Martha Hurley

Martha's Hurley's grandson James passed away in 1992 when he was just 12 years old, but his memory lives on in the hearts of his friends and family. Martha wanted to create a tangible and enduring tribute to her grandson. In 1999, she made an outright gift to establish the Melvin and James Hurley Endowment for Education in Orthopedics, in honor of both James and her late husband, Melvin.

Subsequently, Martha took the simple step of adding a bequest to Packard Children's Hospital in her will, ensuring that her special tribute and contribution to children's health will last even beyond her lifetime. She also became a member of the Lucile Salter Packard Society, which recognizes individuals who include the Hospital in their estate plans.

The Hurley Endowment provides the orthopedics department at Packard Children's with the resources to pursue a variety of crucial and innovative educational initiatives. In past years, these have included the sponsorship of visiting professorships and presentations at academic conferences. Martha chose to direct her support to this area in recognition of Melvin's lifelong career as an orthopedist, as well as the excellent treatment that James and his family received at Stanford.

James was only 4 years old when he was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer of the connective tissue. Throughout the eight years that he endured trips in and out of the Hospital, James remained a good sport and displayed his vivid personality. Martha fondly recounts stories of James entertaining himself by signing different names into the Hospital logbook at each admission--variously using ''James,'' ''James Patrick,'' or the playful ''J.P.''

Martha also remembers the outstanding care that Packard doctors, nurses, and staff provided to their entire family. Lawrence Rinsky, MD, now chief of pediatric orthopedic surgery, performed two important surgeries for James. James's older brother, Arthur, kept up with schoolwork by attending the Hospital School.

Thanks to a generous gift made through her estate plan, Martha has guaranteed an enduring legacy of support for the Hospital on behalf of James, Melvin, and her entire family.