b'12 CONCORD HOSPITAL TRUSTA CARING GIFT INTO PERPETUITYRetired Drs. Caroline and Walter DuegerBefore retiring in the early 1990s, theThey also are excited that their support of Concord have seen what its like toDuegers practiced in Concord for nearlywill be used to help maintain and expand lack for medical care. On one of manythree decades, Caroline as a pediatricianservices, perhaps by purchasing new volunteer medical missions after retiring,and Walter as a cardiologist.equipment or adding sta\x1eor programs, they hiked for days carrying medicine intoNot surprisingly, they have speci\x1f edthough Caroline said she will leave the mountains of Nepal before reachingthat funds in the Walter and Carolinethe speci\x1f cs to current and future a small shack where a line of 100 ailingDueger Endowment also be directed toHospital providers.villagers awaited them. pediatrics and cardiology, two areas thatThey have a better vision of whats expanded greatly during their careers asneeded and what they already have, Concord Hospital grew into a regionalshe said.healthcare system. After many volunteer trips to treat In addition to years of generous support,residents and train medical workers the Duegers also recently established twoin countries including Nepal, India, charitable gift annuities with the Trust. InCambodia, Nigeria and Papua New Guinea, return, they are guaranteed a \x1f xed incomeCaroline and Walter know not everyone for life, with funds remaining at theircan take excellent health care for granted.passing added to their endowment. Supporting Concord Hospital, Caroline We could see how tragically needy someAfter devoting their lives to providingsaid, is an important way to help maintain areas of the world are, Caroline said. Thenhealth care to those who need it, just asessential care in the community, especially wed return to Concord, where we have athe Hospital does, Walter said addingin light of the crucial services the Hospital lot of care, but that doesnt mean we dontthe annuities to their supportand its sta\x1eprovided during two years need improvement here as well. There aremade sense. of pandemic.people here who dont get care either and thats sad. The Hospitals goals are part of the reasonYou get the feeling that if the Hospital we are attracted to them, he said. Theirdidnt continue to be a successful part of Thats why the Duegers hope some fundsgoals it made it easier to contribute. Theyour community, wouldnt we all su\x1e er from a newly established Concord Hospitalare the same as ours. because we all depend on it so much?, Trust endowment in their name might beshe asked.directed to help those in the communityCaroline and Walter are excited about the who cant a\x1e ord care.Hospitals growth, its success in serving the community and its expansion into the Lakes and Three Rivers regions.'