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Foley Family Provides Lead Gift for Post-Acute Care Center in Blowing Rock

Throughout his successful career in manufacturing, Dennis Foley always had a knack for identifying problems and developing solutions. No one has benefited more from this positive outlook on business and life than his wife of 51 years, Diane.

In 2002, while living in Boone, NC, she was diagnosed with lymphoma. Dennis utilized his problem solving skills in researching the best options for his wife’s treatment. The initial choice was a world renowned cancer institution halfway across the country. Although the institution was well-equipped to treat the disease, it fell short in terms of treating both body and mind with compassionate care. Unsettled by their experience Dennis, after further research, opted to move his wife closer to home, to the Seby Jones Regional Cancer Center in Boone. It was there that the Foley’s met oncologist Dr. Herman Godwin. And the rest, as they say is history.

Diane and Dennis Foley
Diane and Dennis Foley

It soon became apparent to the Foley’s that Dr. Godwin, provided the caring, warm spirited, and calming demeanor that had been missing from the larger facility. Thankfully, Diane was officially declared cancer free after two years of chemo and radiation. The respect and appreciation both Diane and Dennis feel toward Dr. Godwin are a large part of their decision to donate.

Although the Foley’s have homes in Florida, Maine and North Carolina, they have developed a love for the area from 18 years of having a second home in the beautiful North Carolina Mountains.

Both Foley’s agree, “We have roots here. Our children and grandchildren live in the area. To have been able to avail ourselves of such wonderful care, and be in an area that we enjoy so much, is priceless”.

Over the years, the Foley’s have enthusiastically remained close to and in support of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS). They were intrigued, when a community needs assessment revealed that it would be in the best interest of the region to replace the existing Blowing Rock Rehabilitation and Davant Extended Care Center with a modern post-acute care center.

unnamed-1In need of donor support, the Foley’s graciously agreed to provide the lead gift of $3.75 million to construct The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge. This state-of-the-art, 112-bed post-acute care center will be located on a 68 acre tract of land alongside US 321 in Blowing Rock, NC. The facility will enhance the region’s access to short and long-term post-acute care for medical services. In addition, the Center will provide services for memory support, palliative care, rehabilitation, skilled nursing and an on-site medical clinic and pharmacy. Thanks to the generosity of the Foley’s and other private donors, the Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation is well on the way to reaching its capital campaign goal of $11.5 million. The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge is scheduled to open during the summer of 2016.

When asked why he was contributing, Dennis shared, “Like I have always said, no one wants to get sick. Different from finding a job or pursuing your education, getting sick is something over which you have very little control. After going down this road ourselves, we consider it a privilege to support the ever improving continuum of care that the healthcare system provides.”

To learn more about The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge visit www.chestnutridgeblowingrock.org. To learn more about Appalachian Regional Healthcare System visit www.apprhs.org.