Superior Healthcare Experience Leads to Legacy Gift to Texas Health Plano

Ken and Jan West have been part of the Plano community since the 1980s, and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano is practically in their backyard.

Their proximity to the hospital proved to be lifesaving in 2014. Ken contracted a bacterial infection called C. difficile, a highly contagious infection that impacts the large intestine and can become deadly if not treated. After arriving in the hospital’s ER, a flurry of surgeons surrounded Ken to save his life. He was so near death that the nurses encouraged Jan to begin saying goodbye, which of course broke her heart.

“It was just a horrific experience and if it hadn't been for the doctors, he wouldn't be here,” says Jan. “We all hear horror stories about other hospitals in the area, and that’s why it's absolutely essential to have a hospital like Texas Health in Plano. Without it, this community would be a very, very different place, and anything we can do to support it is very worthwhile.”

The West’s long-time support of the hospital resulted in them becoming members of the Farrington-Thompson Society at the Texas Health Resources Foundation. They were encouraged to share their legacy by dear friends Jim and Sue Minyard, a philanthropic couple whose financial commitment can be seen in every corner of Texas Health Plano, from the Sue A. de Mille Tower C to the Sue A. de Mille Women’s Diagnostic Center. The Wests and Minyards currently serve together on the Texas Health Foundation Plano Philanthropy Cabinet.

Last year, Texas Health broke ground on a $343 million project to build a new eight-story tower in Plano. Ken and Jan were in attendance. “The specialty services that come with the Tower expansion are critical to help support the growth in Plano and in Collin County,” says Ken. “It was very impressive to hear the doctors speak so passionately about the expanded care the project will provide in neuroscience, heart and vascular, and digestive areas, along with the upgraded Emergency Department and additional beds.

“We believe that people give to charities for the good of the community. Part of our philanthropy plan is to support those who care for us when we are sick or injured.  Of course, our firsthand experience made Texas Health Plano the undeniable choice.”