The Annual Giving Fund

When Susan and David Beattie were deciding what community would best fit their needs in their retirement years, they chose the Hamilton area. The size of the village, the apparent closeness of the community, and the availability of excellent healthcare services were among their requirements. They were also familiar with the area as David had spent his college years at Colgate University. Susan knew it would be a good fit due to an abundance of fulfilling volunteer opportunities.

In March of 2020, David found he needed to take advantage of the area’s exceptional healthcare services when he developed a high fever. Upon his primary care physician’s recommendation, he went to Community Memorial’s Emergency Department for additional care and was soon diagnosed with COVID-19. Despite this diagnosis, which was at the very beginning of the pandemic, David and Susan were confident that the physicians and nursing staff would provide the best healthcare services, regardless of the outcome.

“It was never a thought to go anywhere else when we knew quality care is right here,” Susan said.

The family was aware of every step of David’s care as they consulted with providers across the country, including the epidemiology staff at a California hospital where his granddaughter worked. Unfortunately, after being admitted, David’s care turned from treating a COVID-related fever to compassionate end of life care. Upon
learning this difficult prognosis, Susan insisted her husband remain at Community Memorial, where she knew he would continue to receive a high level of care. The staff ensured he was comfortable and made sure Susan was by his side when he passed.

Not only was the family devastated by his death, but so was the staff. “His loss affected more than just our family and friends,” Susan commented. “Community Memorial’s providers and nurses were truly compassionate during
David’s stay, and the care they gave my husband genuinely made my family feel like we were a part of the hospital family. It was so apparent that they, not only as physicians and nurses, but as community members too, cared deeply for my husband.”

TO ENSURE COMMUNITY MEMBERS LIKE YOURSELF RECEIVE THE SAME EXCELLENT AND COMPASSIONATE CARE, COMMUNITY MEMORIAL NEEDS YOUR HELP. Be a part of what we do – a gift to Community Memorial’s Foundation
supports all hospital and outpatient services.

The Community Memorial team of providers, nurses and staff are committed to their community with a mission to continue providing essential preventative, primary, behavioral and acute care services. When you or your family needs us, we’re here, providing quality care close to home.

Please consider the impact you can make through a gift today.

For the community,

Michael Woltman
Annual Fund Chair and Cazenovia Resident

Your generous annual fund gift will be included in our CMH: Building Today. Tomorrow. Always. Campaign.