Letter from the President
The future is notoriously hard to predict , but there ’ s undeniable excitement on the horizon for Baylor Scott & White and the communities we serve . Why ? Because philanthropy is driving real change , transforming patient care and advancing innovative research right now .
Take the incredible generosity of Myra and Darwin Smith . Their recent gift has supercharged two vital programs : community health workers , bringing essential healthcare navigation to underserved Dallas neighborhoods , and genetic counseling , empowering patients with knowledge to make more-informed decisions about their health .
It ’ s not just about today , though . Our sights are set on advancing the health and well-being of future Texans . Look at our investment in Frisco — it ’ s not just growth ; it ’ s a bold commitment toward building a premier destination medical center in North Texas . This move is poised to improve the health and well-being of people living in Collin County and the surrounding region .
We know that Baylor Scott & White does not stand alone in this journey . We are working with like-minded visionaries committed to a healthier North Texas . From collaborating with Uplift Education to launch healthcare-focused high schools , prepping students for medical careers , to working with PACCAR , which made a significant gift to support the new Frisco medical center , it ’ s clear : Our collective efforts are building a healthier tomorrow .
Whether you ’ re a Dallas native or “ got here as fast as you could ” like Foundation board member Christine VanDeVelde Luskin , having high-quality healthcare close to home is imperative . “ When my husband and I were deciding where to move next , having access to great healthcare was non-negotiable . Dallas has that with Baylor Scott & White , and it ’ s just getting better and better .”
I couldn ’ t agree more . I have immense gratitude for so many of you who share the Baylor Scott & White vision of empowering you to live well — now and for generations to come .
As we forge ahead , I ’ m reminded of a quote from George Burns : “ I look to the future because that ’ s where I ’ m going to spend the rest of my life .” Our actions today are investments in the well-being of tomorrow , inspiring us to keep pushing boundaries for a healthier future for all .
Ben Renberg President , Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation Ben . Renberg @ BSWHealth . org
FOUNDATION PROGRAMS
Thanks a million …
Proud Dallasites leave $ 1M gift to Baylor Scott & White .
Successful commercial real estate developer Fred Toan and his wife , Barbara , raved about Baylor .
When Vicki Toan learned that her in-laws ,
Fred and Barbara Toan , had named Baylor University Medical Center as a beneficiary of their estate , she wasn ’ t surprised . Both had received exceptional care there during their lives .
“ They ’ d been Baylor people since I ’ d met them ,” Vicki said of Fred and Barbara .
Fred and Barbara were quite proud of their city , particularly the fact that it is home to such an exceptional health system , Vicki recalled . “ Barbara always raved about Baylor Scott & White , not only because it provides such wonderful care to the community , but also because it ’ s a leading research and medical training institution .”
Fred , a commercial real estate developer who passed away in 2013 , was president of First Continental Enterprises , which developed the Richardson Heights , Spring Creek and Spanish Village shopping centers . Barbara was a stay-athome mother who cared for their two children , Stephen and Ann Marie , both of whom have passed away . Vicki cared for Barbara until Barbara ’ s death in 2021 .
“ My in-laws were so proud to have Baylor Scott & White in their
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community and felt this gift would leave a lasting legacy to the city they loved so much ,” Vicki said .
My in-laws were so proud to have Baylor Scott & White in their community and felt this gift would leave a lasting legacy to the city they loved so much . — Vicki Toan
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“ The Toans are wonderful examples of people who chose to use their estate to extend their care and generosity after their lifetimes ,” Craig Foster , director of gift planning , said . “ Their charitable foresight will result in positive impacts on Baylor University Medical Center patients for years to come .”
For more information about how you can leave a legacy through a bequest or other planned gift , please contact Craig Foster at 214.820.8196 or Craig . Foster @ BSWHealth . org .
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THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / SPRING 2024