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Celebrate Excellent Care

Dana Marvel: Thankful for his recovery

April 26, 2017

Dana Marvel still remembers the day. It was Feb. 11, 2008, and he was close to dying. He was in an alcoholic coma when a family member found him. Fortunately, his family members still lived on the family farm down the road in Dagsboro. His kidneys were three hours away from failure; he suffered a major heart attack; and his brain was swelling. His body was shutting down.

"Beebe saved my life," states Dana. "That first time I was in the hospital for 22 days. I went through a very difficult detox period - no drinking or smoking - from the moment I was admitted. It was hard and I was scared to death, and didn't know what was going to happen to me. I had to learn to walk again. I was angry with everyone I came into contact with, but after my healing, I went back to Beebe to thank all of the people I could find who were part of my experience. Everyone from food service to the cleaning staff to the nurses and doctors were kind to me, even though I was mean and belligerent. One person I couldn't find was a blonde physical therapist named Kelly. I still owe her a big apology. She was kind but tough on me, which was just what I needed.

"I haven't had a drink since that day in February 2008. I'm celebrating nine years of the gift of life, and I thank Beebe and my newly found faith in Jesus Christ for giving me back my life. Those who helped me used their God-given knowledge and talents."

Since that first stay in 2008, Dana has been back to Beebe many times, and each time has been a blessing. He suffers from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) so he is under constant care.

After a brief stay in the hospital in January, Dana again thanked members of Beebe Healthcare's Emergency Department and the caregivers on the fifth floor, this time by making a gift through Beebe Medical Foundation's Celebrating Excellent Care program. Dana writes that his gift celebrates "all who cared for me...such beautiful people. Everyone was a blessing in my life during my stay."

Dana wants to give back to Beebe and to do what he can to thank and support Beebe so it will be here for everyone, even when he is no longer here. He recently joined the Shaw Society by supporting Beebe Healthcare with a gift listed in his will. "I want to give what I can to Beebe, and this is a way for me to do it!" says Dana.

The Shaw Society was named for Benjamin F. and Helen M. Shaw, Wilmington residents who had a summer home in Rehoboth Beach. They met Dr. James Beebe Sr. and Dr. Richard Beebe through their summer medical clinic located in a cottage on Rehoboth Avenue. Mr. Shaw, who had a long history of association with the Delaware Hospital in Wilmington, recognized the need for healthcare facilities near his summer home.

Through their $100,000 donation to Beebe in 1921, the Shaw family sowed the first seeds of philanthropy that would become vital to Beebe's success. This first gift to Beebe funded the construction of the hospital and provided it with 35 beds, operating and delivery rooms, and an X-ray department. This was also the year that Beebe Hospital became a not-for-profit corporation.

The Shaw Society was established to recognize donors who have remembered Beebe through their will or estate plan or with a gift that is providing them with income. Members invest in Beebe's mission to provide the best care close to home and extend their support by making a legacy gift that has a lasting impact.

For more information about gift planning and the Shaw Society, visit www.beebemedicalfoundation.planmylegacy.org or contact the Beebe Medical Foundation at 302-644-2900 or foundation@beebehealthcare.org.

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