Reflecting on three decades as a Brigham patient, Joan Moynagh Sholley is touched by the exceptional care that she, her husband, Adam, and their family have received from the dedicated staff who helped them along the way.

“In all cases, the staff were truly extraordinary,” she says.
The Sholleys’ Brigham story began with the birth of their three children. Their niece was also born at the Brigham; and throughout each experience, Joan says they were amazed by the level of care.

Years later, Joan and Adam turned to the Brigham when they each experienced unexpected medical issues. Reflecting on her husband’s experience with neurosurgeon Nirav Patel, MD, Joan says Dr. Patel and his colleagues went above and beyond.

“From the minute we walked into Dr. Patel’s office, we felt everything was going to be OK,” Joan says. “It was really noteworthy that he and his entire team were completely available during the whole process and recovery.”

The extraordinary nurses they encountered at the Brigham stood out as well. Their devotion and care made Joan and her family feel reassured and supported, despite the many other patients and families at the hospital.

Their experiences at the Brigham inspired Joan and Adam to give back. Touched by the tireless efforts of their clinicians, they were drawn to making a gift to the Caregiver’s Fund, which supports the hospital’s community of caregivers. In conjunction with their gift, they decided to have a message inscribed on a mirror as part of the Brigham’s Helix display. Located on the hospital’s main campus, this DNA-shaped installation of mirrors provides donors with the opportunity to honor a caregiver or loved one with a message of gratitude.

The inscription on their mirror reads:

With gratitude for
George, Anne and Peter Sholley,
And Elizabeth O’Keefe,
each born at the Brigham
THE SHOLLEY FOUNDATION

Joan and Adam felt that the Helix display was the perfect opportunity to acknowledge their “Brigham babies” while also honoring the care their family has received over the years. They hope their message inspires others to do the same.

“We hope when caregivers walk by this wall, they’ll realize how many lives they’ve touched, and will see that people in their community wanted to acknowledge the exceptional care they received at the Brigham,” Joan says.