Inspiring Stories

“We tell friends and neighbors that we have given to Cooley,” expresses Susan, as she and Richard relax in their garden in Florence. “We have contributed to the Emergency Department and to the new Behavioral Health outdoor space. We are so glad to have given and hope they will too.”

Gail Manwell Gaustad, Cooley baby and daughter of CDH surgeon Edward Manwell and Northampton pediatrician Claire Manwell, always knew she wanted to support the hospital. “Of course I want to support Cooley Dickinson,” she said, believing, as her parents did, in the importance of a local hospital that never sacrifices expertise.

Throughout her nursing career, Margaret (Peg) Lucey cared deeply about people who struggle to afford the care they need. As former director of a clinic for teenage women at a non-profit hospital in Harlem, Peg notes, “Private philanthropy allowed us to hire nurses, a social worker, provide snacks, and other resources. This clinic made a big difference in their lives.”

“I have lived in Hatfield for 42 years,” shares Lisa Ekus. “In that time my entire family have availed ourselves of Cooley Dickinson’s terrific healthcare, both inside and outside the hospital – for births, deaths, medical and surgical care.”

When asked why he has made so many gifts to Cooley Dickinson hospital, Douglas (Doug) Adler notes, “I suppose for me, like for most people, it starts with a story.”

Growing up, Joanne Dickinson’s father Champ regularly talked about her great-great-great uncle, Caleb Cooley Dickinson. Caleb’s $100,000 bequest to establish a hospital for “the sick poor” was a point of immense pride.

In November 2020, Gary Mongeon celebrated 50 years of service at Cooley Dickinson. During his long tenure in Cooley’s main laboratory, Gary worked as a microbiology technician and as the lab’s Information Systems Manager.

Donna Feng knows that blood saves lives. She was a regular blood donor at Cooley Dickinson Hospital for well over 20 years.

Take a look at Paul M. Craig’s long career, and you will see a life filled with variety, action, and a commitment to helping others.

An Extraordinary Woman. An Extraordinary Planned Gift. As a longtime Northampton and Easthampton resident, Marge understood the importance of a strong hospital and a well-staffed VNA & Hospice for the well-being of a community.

A husband’s deep desire to honor his wife leads to a $1,700,000 bequest in support of Cancer Care at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

Derek and Kelly Lovley, microbiologists at UMass Amherst, have expressed their gratitude to Cooley Dickinson in numerous ways. They made a grateful patient gift to the Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital to honor the care Derek received both in Boston and Northampton. Their estate planning includes Cooley Dickinson.

For Florence resident and retired teacher, Marie Lococo, giving to local non-profits was something her parents brought her up to do. “When I was a child, people went door to door collecting for different causes. My mom and dad were continually giving their last dollar. That’s how they were.”

Mr. Brooks donated to the hospital every year for more than 40 years, including gifts to support the Emergency Department, such as a state-of-the-art blanket warmer and enhanced privacy measures. His estate gift, totaling over $300,000, will help fund the department’s current $26 million expansion and renovation.

Cooley Dickinson Hospital is honored to announce the establishment of The Paul and Susan Mannheim Endowment for Facilities Improvement with a gift of $560,000 from Susan, and her late husband, Paul Mannheim, a family with deep roots in the Pioneer Valley, known for their long commitment to community service.