Since arriving at the Foundation two years ago , I have witnessed the courage , compassion and character of colleagues and caregivers time and again . The countless stories of our team members showing up for patients and families — some of those featured in this issue — always inspire me to be better . It reminds me of the beloved Bill Withers song , which sums up a deeply felt reality just right in his timeless lyric “ we all need somebody to lean on .” When you need somebody , Baylor Scott & White leans in .

Let ’ s start with a chaplain stepping into a hospital room to offer comfort to a family who just experienced great loss . Our Mission and Ministry team leads these sacred encounters every day and is committed to passing on their experiences to students in the Clinical Pastoral Education Program so they too are equipped to be “ somebody to lean on ” in life ’ s most sensitive moments .

You ’ ll read more about Baylor Scott & White Neuroscience Center ’ s AT & T Memory Center , where they gently and thoughtfully work with families through testing , diagnosis and care plans for various forms of dementia and memory disorders . This is where , like the song , “ a problem that you ’ ll understand ” comes in — a multidisciplinary care team working together to put their arms around patients and their families and offering muchneeded expertise and support to those fighting neurodegenerative diseases .

Then there is transplant — the stories of organ donor families and transplant recipients put an entirely new meaning to carrying on . The bonds formed between organ donors and recipients , clinical teams and families are remarkable . Walking together through trials and victories , in waiting and with hope , this special relationship is being a friend — just imagine the moment your loved one hears the phrase “ your new heart is on the way .”

So many across our community call on Baylor Scott & White when they need a hand . Whether the need is small or big , physical or spiritual , for a patient or their family , it is a privilege to be “ somebody to lean on .”

Ben Renberg President , Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation Ben . Renberg @ BSWHealth . org

FOUNDATION SUPPORT

Boost your retirement income and make a difference . Thanks to new retirement laws introduced in January , you can now fund a gift annuity ( the gift that pays you ) with a one-time election of up to $ 50,000 from your IRA if you ’ re 70½ or older .

Among the ways you benefit : You avoid the income tax hit that comes with typical

IRA distributions . You ( and your spouse , if you choose ) receive income for life in the form of reliable payments that won ’ t change regardless of the stock market , interest rates or inflation . After your lifetime , the remaining balance becomes your legacy at Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation or another charity of your choice . Another attractive benefit : Gift annuity payout rates are now higher than they have been in more than a decade .

For more information about this new option , contact Craig Foster at 214.820.8196 or Craig . Foster @ BSWHealth . org .

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THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / SPRING 2023

BSW Dallas Foundation does not provide legal or accounting advice . Please check with your attorney or tax advisor for any questions you may have .