The Presby Fund — Touching Lives Every Day

Every year, there are unforeseeable needs at the six Texas Health Presbyterian hospitals, including:

• An urgent need for live-saving equipment and technology
• Development of vital programs and services to fit the ever-changing needs of our community
• Continuing education for nurses and allied health professionals to provide quality care

Texas Health Presbyterian Foundation relies on annual community support of the Presby Fund, which allows us to respond to a broad range of pressing health care needs. Gifts made to the Presby Fund are without restriction and enable our hospitals to be "ready to act" when a need or an opportunity for improvement presents itself.

With your help, the Texas Health Presbyterian Foundation plans to raise $1 million for the Presby Fund in 2009 to support these vital programs and services. Together, we can make a lasting impression on the health of our community.

Dr. Patton Memorial Endowment

Dr. David Patton, a perinatalogist on the medical staff of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, helped thousands of mothers-to-be facing high-risk pregnancies in his more than two decades of medical experience.

It is what he lived for.

Patton's untimely death in December 2008 was a loss not only for Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas and the medical community at large, but for each of his patients, colleagues, family and friends.

Many of his patients recall his contagious excitement of sharing his ever-evolving knowledge about maternal fetal medicine with his patients and their doctors, as well as his colleagues on the medical staff of North Texas Perinatal Associates.

"Our experience with Dr. Patton was magical," said former patient Margarita Coale. "He always took the time to explain what he observed. There was no question we asked that was too dumb or concern too trivial. Dr. Patton reassured us that our child was 'fantastically normal' and, in fact, she was perfect with all 10 fingers, 10 toes and everything in between."

A group of patients, including Margarita Coale, are working with Patton's partner, Dr. Brian Rinehart, his wife, Wanda, the staff of North Texas Perinatal Associates and others close to him to establish the David E. Patton, M.D. Scholarship Endowment in Maternal Fetal Medicine. The endowment will fund nursing and allied health scholarships as a fitting tribute to honor Patton's work and preserve his memory for years to come.

This scholarship will allow those whom he loved to teach to continue to learn the science and art of perinatology and patient care. DPatton believed that ongoing education is vital to keep nurses and medical professionals abreast of the latest trends in research, technology, procedures and equipment available to diagnose and treat difficult pregnancies.

If you are interested in supporting the endowment fund to honor Dr. Patton's legacy, please use our secure online giving form.

You can also send a check to:
Texas Health Presbyterian Foundation
8440 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 800
Dallas, TX 75231

Please indicate on your check that your contribution is designated for the Dr. Patton Memorial Fund.