Our Stories

Cindy Williams, a nurse educator at St. David’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas, has spent her HCA Healthcare career helping patients navigate what comes next – from understanding discharge instructions to managing care after they leave the hospital. She had long followed stories about the HCA Healthcare Hope Fund through colleague communications. But after a microburst flooded her condo, she found herself on the other side of those stories.

One minute, Cindy was fine. The next, water was bursting through her doors. The damage forced her to remove flooring and drywall and left her displaced for several weeks. She stayed with a friend while repairs were underway, but being away from home for so long was difficult. Even then, she hesitated to ask for help. She knew other colleagues were facing times of need too, and she wondered whether her situation was significant enough.

Her coworkers encouraged her to apply to the Hope Fund and gave her the final push she needed. When Cindy learned she would receive assistance, she said it took a weight off her shoulders. She was able to move home and helped make the transition back much smoother.

The experience changed Cindy’s perspective on asking for help. She wants colleagues to know that the Hope Fund is there for a wide range of unexpected events. Her message is simple: it’s okay to accept help, and the Hope Fund is here to help colleagues in times of need.