Texas Health Resources Foundation President Laura McWhorter reported that Michael Appleman, Karen Cramer, Mark Gunnin and Patricia Smith De Leon have joined the Foundation’s board or trustees.
According to Laura, “We are blessed by the service of each board member. It is exciting to work with four new trustees who will bring diverse experience and knowledge as North Texas continues to grow at a rapid pace. Working alongside our board members, we will be able to help meet the needs of those in our community.”
Two of the new board members told of their personal history with the Foundation.
According to Patricia, “Our family’s relationship with the Texas Health Resources Foundation began in 2012 when a dear family member was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. We were so taken aback by the talent, empathy and dedicated care we received while going through one of the toughest times in our lives. We truly felt like family, as a family, we wanted to support the Foundation’s work to continue to help provide outstanding medical care. Over the past ten years we have supported various initiatives. When asked to join the Board, I was humbled and honored.”
Mark explained, “I have been privileged to be involved with Texas Health Resources for almost 30 years. I remember my father working at Texas Health Resources in the 1990s, for the Foundation and community health department. It was through my father’s work and passion that I first became exposed to the concept of social determinants of health and how healthcare systems were looking beyond their physical walls to improve the health of the communities they serve. His involvement with the Foundation made me aware of the positive impact that financial support of donors could have on that mission. When my father passed away in 2003, my family became involved in a scholarship that has now grown into a Community Health Fellowship honoring him. Through increasing involvement, I have been able to learn about the great programs that Texas Health Resources has, and how supporting North Texas makes a difference in the lives of those we serve.”
The new board members’ three-year terms got underway in March.
*Graphic provided by Texas Health Resources Foundation