Huntsville Hospital Foundation was recently surprised with a bequest from the estate of Leah Bruno. Our team is sorry that we never had the opportunity to meet Leah and get to know her, but are delighted to help her story live on. 

Hers is a heartwarming and unassuming story. Leah worked her entire life as a janitor. She was never married and had no children.  

Soon after retiring, Leah started having memory problems. Leah always loved walking, but her dementia continually got worse and she became legally blind -- but that never stopped her from doing the walks she loved so much. Unfortunately, Leah had to go to Huntsville Hospital many times because of falls that happened while on her walks.  According to Leah’s sister, Leah was always very grateful for the care she received at Huntsville Hospital.

That gratitude is now helping others. Leah’s bequest is being used to enhance and expand the work of the hospital’s Forget Me Not program.  Forget Me Not helps caregivers better communicate with and care for patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia thanks to innovative, immersive training and ongoing education. A patient’s room has special signage and the patient is given a specific armband so employees are alerted and know how to best interact. Patients are given fidget blankets or sleeves and other items to help reduce their anxiety. The name Forget Me Not comes from the Forget Me Not flower, which symbolizes true love and respect. When you give someone these tiny blooms, it represents a promise that you will always remember them and keep them in your thoughts. They are considered a symbol of fidelity and faithfulness.

We honor Leah and will truly always remember this kind gift. We are very grateful for her desire to give back to the hospital that cared for her.