As a retired health care executive, Chuck Stokes, along with his wife, Judy, know firsthand how important philanthropy is to health care systems. “Gifts to the Foundation go a long way to supplement needed equipment, services or new programs that are not in the hospital's annual operating budget,” Chuck said. “We want to continue to help people and make a difference.”

Thanks to their understanding of needs, as well as their generosity, Chuck and Judy are making a big difference for future patients at our Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children Breast Center.

The Stokes’ gift is the catalyst for a new project focused on redefining the patient experience at the Breast Center, providing a calmer, more comforting, spa-like environment.

One of the ways this vision will come to life is by a soft and cozy upgrade. Currently, female patients at the Breast Center wear hospital gowns when receiving diagnostic procedures and waiting for results. The Stokes’ gift will replace the awkward two-gown system with warm robes, wrapping patients in love and care.

Other enhancements are also on the horizon for the Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children Breast Center, as a portion of the Stokes’ gift will go toward providing soothing sounds/music, softened lighting, oversized chairs and lockers in the sub-waiting area.

“I hope by creating a more comfortable patient experience, from a wellness framework, that all who visit the Breast Center will feel less anxious, as the waiting area will be appealing to their sense of touch, sight and smell,” Judy said.

Chuck’s inspiration for this visionary gift comes both from his wife and Judy’s mother.

“My motivation to support the Breast Center was to honor my wife, Judy, who as a nurse practitioner, has always advocated for women and children's health issues,” Chuck said. “Her vision to help decrease anxiety and create a more wellness-oriented Breast Center patient experience is the driving force and motivation.”

“My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 58, and underwent a radical mastectomy,” Judy said. “Her strength, faith, and optimism carried her through, and she lived her life fully, completely, positively, and with a most caring heart, until the age of 105. I dedicate this remodeled sub-waiting area to her as a message of hope to all who walk through the doors."

The Stokes’ passion for providing a comfortable and calming environment at the Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children Breast Center is going to impact countless women in a positive way.

“In our faith, we are called upon to do ‘Mitzvot,’ (good deeds),” the Stokes said. “Our gift is a Mitzvah ... a good deed.”

When asked what she wished other people knew about this cause, Judy said, “I would hope they would know that the beneficiaries of the Foundation are the Huntsville Hospital Health System patients and Huntsville-Madison community. All the efforts, resources, time, events, and donors all contribute to the betterment of the patients, their outcomes, and their experience, while under the compassionate and skilled care of the Huntsville Hospital Health System.”

These enhancements will begin rolling out in 2023. Stay tuned for more updates!