A Legacy to Care for Future Caregivers

Mary Bushnell"Our family has always been blessed with good health," says Mary Bushnell of Short Hills. "But when my mother suffered a stroke in 2007 and came to live with us during the last three years of her life, we got firsthand experience as caregivers and firsthand experience with the health care services at Overlook."

The impression was a lasting one. Mary and her husband, David, recently created bequests for Overlook in their wills. And now as members of Overlook's Heritage Society, they want to inspire others to support their medical center.

"When we reviewed our wills, we thought long and hard about the organizations that have made a difference in our lives," observes David, a consultant and the former senior risk officer and chief administrative officer at Citigroup. "We were continually impressed with Overlook, its dedicated staff, top-notch care, and partnership with our community."

A longtime community volunteer, Mary joined the Overlook Foundation board in 2008 and chairs the annual giving committee. She is a member of the grants and public relations and marketing committees and serves on the campaign committee raising $2 million for Overlook's eating disorders program.

Open landAlthough the Thomas Glasser Caregivers Center did not exist when Mary and David cared for Mary's mother, Mary enthusiastically participated in the committee that brought the center to fruition.

"I really respected Overlook for committing time and resources to meeting the needs of caregivers," comments Mary. "I know now how important it is to provide that kind of support.

"As a caregiver and a trustee, I have realized firsthand just how wonderful Overlook is and how truly worthy it is of our support. From the moment Danny greets you at the front door, you know it's a special place."