A Gift in Gratitude

Alice O'Malley

Many years ago, Alice O'Malley suffered a devastating hip injury. After two surgeries and a month of recovery, Waukesha Memorial Hospital gained a permanent spot in her heart. And a permanent spot in her philanthropy.

Hospitalized over the Christmas holiday, Alice recalls being heavily medicated and broken hearted. A nurse discovered her quietly crying in her hospital room. The nurse simply wrapped her arms around Mrs. O'Malley and cried with her. Then the nurse donned a pair  of high galoshes and a rain slicker and wheeled Mrs. O'Malley down the hall to the shower. (Hospital equipment was a little different back in those days!) That shower was a turning point in Mrs. O'Malley's recovery.  "Nurse Jane and I were laughing together just like a couple of nitwits", she recollects.  "That shower broke my mental agony."

That hospital experience back in the 70's inspired Mrs. O'Malley to update her will, leaving part of her estate to the hospital that means so much to her. She is comforted to know that her gift will perpetuate the same kind of expert, compassionate care for future generations.

After living through the depression, Alice knows how important it is to be responsible financially.   "My husband and I worked very hard for our money, therefore, I need to trust wholeheartedly that my money will be well spent.  I take such pride in knowing that miracles are happening every day at my hospital."

Today, Alice stays busy by volunteering at the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha Library, playing the organ, reading, doing needlepoint and volunteering at nursing homes. 

While this humble little lady never intended to be a role model for others, she certainly wouldn't mind inspiring others to make estate planning provisions for their favorite charities.

If you would like to discuss how you could impact the future programs or services at Waukesha Memorial Hospital through your estate plan, please call Kathryn Leverenz at 262-928-4094.