving around is definitely difficult for people like me. But I just keep going. My situation has made me strong and more aware--Attitude is everything!” she said with determination.

For Joan and many others who suffer from disabilities and other medical conditions, mobility constraints have become a major obstacle to enjoying a quality life. It is a struggle that is all too real, and needs to be acknowledged and addressed. Medstar Transportation has recognized this pressing need and it is committed to providing equal opportunities for people to access safe and reliable services. After all, transportation is not just a basic need—it represents independence, autonomy, and well-being.

Drivers are Frontliners Too

I have been working as a driver for several years. And like other drivers, I was at first hesitant to take COVID trips because of the impression that doing so would put me at risk. But somehow, this has changed. Now, I am thankful and proud to be a COVID driver.

It was around April or May this year when I watched a viral video of a COVID-19 patient who walked seven kilometers just to reach a hospital. The elderly man had coronavirus symptoms and there was nobody willing to take him to the hospital. He and his loved ones who lived in another city had no access to transportation. Alone, desperate, and feeling unwell, the man decided to walk to the hospital from his home just to get himself admitted. Exhausted, he almost passed out.

I barely knew this man. But somehow, this incident made me realize the significant impact of transportation on a person’s access to healthcare services. It was at that moment when I felt the urge to accept COVID trips. I know that some drivers would not take this responsibility because of the health risks that it poses. But as a Medstar driver, I always feel safe and reassured as we follow the CDC guidelines and safety protocols.

Since March, Medstar has successfully done over 14,000 COVID trips--and most of these are people with mild or without symptoms or PUIs with unconfirmed cases. We follow a preparedness and transport strategies checklist and we wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). Our vehicles are regularly cleaned, all surfaces are disinfected, and PPEs are properly disposed of. None of us has contracted the virus. 

As a Medstar driver, I can say that a deep sense of fulfillment has replaced fear, every time I take COVID trips. I always feel safe and happy whenever I drive passengers from their homes to hospitals or testing centers. These clients would often smile, give out a sigh of relief, or simply express their gratitude--and these simple gestures (and of course, the additional pay for each trip) have made me appreciate my job.

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Modern-day heroes during this pandemic often conjure images of nurses and doctors in Hazmat suits.

But they are not the only ones on the frontline--drivers are frontline workers too.

And we need YOU, now more than ever. 

We are urgently hiring non-emergency medical drivers for COVID-related trips around Seattle.

THE 3 CHECKLISTS FOR SAFE RIDES DURING COVID19

Medstar has provided professional medical transport in Washington State since 1984, but when COVID 19 hit our communities we rewrote our best practices and are sharing them with everyone.

With COVID’S variety of symptoms or even no symptoms precautions are now needed for every ride to be a safe ride.

We worked with the CDC guidelines for vehicles, emergency medical services, and cleaning clothing. We adapted them into simple checklists for non-emergency medical transportation and regular safe rides.

We are providing for FREE these three easy to follow and understand checklists to help keep all drivers and riders safe.

Please click GET THE GUIDE below to share your email to get this free guide and more valuable information.

Let’s work together to keep our communities safe!

COVID-19 Response: Free Services for Hospitals.

A week ago we announced Free Services for the front lines through the end of the month. We know that every hour matters. So starting now Medstar is providing all services FREE to support our front lines. All of Washington State.

To continue supporting our community needs we will be providing free services for the first week for any new Hospital or front line organization.

We have had tremendous support and appreciation for the work that our team does, on Facebook alone there was 20,000 engagements and 390 shares. Most of them were healthcare workers commenting, which is humbling as we appropriate them so much!

Thank you! I’m proud of the work we do and that we can support and continue to serve healthcare workers in this time of stress.

In response to Covid-19, our healthcare and essential workers need to act fast! Healthcare workers need transportation for supplies, labs transported and meals. As transit, food and schools shut down. Medstar is the clean essential medical transport service needed to stop the spread, flatten the curve and beat the enemy COVID-19.

We hope this will get the supplies, people and meals delivered to support saving more lives Please spread the word as we need to support the safe solutions to this war.

Medstar is one of the best, cleanest and most experienced to do this. Drivers are all bloodborne pathogens certified. We have always sanitized. We are the professionals needed to stop the spread now!

Hospitals, healthcare workers, nursing homes, labs, grocery stores, quarantined seniors and those at health risk need our help. Please help get the word out!