Middlebury, VT  – Community support for a fund at University of Vermont Health Network – Porter Medical Center that helps patients afford everything from essential medical items to public transportation achieved a significant milestone earlier this summer, when dozens of individuals and first-time donors surprised the hospital with an unexpected birthday gift. 

Hospital leaders had set an ambitious goal as part of Porter’s celebration of its 100th year of caring for the community: Over a period of 100 days leading up to the hospital’s public Centennial Celebration in June, it would raise 100 donations in support of Porter’s Patient Support Fund. 

The hospital’s Patient Support Fund provides financial support and helps patients afford essential items like medications, mobility aids, home medical equipment and public transportation. 

With several days left before the celebration on June 14, the goal seemed out of reach: Porter needed 44 more donations to the fund in order to reach its goal of 100. Then, Amy Bodette Barr, director of development at Porter Medical Center, said individuals and businesses – many of them first-time donors – flocked to the campaign.  

“It was amazing to see how quickly the support came together,” said Bodette Barr. “Even more incredibly, it hasn’t stopped. People are still getting involved and showing their support for our patients and our hospital.” 

Over the course of three days, 44 donations were made to the hospital’s Patient Support Fund, helping to raise more than $25,000 by June 14 to support the fund. Since the celebration, people have continued to get involved, bringing the total number of donors to more than 130, and the total dollar amount over $36,000.  

Many, like Julia Grand Doucet, a hospital trustee and the clinical and program director of Open Door Clinic, are donating for the first time.  

“I’ve supported Porter in other ways, but this was something that felt important,” said Grand Doucet. “It feels different than giving my time. Even if I’m not a big donor, it just feels good to know that I’m part of the Porter family.” 

Grand Doucet, who has two 19-year-old daughters in college and is herself starting graduate school later this month, said the hospital’s impact on her family and her patients at Open Door Clinic is why she decided to get involved. 

In particular, she said, the guidance and support her family received at Porter Pediatrics, as they navigated diagnoses including autism and dysautonomia – a difficult-to-diagnose group of disorders that can cause a wide range of disruptive symptoms that range from mild to severe – made significant, positive long-term impacts. 

“The Centennial made me reflect on the contributions the hospital has made,” she said. “It was my way of showing appreciation for everything they’ve done. They took care of more than just their bodily health. The guidance and support have helped my daughters live full lives.” 

Grand Doucet said the hospital’s impact on patients and dedication to working with community-based organizations like Open Door Clinic to catch individuals who might otherwise fall through the cracks, and connect them with medical care and services, is the other reason she got involved. Open Door Clinic works with a large number of seasonal, migrant workers who often struggle to connect with medical care and treatment. Issues range from financial to language and transportation barriers. 

“I feel like Porter has taken the time to understand the context in which these patients live and where they come from,” she said. ‘They’re very good partners in providing care and want what’s best for the entire community, including folks who might otherwise fall through the cracks.” 

Porter’s Centennial celebrations are ongoing, with another public event planned for this fall. To support the hospital’s Patient Support Fund, visit Porter’s Centennial page online.