would like to continue living here ,” says Mr . McFarland . “ In an area with so many outstanding amenities , the only thing that is missing is a hospital . Many of our friends have had to move away because their health has made it necessary for them to live close to a medical facility . So we were very excited when we heard the news about a new hospital .”
In 1997 , the McFarlands ’ world was forever changed when they discovered that Mrs . McFarland had uterine cancer . She was diagnosed by Terry Turner , MD , at the Scott & White Lake Area Medical Center ( now known as Scott & White Clinic - Horseshoe Bay ), which had opened just one year earlier . Mrs . McFarland was referred to Scott & White Hospital - Temple for treatment . Obstetrician / gynecologist Dudley Baker , MD , supervised her treatment and follow-up care .
“ Not only did these fine doctors take very good care of me , but they also felt like friends ,” Mrs . McFarland says . “ I had wonderful , compassionate care .” What she doesn ’ t remember with fondness was the almost 100-mile trip she had to take every three months for her post-treatment checkups . “ Nobody — especially when you ’ re ill — wants to endure a trip of that length .”
“ A hospital here will serve all the residents of the communities , enabling them to stay here for high-quality health care , so they can enjoy rich , full lives without worrying about driving long distances for medical help ,” says Mr . McFarland .
More than 40 years ago , the McFarlands lived in San Angelo , Texas , where Mr . McFarland would take the 167-mile ride to enjoy the links at the first golf course in Horseshoe Bay . He made the drive because the course was so exceptional and he wanted to take advantage of it ; he didn ’ t expect it to be open very long — the area wasn ’ t developed at all at the time , and he often found himself wondering why someone would build a course there . His career path eventually led the family , including the couple ’ s four daughters , to Canada . His passion for golf brought him to Horseshoe Bay many times over the following decades , as he ferried his daughters back and forth to the University of Texas . In 1986 , the McFarlands returned to Texas , immediately following the completion of a third golf course in Horseshoe Bay . They purchased a home on Slick Road and never looked back .
The dream becomes reality On November 16 , 2011 , ground was broken for the first phase of construction on the Wayne and Eileen Hurd Regional Medical Center Scott & White . The new clinic building , near the intersection of US 281 and TX 71 South in Marble Falls , will serve as the anchor for the medical center campus and is scheduled for completion during 2013 . The Wayne and Eileen Hurd Regional Medical Center Scott & White will be a multiphase construction project , eventually comprising a clinic , a surgery and diagnostic center , and a 200,000-square-foot hospital facility with 72 medical / surgical beds and 12 medical / surgical ICU beds . ( See page 24 to learn more about the Wayne and Eileen Hurd Regional Medical Center Scott & White .)
“ The McFarlands represent the confidence that the residents of the Hill Country have in Scott & White ,” says Nancy Birdwell , executive vice president and chief executive officer , Scott & White Healthcare Foundation . “ We are so appreciative of their tremendous generosity .”
“ Not only did these fine doctors take very good care of me , but they also felt like friends .”
“ We are committing our money to help make this hospital a reality . We love it here , and would like to spend the rest of our lives in Horseshoe Bay ,” says Mr . McFarland . “ A new hospital will enable us and many others who call this area home to do just that .”
The McFarlands hope others will be inspired to get involved with the campaign . For more information on the Wayne and Eileen Hurd Regional Medical Center Scott & White , please visit foundation . sw . org n
— Barbara McFarland
To hear more about why the McFarlands chose to give , in their own words , please visit swcatalyst . org . sw . org | Winter / Spring 12 The Catalyst 29