Circle of Care Spotlight
Patty McGuigan and Richard Bush

Long-time Palo Alto residents Patty McGuigan and Richard Bush never used to pay much attention to the children's hospital in their hometown.With their own children grown, it seemed unlikely that they would ever need the services of Packard Hospital.

Patty McGuigan and Richard Bush with their graddaughter, Libby.

All that changed suddenly in February 2004 when their granddaughter, Libby, was diagnosed with a heart murmur during her routine 18-month checkup. A referral to Packard pediatric cardiac surgeon Frank Hanley, M.D., revealed that Libby would need surgery within a week to correct an aneurysm in her heart. The news came as a terrible shock, especially since Libby had always been a perfectly healthy child. Fortunately, her surgery was successful and Libby has since made a full recovery.

Patty and Richard are effusive in their praise for Hanley's tremendous skill, the wonderful nursing staff, and the Hospital's child-friendly touches. "It's hard to call a hospital experience marvelous," Patty reflects, "but it was truly as good as it could have been."

To ensure that the excellent care Libby received continues to be available to local families, the couple decided to make a Children's Circle of Care gift to the Hospital. "One of the grand things about living in Palo Alto is access to a world-class children's hospital," says Patty. "We feel very fortunate that we didn't have to travel far away for Libby's care."

"We wanted to show our appreciation and encourage the Hospital's great work," adds Richard, "as well as help others in need who cannot afford the cost of medical care."

Patty and Richard directed their gift to the Lucile Packard Children's Fund so the Hospital could use their contribution wherever it is most needed. As Richard explains, "the Hospital knows its needs better than we would."

A member of several nonprofit boards, Patty also appreciates the importance of unrestricted support. "A solid hospital has all sorts of essential needs that might not receive other funding," she says.

The couple feels it is important to share their story and encourage others to give at the Children's Circle of Care level. "You may have perfectly normal, wonderful children," says Patty, "but you still might need the technology and expertise that Packard Hospital offers. We know many families who have been helped by the Hospital. We hope that our support and that of others will help enrich Packard's capabilities as a center of excellence for pediatric medicine in our community."