Relationship Benefits Family

A Daughter’s Perspective of Excellent Local Healthcare

Baker Tange had a great start in life when she was born at McLeod Regional Medical Center. Growing up in Florence and eventually marrying another Florentine, Chad Tange, Baker is firmly devoted to this community.

She began her relationship with the McLeod Health Foundation by attending a Circle of Excellence Sunday Funday. The Circle of Excellence is a young giving society organized through the McLeod Health Foundation. It is comprised of individuals and couples 45 and under, who contribute $500 or more annually to support the work of the Foundation.

Baker and Chad joined the group and began learning more about the impact of philanthropy on the community she loves. 

Her knowledge of McLeod Health continued to grow as she participated in the McLeod Fellows program. This eight-month program provides community leaders  with the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at medicine and to explore the complex issues driving healthcare today while demonstrating the continuing need for philanthropy.

During McLeod Fellows, Baker was particularly interested  in the McLeod Cancer Center presentation as two days prior, her mother, Cely Anne Brigman, shared with the family that she had just been newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

After undergoing surgery and completing radiation, Baker shared in her mother’s celebration as she joyfully rang the bell. 

One month later, Baker learned that her father, Rich Reynolds, had suffered a massive stroke. While some suggested moving him to Columbia or Charleston, Baker confidently encouraged him and her stepmother to remain at McLeod Regional Medical Center for his care. After making miraculous strides in the Intensive Care Unit, her dad was discharged and continued his therapy at the McLeod Outpatient Rehabilitation Center.

“I am really passionate about McLeod Health and the ways I can serve our community through my volunteering. The years I spent getting involved through McLeod Fellows and the Circle of Excellence gave me the confidence in McLeod I needed when my parents faced medical crises,” shares Baker.

For Baker and her family, frightening health crises gave them a new appreciation for the value of excellent local healthcare. Baker’s knowledge of the quality of care available at McLeod also helped her guide their wise medical choices including a recurrence of Cely Anne’s cancer.

“Knowing that your community has your back when it matters most is incredible,” explains Baker. “I got to see firsthand how powerful the mission of McLeod Health really is.”

  Baker and Chad are proud that their giving through the Circle of Excellence will continue to support the services that have been so vital for her family and others in their beloved community.

Baker will continue to help guide this generous group as she takes the reigns as Chair in the coming year. Her personal experience over the past few years has given her a unique perspective as she prepares to lead this dedicated group of young donors.