Thanks to Beebe for helping me remember my dad in a big way

Last summer, my family and I went to Beebe to drop off $646 in donations in memory of my father Donald Walter. He passed away two years ago of renal failure and was a patient at Beebe. I remember going to doctor’s appointments with him.

I collected donations and saved up money in a “Best Dad Ever” mug because my school guidance counselor suggested that I do a project in memory of my dad.

Once we made the donation, I was so excited to hear that people were matching my gift. I just wanted to be able to help others the way Beebe helped my dad. Since last August, it has been fun to receive updates about who donated, including 150 Beebe team members in 30 departments. I would receive letters with the names of people who donated but did not know the total amount. My mom would show me updates on Facebook, and I even saw Dr. Tam when he came to my school to speak.

This week, to celebrate Father’s Day, Beebe invited me and my family back to celebrate that $15,500 had been raised for Charlie’s Challenge. It was way more than I expected, and I was so happy to hear that Chesapeake Utilities matched the $15,500 amount raised by the community and Beebe staff.

All of this wonderful community support brought the total raised to $31,000 for Beebe Healthcare! I can’t wait to see how these funds help other people in the area.

Because of this support, we were also able to dedicate a piece of art in memory of my father. The artist, Red Moulinier, came that day to celebrate with us. His photograph is in Beebe’s Sunshine Café. I chose it because it reminded me of my dad and how we used to watch the sunrise together.

I wanted to say a big “Thank you” to everyone who donated to Charlie’s Challenge in memory of my dad. Nothing can take the place of having my dad here, but I am so thankful to have this chance to do something special to remember him.

As a community-based, not-for-profit healthcare system, Beebe Healthcare depends on the generous support of the community it serves. To make a gift to celebrate the excellent care you or a loved one has received, visit Beebe Medical Foundation at beebemedicalfoundation.org or call 302-644-2900. Want to share your story? Contact Amanda Neal at aneal@beebehealthcare.org. If you are interested in sponsoring a piece of art at one of the Beebe campuses, call Beebe Medical Foundation at 302-644-2900 or visit beebehealthcare.org/HealingArt.