Donor Stories

We thank all our planned-gift donors for their generous support. Here are some of their stories.

“My interest in Children’s goes way back,” says Barbara Shellan. Her younger brother had been very ill since birth and died when he was 4. Barbara remembers the many trips her mom made to Children’s Hospital on Queen Anne Hill. “I remember my mother saying that they (Children’s) were so good to her and did so much to help. She would say, ‘Whenever I have money, I would like to give to them and help their work.’”

Her mom instilled the desire to give to Children’s and the time came when Shellan was able to fulfill it. “I love to volunteer and I love kids. When I quit working, Children’s was the place I wanted to give of myself,” says Shellan. For 26 years she volunteered almost daily at Children’s. She helped in administration, the volunteer office and in Recreational Therapy. Shellan was a charter member of the Guild Association Board and served as volunteer and retail chairs. She is a life member of the Talbot Hill Auxiliary and was instrumental in forming and is a life member of the Dr. Jack Docter Guild. She recently joined the newly formed Emilie Schwabacher Guild made up of former guild trustees.

“I’m fortunate that Jerry was happy that I had chosen Children’s,” says Shellan. Together they contributed to the renovation of Children’s Teen Zone. They have also established a life income plan with Children’s that Judge Shellan considers a versatile financial planning tool. The plan provides income to the Shellan’s with the remainder to benefit the hospital. “I strongly believe that when you live in a community you have a moral obligation to return something to it,” says Judge Shellan.

The Shellan’s have five grown children and when grandchildren came along, Barbara “retired” from volunteering to be available to help. While her presence may not be at Children’s every day, their hearts continue to live there. “Supporting Children’s is something we both feel very good about. It becomes a part of you,” says Shellan.