Bringing Care Closer to Home
In 1990 Roberta’s mother, Helen Palmer, was diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer and succumbed to her illness in 1992. Roberta cared for Helen throughout her illness and found that traveling the significant distance to Helen’s medical appointments was difficult for both of them.
Through that experience, Roberta learned how important it is for cancer patients to have access to treatment close to home. That’s why, after her mother’s passing, she decided to invest in the future of cancer care at St. Mary Mercy Hospital through a bequest in her own will.
An avid reader and a proud alumna of the University of Michigan, Roberta has retired from her position as a human resources professional for Wayne County. She began volunteering at St. Mary Mercy three years ago and is now a familiar face to many at the hospital. According to Sara Stauffer, Director of Development for SMML, Roberta is part of the St. Mary Mercy family. “She comes into the office whenever we need her to work on a project -- she is always willing and able to jump right in and help out. I don’t know what we would do without her.”
Being energetic runs in the family. Roberta fondly remembers her mother as an active individual, a dedicated mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend. Even as she battled cancer, she kept her composure and her humor, showing appreciation for the wonderful life she was provided. Through her planned gift, Roberta is honoring her mother’s fun-loving personality and optimistic spirit while leaving a legacy at St. Mary Mercy for generations to come.
According to Roberta, she arranged this gift because “thirty years from now, I want St. Mary Mercy and the patients it serves to continue to thrive.” Roberta’s foresight will help ensure this robust future, especially for cancer patients seeking comprehensive care close to home.
