Thursday, October 1, 2026
EAST WENATCHEE — Nearly two years after a devastating crash left him trapped in a burning vehicle with life-threatening injuries, Ethan Lockwood returned to Confluence Health not as a patient, but as a speaker sharing his story with supporters of the Confluence Health Foundation.
Lockwood was among the featured speakers during the Foundation's 2026 Friends of the Foundation Reception, held June 18 at Union Hill Cider Company in East Wenatchee. The annual donor appreciation event brought together supporters, healthcare leaders and community members for an evening focused on the impact of charitable giving on local healthcare.
Speaking to attendees, Lockwood reflected on his recovery following the catastrophic 2024 crash on US97, which left him with severe injuries, including life-threatening damage to his heart. He described the care he received from Confluence Health providers and the role they played in helping him return to an active life.
His story served as the centerpiece of the evening's program, which was designed to give donors an opportunity to hear directly from patients, families and healthcare professionals about the importance of local healthcare services and the community support that helps sustain them.
Lockwood's parents, Nancy and Jeff Lockwood, also addressed attendees, recounting the phone call that informed them of the crash and the uncertainty that followed as they traveled from Wyoming to be at their son's side. Jeff Lockwood, a professional opera singer, reflected on the experience from a parent's perspective, while Ethan's partner, Molly, shared her memories of the months of recovery and rehabilitation that followed.
Together, the family's remarks offered a deeply personal look at the challenges of recovery and the value of receiving care close to home.
The reception also featured remarks from Confluence Health Chief Philanthropy Officer Suzanne Carte-Cocroft, Wenatchee Valley Medical Group Vice President Dr. Lauren Weber and Chief Nursing Officer Dr. Kelly Allen. Their presentations highlighted ways donor support contributes to patient care, medical equipment, workforce development and other healthcare initiatives throughout North Central Washington.
Guests also enjoyed dinner, live music and opportunities to connect with healthcare providers, Foundation supporters and fellow community members. As the evening concluded, speakers repeatedly returned to a common theme: that local healthcare is strengthened when communities invest in the people, programs and services that support patients and families during life's most difficult moments.
Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media
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