The past twenty years have brought amazing changes: The growth of Windber Medical Center, a modest, rural hospital, into the engine of the local economy and a nationally-recognized center of healthcare advancement and innovation.

Our neighbors have benefited from the comfort and care of Windber Hospice, the state's first rural hospice program.

Innovative scientific and holistic programs are leading the national fight against breast cancer at the Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center.

This former coal mining town is now the home of the Windber Research Institute, one of the most advanced genetic research laboratories in the world. At WRI, the power of knowledge is focused on finding cures for breast and ovarian cancer, and gaining a better understanding of obesity, diabetes, arthritis, menopause and the aging process—efforts that will save the lives of many and improve the quality of life for many more.

Some have gone so far as to call this transformation a miracle. The rise of this institution—an organization with the potential to create boundless benefits for mankind—may seem to be an act of God. Perhaps it is more appropriate to say that God has blessed this work… the work of neighbors, patients, businesses, doctors, nurses, planners, public servants and visionaries… that above all else truly, genuinely care about helping their neighbors and ensuring that this institution survives and thrives.

We welcome the support of our community and appreciate your gifts of time, money and resources. That support takes many forms: volunteers, who transport the elderly to their doctor's appointments, assist our nurses or knit Afghans for hospice families. Others make financial contributions or form trusts and endowments that fund new programs and equipment. There are musicians who perform in our hallways, and those who give of themselves through other in-kind contributions.

But before you offer your time, your money or your resources, certain questions must be answered:

• Will my contribution make a real difference in the life of another person?
  
• Will my contribution improve the quality of life in our community?
  
• Will my contribution make the future better?
  
• Will my contribution be appreciated and used wisely?

Our purpose is to help you to find positive answers to those questions, that will lead you to a decision to support the vital work of Windber Medical Center and the Windber Research Institute.