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Letter from the Executive Director
When we launched the campaign for Peeples Cancer Institute in January 2016, the Whitfield Healthcare
Foundation and Hamilton Health Care System united around one question, “What if all cancer care could
be under one roof?” Knowing the challenges patients faced navigating treatment in various locations and
the space constraints in Judd Cancer Center which would limit future growth, the Foundation rolled up its
sleeves and set about its work of raising funds to support Hamilton’s “what if” vision.
Since 1921, this community has been imagining “what if” possibilities with Hamilton as Hamilton continues
to bridge healthcare and innovation. From the first MICU in the state of Georgia in 1963, supported by the
Bandy family, to the Mashburn Cardiac Pavilion, to Anna Shaw Children’s Institute and Peeples Cancer
Institute, Hamilton has continuously reinvented the healthcare experience for patients and their families.
Alongside Hamilton has been the support of generous and committed donors of the Whitfield Healthcare
Foundation who embrace the fact that the health of others is at stake, and together, we have the ability to
do something about it.
As I observed the crowd at Peeples Cancer Institute during its opening in January, I couldn’t help but think
how Shelby and Willena Peeples and other donors had affirmatively answered “yes” to Hamilton’s “what
if.” Seeing Shelby and Willena and more than 1,500 donors contribute to Peeples Cancer Institute is both
inspiring and humbling, for it is precisely this depth of commitment that allows Hamilton to navigate its
way to better healthcare.
The gifts of visionary people have transformed healthcare for children and families coping with the
challenges of autism and other developmental delays, as well as thousands of area patients facing a cancer
diagnosis. Meaningful gifts to healthcare create positive change in our communities. As we continue our
involvement in healthcare, let’s expand our partnerships and possibilities by having fresh dialogue with
fellow optimists who want to join us to solve the “what ifs.” Let’s continue bringing our healthcare priorities
to center stage and aligning ourselves and our strategies around a shared vision. Let’s push each other to
confront and resolve emerging healthcare needs in our Hamilton communities. Everyone must be at the
table as we develop priorities and engage support. Look how far vision has brought us, and as we rise to
face our next healthcare challenges, let’s imagine together how much further we can go.
Jane Snipes
Executive Director, Whitfield Healthcare Foundation
“I have been impressed with the urgency of doing.
Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being
willing is not enough; we must do.”
– Leonardo da Vinci
14 HamiltonHealth.com
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