Maryland's Health Matters - BWMC - Fall 2016 - 15

part of his North County community. Reflecting on a career spanning 63 years, Creston attributes his long-term success in business to the foundation and pride of his two hardworking parents, Della Marie and Atwood Barrett Tate. So how did philanthropy figure in? For Creston and Betty Jane, it was a matter of pride of place and a sense of fairness. Thanks to their community, their family had prospered. A heartfelt grass-roots commitment led them to UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center. What could matter more than helping their longtime neighbors receive top-notch medical TRANSFORMING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PATIENTS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS care right in their own locale? Creston and Betty Jane started in 1997 with a $1 million donation for UM BWMC's Emergency Department. Then, when UM BWMC envisioned a state-of-the-art cancer center, the couple felt truly called. After years of employees and families coming through Tate dealerships, the Tates personally knew the heartbreak of cancer in their neighbors' lives. Those families should rightfully receive treatment close to home with the same level of care offered by major city medical centers. Dedication to the people of their community prompted Creston and Betty Jane to fund the new center, which opened in 2003, with a lead donation of $1.5 million. Today the Tates' daughter, Debra Tate Macey, also actively supports UM BWMC, serving on its foundation board for over 13 years. You'd think her parents' financial generosity would be the inspiration for her service. And you'd be half right. Beyond monetary giving, Deb remembers her late mother Betty Jane's highly personal generosity toward neighbors and friends in need, be it holding someone's hand in hospice or bringing flowers of remembrance to a cemetery. Her mother was "never without an envelope in her hand" with a check or, just as meaningful, a note of personal encouragement. Deb was often at her mother's side absorbing lessons of giving. The Tates' giving has led to enormous numbers of patients served at The Tate Center versus traveling for cancer treatment. Looking forward, Creston applauds UM BWMC's focus on "expanding services beyond bricks and mortar." He and Deb support the hospital's commitment to matching excellent inpatient care with outreach to keep patients well outside of the hospital. Today, nearly all of the Tate family reside in North County. At UM BWMC, we strive to provide an environment where patients, families and colleagues collaborate in the delivery of care. We are proud to be a Relationship Based Care organization. Relationship Based Care (RBC) is a philosophy and model of care that centers on three essential relationships for the delivery of compassionate health care: the care provider's relationship with patients and families, with him/herself and with his or her colleagues. This focus returns us to our basic purpose as health care professionals: to care for and connect with other individuals. We began fulfilling RBC across our nursing units last year and continue to work toward complete implementation throughout UM BWMC. What does this mean for our patients? You can rest assured that every staff member you encounter during your stay is dedicated to serving you, your family and the rest of your care team with the utmost respect and compassion. You and your family are the center of our focus and are encouraged to participate in all decision making. Deb anticipates continued family participation in supporting UM BWMC. She and her siblings are passing on to their THINKSTOCK children and grandchildren their parents' example of giving. For Creston and Betty Jane, says Deb, "It wasn't how much you had, it was giving what you could. It's just what you did." FOR MORE INFORMATION Learn more about our team-based care at mybwmc.org/inpatient-care. And a grateful community is glad they did! the BWMC Foundation, visit bwmcfoundation.org. mybwmc.org | Fall 2016 15 http://www.mybwmc.org/inpatient-care http://www.bwmcfoundation.org http://www.mybwmc.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maryland's Health Matters - BWMC - Fall 2016