We are so fortunate to have incredible donors who support Baystate Health in many ways. Hear one donor’s story of why she gives to Baystate Health Foundation.
When Nancy Pratt was four years old, she was riding her Shetland pony, Patches, around her family’s yard. As the two came around to the back of the house, Patches stepped in a hole and Nancy fell to the ground.
“That was my introduction to treatment at Baystate Wing in Palmer,” shared Nancy with a laugh.
From there, Nancy and her family’s relationship with the hospital grew. Through bumps and scrapes, the family sought medical care for ailments large and small, including lifesaving care for her father, Francis M. Austin, better known as “Doc,” following a heart attack. A local veterinarian who spoke at colleges and universities to share his profession, Doc was devoted to his clients and their animals. Nancy describes her memory of picking him up after he had been released from Baystate Wing and immediately driving him to a farm where one of his clients was trying to deliver a calf. Doc got out of the car and successfully delivered the calf, much to the relief of his client.
“They took very good care of my father at the hospital,” she remembers fondly. “We were grateful to have a hospital like that near our home to provide him the medical care he needed.”
Today, Nancy, a retired high school language teacher, still utilizes the hospital, located close to her Belchertown home.
Over the past 22 years, Nancy and her late husband, Edward, have supported many areas of healthcare through the Baystate Health Foundation, including Baystate Children’s Hospital and the Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer. She always feels providing resources to her hometown hospital is important.
She has supported the hospital through gifts small and large, by making donations in thanks for the excellent care received by herself and family members and by shopping for loved ones at the Gift Shop, which benefits Baystate Wing Hospital. She also was a member of the Baystate Wing Auxiliary that volunteers time and treasure to the hospital.
“I do have great professional respect for the doctors, their medical knowledge and their sensitivity and kindness to patients and their families,” said Nancy. “Being able to give back to support Baystate Wing is something I’m happy to be able to do, as I know it’s making a difference."
Join Nancy in support Baystate Health Foundation today.