When she was alive, Metropolis resident Martha Atwell McBane was a charismatic woman; someone who enjoyed life to its fullest and delighted in the joy of helping others in need. When she died in late October of last year, that giving spirit and tradition of generosity continued. McBane left most of her estate to Western Baptist Hospital in memory of her late husband, Wayne W. McBane, resulting in a $4 million gift to the facility.

The McBanes are not alone in their desire to help the hospital give back to the community. According to Tony Watkins, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of West Kentucky, many families and individuals are choosing to lend a helping hand. In July 2002, a Western Baptist Hospital Endowment Fund was created for such purposes. Watkins says that anyone can donate to the fund and can do so through a variety of options, including cash, real estate, will bequests, and stock transfers.

“As our society grows older and older, healthcare becomes a primary issue,” said Watkins. “Western Baptist Hospital is a prominent and respected leader in the community and many people wish to be a part of its efforts to care for the region.”

According to Hospital President Larry Barton, the McBane gift is a testimony to the care and commitment shown each day by Western Baptist employees. “This is truly a wonderful bequest. It is especially nice to know that our staff impacted the McBanes’ lives in such a positive way,” said Barton.

Barton said that the hospital will carefully consider how to best honor the family and use the gift to develop needed services for the community. A subcommittee of the hospital board will be involved in the planning process.