Passing On the Spirit of Service through Generations

They say there’s no place like home, and for the Cravens family in Arlington, Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital is home.

Tom Craven’s father, Carlisle, was a charter member of the Auxiliary that founded the hospital in 1958. Tom became active in the hospital, serving in many leadership positions, and his late wife, Diane, volunteered, making a powerful, lasting impact behind the scenes.

Today, the Cravens children, Mary Tom, Carl, and Kyndal, carry the torch for the legacy the family has built over the past 70 years for this beloved Arlington institution. To honor Diane’s life of service, Tom and his children generously supported the Women’s Center and Breast Center renovations.

“Our family is so honored to be part of the renovation at Texas Health Arlington Memorial,” said Carl. “We wanted to do something special to recognize my mom, Diane Cravens, because she truly shaped the Arlington community in ways that will last for generations. She was the best mom and an incredible supporter of women and children.

“Having her name at the nurses’ station feels perfect because she had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. That’s what this Women’s Center is all about – comfort, care, and community. We couldn’t be prouder to have her legacy tied to a place that will serve women and families for years to come.”

As the oldest daughter, Mary Tom, credits her parents for raising them with loving discipline and the importance of carrying on the tradition of service in the community. “Early on, we learned that you have a decision to make – you can be a giver or a taker in a community. We were taught to work hard and to make everything better than the way we found it,” she said.

Kyndal added, “My parents received so many awards that living a life of service became my existence. Now it’s our turn to move the next generation to share the love of community. Serving at Texas Health Arlington Memorial has been a joy.”