East Central Reporter

Tom Bariether, a resident of Mattoon, has donated $1,000 to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation in memory of his parents, Hezzy and Celia Bariether. The donation is intended to support the Regional Cancer Center. This contribution marks what would have been his parents' 69th wedding anniversary. Both Hezzy and Celia were longtime residents of Mattoon; Hezzy passed away in 2015, while Celia died in 2012.

Tom Bariether, who works as a real estate broker with Coldwell Banker in Mattoon, expressed his motivation for the donation: “The Regional Cancer Center is a special place and the staff there took exceptional care of my mom,” he said. “Giving back to the community in this way both honors my parents and helps others seeking care there.” In recognition of a significant donation made by Tom during the Regional Cancer Center Capital Campaign in 2015, a plaque was installed in the infusion area honoring Hezzy and Celia.

SBL Foundation Director Amy Card acknowledged Tom's continued generosity: “Tom continues to make generous donations to the Foundation that truly benefit this community,” she stated. “Donations like this benefit the most vulnerable of our cancer center patients who are unable to work or lose insurance coverage during treatment. His donation is truly a gift that will help so many.”

For those interested in contributing to SBL, further information can be obtained by contacting the SBL Health Foundation at 217-258-2511.