With renovations to the Rosemary & George Dawson Inn and financial assistance, patients like Ruby have more comfortable lodging and are surrounded by people who care. Last year alone, donor support covered over 100 nights.
“Patients and families really need all the comfort and support they can get,” says Ruby, a spunky 85-year-old who lives in Bedford County.
Ruby found both at the Rosemary & George Dawson Inn.
The 20-room inn, which opened in 2012 with the generous support of donors, provides lodging for patients, or family and friends of patients, who are receiving medical care at any Centra location. The inn is located steps away from Centra Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center and Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. It is also close to other Centra facilities.
“It’s like a home away from home,” Ruby says fondly. “When you are in the hospital or getting treatment, or you have a loved one in the hospital, it helps to be close and have people to talk to and lean on for support. The staff who work there at the Dawson Inn make you feel so comfortable. I truly love being there each time I need to stay.”
According to Ruby, the compassionate staff members go out of their way to offer comfort and support during every stay.
Ruby's first stay was in 2021 while receiving radiation at Pearson Cancer Center for breast cancer. She has stayed several times since then, including to receive checkups and excellent heart care at Centra. Her late husband, Hansford, also stayed with her and relied on the close accommodations to care facilities before he passed away.
Her most recent stays occurred while needed renovations and upgrades were taking place and not long after they were complete. The renovations were funded by the compassionate generosity of donors who give through the Centra Foundation.
“They gave me a preview of one of the rooms before it was finished and even asked my opinion,” Ruby says. “I thought it was great. The updates were really needed for patients who have to spend several days there or people like my husband who use a walker or wheelchair and need the rooms to be more accessible. They are really going to help patients.”
She is appreciative of the inn, donor support and the renovations.
“I would recommend staying at the Dawson Inn to anyone,” Ruby says. “You can come in, get a good night’s rest and then go to your appointment. A five-star hotel wouldn’t treat you any better. It’s a lovely place.”
Your generosity enhances facilities, provides support and helps patients like Ruby get the care they desperately need, regardless of ability to pay.
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