It started with a phone call. Jeanne Blake, a McLean Hospital honorary trustee, had provided philanthropic support to the Trauma Continuum of Care at the Hill Center. Now, she heard that hospital staff—still weary from the demands of the pandemic—could use a boost.
So, she called Milissa Kaufman, MD, PhD, the continuum’s medical director, and asked how she could help. Kaufman had an idea. “A donor provided funds to paint the Hill Center,” she said, “but some art would further spruce up the place.” Blake got on it.
As an amateur photographer, Blake thought some of her photographs of Gloucester, Massachusetts, where she lives, would work well. “I’m told they are calming,” she said.
Blake enlisted her friend Ramsey Railsback, a professional photographer, to work on the project. Family members had been treated at McLean, so Railsback welcomed the chance to give back. He would print photographs, and Blake would frame them.
The project was moving along with 15 photographs hung on Hill Center walls when Lori Damon, Blake’s daughter-in-law, learned of it. Within a few weeks, Damon, formerly an art consultant, landed a treasure trove.
Her friend, Sheila Lemke, would happily donate art from the inventory of MEDITECH, her family’s business. They also offered to donate 24 nearly new chairs ideal for group therapy session rooms. “Lori always jumps in with both feet when she can help,” Blake shared. “Still, I was awed—and grateful to her and Sheila.”
Damon didn’t think twice about working with Blake to make the 100-year-old Hill Center more welcoming. “McLean is extraordinary and has helped people I love dearly,” said Damon. “So, I happily stepped up.”
On installation day, Railsback and Blake stood outside the Hill Center as Damon, her sister and her sister’s partner, and another close friend drove up in a rented U-Haul filled with the art and a box of picture hanging equipment—and the chairs.
Everyone was energized by their affection and appreciation for McLean Hospital. “The staff—from top leadership down—joined us with such enthusiasm to make the space beautiful and feel safe,” Damon said.
In six hours, the Hill Center was transformed. “Let’s face it,” said Kaufman. “Despite the passion that staff and patients feel for the work that goes on there, the Hill Center was a bit dark. I often now hear that finally the essence of the building is reflected. It’s truly a healing space.”
In a conversation with Matthew A. Robinson, PhD, program director of the Trauma Continuum, Blake mentioned that she was about to make her annual donation to the center. She asked whether there were other special needs.
Robinson explained that they lacked a budget for special occasions such as staff birthdays and baby showers. Staff routinely paid for celebratory cakes and other treats. “That stops now!” Blake declared.
With another gift to the Hill Center, Blake initiated “The Grateful Fund,” from which these expenses can now be paid. “It allows us to step back from inherent challenges of the day to laugh with, celebrate, and support the staff,” said Robinson. “We are grateful to Jeanne for making this possible.”
While the name, the Grateful Fund, is intended to show ongoing appreciation to the staff, it also recognizes the Hill Center’s significant contributions to the treatment of trauma-related disorders. Blake was heartened when friends eagerly joined in helping to brighten up the Hill Center.
She hopes others with a loved one touched by trauma will be inspired to make a difference, too. “In due time, my wish is that the Grateful Fund will also support continued education and trainings,” Blake said.
“Now, staff members often pay for these courses. We welcome support at any level so the Hill Center can continue to deliver the gold standard in patient care.”
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