Dear Friends,
Our work at HHF is all about storytelling and inspiring people to connect with the meaningful work of our hospitals. As I reflect on my tenure, I am filled with gratitude for being part of this story, alongside each of you. As this chapter comes to an end, I am reminded that each of us is simply a steward of the time, talent and resources we are given. All we can do is our very best when it is our turn.
As many of you know, Huntsville Hospital has been interwoven with my life. The caregivers here have personally walked beside me through births, deaths and life-threatening health scares. I came to work here, and to give back, just like so many of you, because of my experiences as a grateful patient. Every day, I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve alongside the remarkable people who make this mission possible.
When I walk our hospitals’ halls, I see caregivers who show up, day after day, on nights and weekends, sacrificing time for themselves and their families because they are wholly committed to caring for this community. I saw it firsthand during COVID, and I will never forget what it feels like to witness the lifesaving and life-changing work they do every day.
That dedication permeates the culture of our hospitals. Our employees do this work because they truly, deeply care for our mission. I salute them — from our support services teams to our nurses and physicians to the administrative teams who help ensure we have the resources needed to carry it forward.
To our donors, your generosity enables us to expand programs, like Canines for Coping and Caring House, strengthen partnerships, and deepen our impact across the communities we serve. Every milestone we have achieved has been possible because of your generosity, compassion and commitment. As we have worked to keep up with our region’s dynamic growth, you have said “yes” again and again — through record-breaking support for our events, transformational gifts for priorities like the new bed tower at Huntsville Hospital Main and generous investments in our areas of greatest need.
To our HHF board members and executive committees over the last seven years – each of you has left your own mark. You inspired and encouraged us to stretch, and we are better because of your service. To my Senior Team and Department Director colleagues – thank you for stepping in every single time we asked, and for the leadership and sacrifice you provide every day.
To my beloved HHF Team – it just doesn’t get any better than you. Your dedication, professionalism, creativity, persistence and resilience inspired me and made me a better person and leader. And your patience with my “why don’t we try this?” idea generation was endless — through COVID pivots, event changes, new programs, strategic planning, reorganizations and so much more. You stuck together through struggles and through many, many highs and lows. What a gift you have been to me. As a leader, you are my “why.” Thank you for the great memories.
And to my family – my husband and daughters – thank you for your patience during those times when I could not be fully present, and for being my biggest cheerleaders and encouragers.
While leadership changes, our mission endures. I leave with complete confidence in the future of this organization under Amy George’s leadership and with the support of our incredible team. What we have built together is strong, and the opportunities ahead are tremendous. With dedicated staff, committed volunteers, visionary board leadership and loyal supporters, I know the organization’s best days are still ahead.
I will remain one of your most enthusiastic supporters and advocates, and I look forward to watching Huntsville Hospital Foundation continue to grow and fulfill its mission for years to come.
With deepest gratitude,
Sarah H. Savage-Jones, President
