Nine years ago, Gregory K. Swanson’s mother was admitted to the MassMutual Wing of the Davis Family Heart and Vascular Center for what would be her last stay out of many. “I can’t say enough about the care she was given by her doctors and nurses, her social worker, and by her palliative care team,” Greg remembers. “They made my mother as comfortable as possible, and they were so good to all of us.”
As Greg looks back, he remembers how she was embraced in the compassion of her care teams – as well as in the “spirit of generosity” that fuels Baystate Health.
“I was greeted by a volunteer at the reception desk who had worked with my mother at MassMutual,” Greg remembers. “Everywhere I went, I kept seeing the names of people we knew on plaques. It really hit me that the hospital needs all the help we can give. I knew that I wanted to be part of it.”
Greg decided to include a gift in his estate to Baystate Health Foundation (BHF) to support heart and vascular care. He recently updated his will to increase his legacy gift and support Healthier Tomorrows: The Campaign for Baystate Health. Without giving up any assets now, he created a meaningful gift to honor his mother’s memory. Plus, he enjoys meeting other like-minded individuals through BHF’s Legacy Circle.
Born in Springfield’s North End, Greg’s mother, Theresa Sorel Swanson, raised six children while advancing a 25-year career at MassMutual. Several of her children – including Greg – followed in her footsteps as MassMutual employees. In 2000, Theresa began another long relationship – with Baystate Medical Center – when she was rushed to the hospital for emergency cardiac surgery. Greg remains grateful to all the providers who took care of her for over 15 years until her passing in October 2015.
“I believe that we’re here to help other people, and I’ve tried to give back to our community through board service and other volunteer activities with community organizations,” he says. “I’m very proud to support Baystate Health Foundation and I hope others will join with me.”
How Your Gift Helps
Your gifts to Baystate Health Foundation help us improve the health of the people in our communities every day, with quality and compassion. Your generosity provides Baystate Health with the resources to…
 |
 |
 |
| Provide the best possible clinical treatment and improve the quality of life for patients; | Educate the next generation of physicians, nurses, researches and other care providers; | Bolster access to care, education and preventative medicine for underserved communities. |