Need a Good Reason to Give?
Listen to what others
at UTMB have said...

It’s not hard to see why UTMB employees have responded so enthusiastically to the SECC: it’s an easy, effective and cost-efficient way to give to charities; contributions help improve the quality of life for people in communities locally and around the world; and the campaign supports a wide variety of vital health and human services. Last year and again this year, we asked UTMB employees why they opened their hearts and wallets. Here are some of the personal stories they shared:

Please send us your reason...

I read Dr. Richardson’s e-mail this morning and felt compelled to tell a personal story, which I decided to title, “Never Knowing the Future Impact of My Actions Today.”

In about 1982, I was visiting my former, elderly neighbors who moved to Dickinson into their own home (continued independence) at the request of their daughter. Her dad suffered a debilitating stroke, and she wanted her parents closer to her and her family.

During my visit, one of their new neighbors dropped by to check on them. I had the privilege of meeting that “man.” As we visited, he described the work he was involved with but I did not understand its concept and mission. Nevertheless, I felt a sense of pure compassion exude from his words and expressional demeanor. I was never in his presence thereafter, nor did we ever communicate again.

Some years later around 1984-85, I was volunteering with a non-profit organization and assisting with reviewing and evaluating budgets for organizations requesting funding. As I read the budget justification, I remembered the concept I heard in 1982 from my friends’ new neighbor – it awakened me again. However, this time, I sought information to try to better understand the concept to evaluate the funding request properly. The organization was new, struggling to increase funding and was competing with many other agencies for limited community dollars. One thing that jumped out to me was a request to fund a computer to help better serve the clients. Back then, desktops were far and few between. The justification was on point, and it was obvious to me, this organization had to have this device. Our funding budget was not going to allow this purchase; however, I asked the board of directors (all volunteers, too) to fund the purchase from the special priority budget for such special circumstances. That organization provided direct medical care to its clients.

The board approved the request, and from that point on, I saw the organization move from a two-room office with an executive director and one supporting staff member to a large organization with considerable, positive impact for our communities because it was able to justify public reimbursement funding for additional support. That office originated in Galveston and is now on the Mainland. At that time, if my memory serves me somewhat well, I believe it was named Hospice of Galveston County.

Beginning in the early ‘80s, I had multiple familial financial responsibilities and was able to donate $5.00 per year to my community organizations and some of my time. In 1997, I do not know what I would have done without that hospice organization for my Father. Never did I realize, my family would have such a need – oh, the man I met at my former neighbors’ home in Dickinson turned out to be the Executive Director of Hospice of Galveston County.

My action then to provide $5.00 support a year and my personal time left an indelible impact in my heart in 1997. We never know when we personally may need one of our community organizations for family members or ourselves.

I decided to speak to your heart as that “man” spoke so compassionately to mine many years ago and ask you to pledge at least the minimum amount of $2.00 per month or whatever you are able to our SECC campaign. We “never know the future impact of our actions today.”

Lisa J. Velasquez, Senior Administrative Secretary in the
Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Pathology
I give to Hospice through SECC because I know firsthand how wonderful their organization is, and what special people it takes to do Hospice work. They go above and beyond to help families through their loved ones end of life issues. Not only that, but they don't stop there - they continue to offer their grief counseling services after the loss. When my husband lost his battle with cancer, they were gentle and supportive with all of his family and especially with me as we spent our last days with him. I know I couldn't do what they do on a daily basis. Giving is what I can do, even if it's a small amount... I know that everything makes a difference.

Sharon Hensley, Nurse Manager in John Sealy Day Surgery & Rebecca Sealy Day Surgery
I give in gratitude for having been so richly blessed in my life. So often we take for granted our good health, caring friends and family, and general prosperity. This is a perfect opportunity to show that appreciation for all we have been given by sharing a small portion with those in need.

Sarah De Los Santos, Admitting Services
The reason I give is because even though I feel I don’t have much and I’m sure I do not have much compared to many people, there are still others out there who have way less then me and we should share our blessings. I am grateful to be able to share.

Nancy Bertolino, Surgery
Fall is one of my favorite times of the year - not just because our region begins to get a few days of beautiful weather, but because it is SECC time! One evening in fall, after the SECC drive has been announced for the year, my husband and I spend an evening together, settled on the couch, going through the list of agencies who need help, and deciding which ones to support. In our house, this has always been a family affair - my daughter was included when she lived at home with us, and she always participated in our choices.

First we decide on some categories: ' "I really want to do something to help children" or "there have been so many disasters this year, lets make sure we've got an agency that helps with world relief," and even "our birdwatching trips are so important to us - we've got to make sure that we do something to help preserve the environment."

Then, we use the information in the SECC listing to help us decide which specific agencies to support. We decide on a budget (thinking about what sacrifices we might make in order to be able to increase our giving), we debate the merits of one agency over another, make notes, and finally narrow it down to several that we all agree on.

At the end of the evening, we all feel great - we have spent time focusing on things and people outside our own lives that need our help, we've spent quality family time together (without the TV) and we've reaffirmed to ourselves one of our family values - that it is important to share our blessings with others.

I am grateful that the SECC allows us the opportunity to do it!

Ruth Finkelstein, Hospital Project Manager
I was raised to be a giver, to volunteer, to donate, to contribute and to share. It is a way of connecting with a larger self and being part of the world. It is about unity. Many are fortunate to have loving and capable families, but many are not as fortunate, it is for these individuals that we become "one family."

Larry D. Parson, Materials Management
It makes my heart feel real good to know that I am helping someone that’s really in need.

Vera Hamilton, Logistics
Seeing as how diabetes can effect so may different parts of the body from young children to adults and being diabetic myself, I truly understand the difficulties that come with this disease. I also am familiar with anyone having kidney problems. It is very important for us to give financially; it's our time to let people know that we care and that they are not alone. Health and its care is everyone's responsibility. Giving to SECC is just another way of showing "We Care." I feel it an honor and a privilege to give.

Denise Morris Galletti, Strategic Research Collaborations
In light of the devastating loss and suffering in our midst and the knowledge that “it could have been us," I welcome this opportunity to partner with my UTMB community to help ease the suffering of our brothers and sisters. I know it is only by the grace of God that I am in good health and blessed with the ability to work. Many would gladly trade places with me -- so even if it means driving my 10-year old car another year, I recognize now is the time to give sacrificially.

UTMB asserts we are “here for the health of Texas” – we care about others. There are so many opportunities to volunteer and to give. In fact, giving money is probably the easiest. Why not be a Santa’s Helper, Caring Clown or donate blood for the first time?

Each of us can make a difference with small acts of unselfishness and kindness. I like how Mother Theresa said it: “We can do no great things; only small things with great love.” My charities were: Salvation Army, The Jesse Tree, and the Christian Children's Relief Fund.

Judy Sturgeon, Hospital Coding
When you read medical records for a living, you maintain an awareness of your own good fortune. I give because I am truly blessed in being able to do so, and I believe that if you don’t share your good fortune, you don’t get any more. I donate to the Animal Shelter and Adoption Center of Galveston – their clients can’t ask for help themselves and rely on us to understand and reach out on our own. I also donate to the American Red Cross, and the reasons are close to home as well as throughout the world. I thank them for their help on 9/11, after the tsunami and hurricanes and earthquakes and everything else. They consistently arrive first with relief, while other agencies are calculating votes or judging political agendas prior to offering a hand.

Ruby Adams, Pathology
In October 2003, I became unemployed. It took until July of 2004 (long after the unemployment benefits had run out) for me to find a job. During that period, I became ill with bronchitis and needed to see a doctor for medical care. I had no money and couldn’t afford to see a “regular clinic” doctor.

I made an appointment with St. Vincent’s House Clinic here in Galveston. I was treated so caringly and with such respect. The staff in the clinic had no idea who I was and I watched as they treated everyone with the very same care and respect I got. The doctors at the clinic come from UTMB.

Once I was gainfully employed and lucky to be doing something I truly love doing here at UTMB, I got excited last year when I read about being able to donate to SECC. This was the way for me to give back so that this small clinic can continue to make such a large difference in other people’s lives. It made a difference in mine.

Tammy Cupit, ENT Clinic
Giving to the SECC enables me to do two important things: Provide charitable contributions to those most in need Provide funding to organizations that make positive contributions for all of society in the public health arena.

I’m a huge proponent of Planned Parenthood and have been since my early college years. SECC gives me the chance to help this organization in their goal of healthier children; happier, better informed parents; and a more stable population. The CDC listed family planning as one of the ten greatest public health achievements of the twentieth century. It feels good to support an organization that impacts this important area of public health.

Reading is Fundamental (RIF) and Reach Out to Read are also two great programs which positively impact children and families. Studies have shown that children who read early and often do better in life. RIF’s highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through a national, grassroots network of community volunteers at 21,000 program sites, RIF provides 5 million children with 17 million new, free books and literacy resources each year.

Joseph Addison made a great point when he once remarked about charity: “I have somewhere met with the epitaph on a charitable man which has pleased me very much. I cannot recollect the words, but here is the sense of it: '’What I spent I lost; what I possessed is left to others; what I gave away remains with me.'”

Kenneth E. Johnson, Environmental Health and Safety
My brother-in-law's granddaughter was born with a birth defect and the March of Dimes really took care of her. She is doing much better and will in all likelihood lead a normal life because of them. I give so they can continue to help children.

Would you like to send us your reason?