As a former Latin teacher, law school graduate and a very active, athletic woman who loves to travel the world, Harriette never let bronchiectasis and mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung infection get her down.

However, in 2006, her health began to deteriorate, and she knew she needed specialized care. Harriette traveled from Richmond, Virginia, to Denver, Colorado, after she learned that the doctors at National Jewish Health were the best in the country.

She was immediately impressed by the state-of-the-art laboratories and brilliant physician-scientists at National Jewish Health. Harriette also experienced the personalized medicine approach for which National Jewish Health is known.

She appreciated that her doctor asked her for input on her treatment plan. Each time Harriette went back for a visit over the years, she met with her whole care team, including an infectious disease specialist, head nurse, personal nurse, PhD researcher and pharmacologist, all of whom knew her history and collaborated on her treatment. She also met with nutritionists, occupational therapists and physical therapists to find the best way to manage her health.

“I had complete confidence they had dealt with this particular illness, and they knew exactly what they were doing — that was the difference,” she said.

While at National Jewish Health, Harriette learned so much from her care team and from other patients in similar situations.

“It felt like going back to college. Not only was I being treated for my illnesses, but I was learning all day long,” she reflected. Being involved in the process gave Harriette ownership of her conditions and empowered her to take control of her diagnoses.

Now 80, Harriette is back to playing tennis regularly, attending barre classes multiple times a week, walking, traveling and spending time with her husband, son, daughter-in-law and grandson. As a member of the Woman’s Club of Richmond’s Program Committee, she has helped bring several physicians and researchers from National Jewish Health to her community for presentations.

“I’m so grateful to National Jewish Health and feel so lucky that I got the best care possible,” she said. “I was sick for so long, and now I have a great quality of life.”

Harriette refers to the hospital as a “community of hope” because she believes the superior care for everyone who needs it makes the world a better place. To show her gratitude, Harriette has chosen to include National Jewish Health in her will, so she can help the institution continue to give hope to people who are suffering.

She is proud to make this gift to National Jewish Health, knowing it will allow other people to receive the excellent care she has experienced over the past two decades. Her legacy will put people on a path of hope and healing.

For those considering a planned gift, remember National Jewish Health. Your generous legacy gift will directly impact our patients and caregivers. Please contact Gordon P. Smith, MBA, CFRE at 1.800.423.8891, Ext. 6549 or smithgo@njhealth.org to learn more.