The Compass Fall 2024 | Page 5

COMMUNITY NEWS

Expanded Care for Waxahachie

Community joins largest not-for-profit health system in Texas in investing in region ’ s well-being .

he growth in Waxahachie is a significant story in Texas , with new residents attracted to the city ’ s hometown feel , beautiful scenery and access to amenities . Nearly 50,000 people call Waxahachie home in 2024 , and Ellis County ’ s population is forecast to double by the year 2050 .
Baylor Scott & White Health is working to empower residents in Ellis County , where the hospital serves as the largest private employer , to live well . A capital campaign recently kicked off to expand Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Waxahachie to support the growing community ’ s healthcare needs .
Bonney Ramsey , a dedicated resident , volunteer and longtime board member of
BSW – Waxahachie , was the first to make a gift toward the expansion .
“ Baylor has been an integral part of my family for a very long time . The care is always the same compassionate , loving care , so it is my honor to have an opportunity to give back to Baylor Scott &
White for all it has done for us ,” Bonney said about the gift , which she made in honor of her late husband , Mike .
Bonney and others are joining Baylor Scott & White in ensuring the hospital that has cared for residents for more than 100 years has the facilities to provide care for generations to come .
“ Philanthropy drives our progress and accelerates our impact ,” said Will Turner , president of BSW - Waxahachie . “ Our community takes to heart the needs of its residents and invests in lifesaving services , new facilities and advanced technology to provide for that need .” Donor support helps fund patient- centered programs such as oncology patient navigation , nursing education , chaplaincy and more .
In the last five years , the hospital has increased outpatient visits by more than
53 percent , inpatient stays have grown by
41 percent , and births have increased by
25 percent — underscoring the need for expansion . In February , BSW – Waxahachie broke ground on a six-story tower to add more than 90 new patient beds to highvolume areas such as the emergency department , women and children ’ s services , intensive care unit and medical / surgical patient rooms .
“ The growth in our patient volumes would make anyone sit up and take notice , and Baylor Scott & White is committed to growing where the need exists to support health and well-being across our great state ,” Will said . “ Witnessing the continued investment from early donors , many of whom have supported us for years , is inspiring ,” he added . “ We are profoundly grateful for their support in building the future of medicine in Ellis County .”
To be a part of this transformational project , an investment in the future of healthcare in Ellis County , please contact Casey Hogan at 214.820.2681 or Casey . Hogan @ BSWHealth . org .
Waxahachie resident Bonney Ramsey made a generous gift toward expansion in honor of her late husband , Mike .

Waxahachie Warriors : Dinah and Ray Weable Lead Community Crusade Against Breast Cancer

Dinah Weable ’ s journey began
She said she noticed something
lead to higher survival rates and
local businesses and
in 2001 with a diagnosis of
that wasn ’ t there a year ago .
less-aggressive treatments .
community members , since
breast cancer . The experience
We caught it quickly , which I
Yet the cost of a mammogram ,
2018 , the Dinah Weable
was a pivotal one for the
think is most important .” Dinah
which can be several hundred
Breast Cancer Foundation
Weables as it underscored how
then underwent a mastectomy
dollars , leads some women to
has donated $ 260,000 to
essential early detection is .
at Baylor University Medical
delay screening .
the Baylor Scott & White
“ My breast cancer
Center without needing
To address this need ,
Dallas Foundation to provide
was caught right here in
further treatment .
the Weables brought their
mammograms to underserved
Waxahachie ,” Dinah said . “ I
Dinah and Ray felt called
community together for local
women in Ellis County . To
was religious about getting my
to help cover the costs of
events to raise funds and
date , the effort has helped
yearly mammogram and after I
mammograms for underserved
awareness for early diagnosis
women who would otherwise
had mine , the technician called
women in Ellis County . Catching
through mammography
be unable to afford this care
and asked me to come back .
cancer at its earliest stages can
and created a foundation to
receive more than 1,700
house donations .
mammograms , a testament
With the
to the power of philanthropy
support of
in caring for the community .
Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce 2023 Citizens of the Year , Ray and Dinah Weable , at a check presentation event
THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / FALL 2024 3