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CFMC: Leaving a Legacy of Love and Compassion

Sharing a love of community with generations to come is a powerful legacy. The Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC) can think of no better way to celebrate those who do than to share the story of George and Barbara Weeks Hart of Old Saybrook. Those who knew George and Barbara will tell you that their deep love for and dedication to each other and their community was an inspiration for all. They always found time to volunteer and help their neighbors in need by working with many nonprofits and delivering Meals on Wheels. George’s passion to tend to the needs of daily life, particularly for those fighting cancer, brought him to CFMC in fall 2011. George wanted to honor the legacy of Barbara’s life after she lost her battle with the disease. He wanted to be sure that the simple, little outreach things that he and Barbara had done would continue on into the future, positively affecting individuals throughout Middlesex County experiencing the hardship and hurdles of a battle with cancer. He established the Barbara Weeks Hart and George H. Hart Memorial Fund at CFMC to provide support to organizations offering services to cancer patients in the 15 towns of Middlesex County.

Last year through a grant award to the Middlesex Health Cancer Center, 38 patients and family members without the means to fully cover the cost of treatment and living expenses were positively affected by Barbara and George’s legacy. Even with good insurance coverage, direct medical costs can quickly add up, and often there is a loss of or decrease in income. Funding support helped Middlesex Health & Support Program cover various household expenses, easing the financial burden that often comes with a cancer diagnosis.

This year Barbara and George’s legacy continues through support of the Northern Middlesex YMCA’s LIVESTRONG program for cancer survivors. Developed In partnership with the LIVESTRONG Foundation, the initiative helps people overcome the many physical challenges of the disease, such as fatigue, decreased strength, balance, endurance, and flexibility. Participants in the 12-week, small-group program attend two sessions a week that provide cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, and balance and flexibility exercises, all designed for each individual’s ability level and supervised by YMCA-certified instructors. More important, thanks to the Weeks Hart Fund, our friends and neighbors are not only improving their physical fitness but also developing deep relationships and a peer support network with others who are facing similar health challenges.

When we think about Barbara and George and their 62 years together, we at CFMC are constantly amazed by the number of people they touched in a profound way. They serve as testaments that dedication, hard work, and love for each other and our community are powerful legacies. All of us at the community foundation are honored to pass that forward in their memory and ensure that their passion for helping others will continue well into the future. To share your passion and to learn more about how to leave a legacy, call the CFMC at 860-347-0025 or visit MiddlesexCountyCF.org.