Inspiring Providers Through Education
Brad and Barbara Warady always knew they would make Children’s Mercy part of their planned giving. But they took the time to consider the best way to honor both of their careers and passions in their gift.
Brad Warady, MD is the Division Director of Pediatric Nephrology, and Director of Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation at Children’s Mercy. His wife, Barbara Warady, MS, RD, LD served for years as a Senior Clinical Nutrition Specialist at Children’s Mercy, too. They wanted to ensure that their gift honored both the fields of nutrition and nephrology.
“As time went on, we both recognized that the ongoing education of staff at Children’s Mercy is important if we want to continually improve the care we provide,” said Brad. “The providers at our hospital need to have the opportunity to learn more, not just from each other, but from the leading experts in their respective fields.”
By funding access to education, we’re contributing to the hospital mission by helping to make it possible for our clinicians to gain more knowledge to bring back to their patients and to share with their colleagues.
The Waradys knew that funds required to attend conferences and professional development opportunities are not always accessible for all providers, especially those early in their careers. The Dr. Bradley and Barbara Warady Endowed Fund for Nephrology and Nutrition Continuing Education helps providers obtain that support.
“For Children’s Mercy to be one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation, providers need to be educated and prepared to provide cutting edge therapies,” Barb said. “By funding access to education, we’re contributing to the hospital mission by helping to make it possible for our clinicians to gain more knowledge to bring back to their patients and to share with their colleagues.”
When the time is right
It was important to the Waradys to make this gift now, while they still feel closely engaged with the hospital, patients, families and staff. Barbara retired last year, while Brad remains Division Director of Nephrology.
“Even though Barb thinks it isn’t true, I’m not going to work forever,” Brad joked. “I love what I do and I have extraordinary, long-standing relationships with my patients and their families, which has always been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.”
Brad also reflected that opportunities for continuing education have made it possible for him to provide the best possible care for his patients and families, and how important it is to him to give that gift to others.
“Children’s Mercy has such a caring atmosphere and a community that is so dedicated to kids and families,” Barbara said. “It’s really amazing to see how we work together to do the best we can to help kids — that’s why [this gift] is so important to us.”
Give with your heart
The Waradys are hopeful that their gift will inspire others to set up similar funds and encourage them to be thoughtful about where their gifts go.
“Give it some thought,” said Brad. “Take time to find the answer that is right for you — make sure it’s impactful. Where is your heart; how do you want to make a difference?”
To learn more about including Children’s Mercy in your will and estate, contact the Philanthropy Gift Planning team at giftplanning@cmh.edu.