Community joins largest not-for-profit health system in Texas in investing in region’s well-being.
The growth in Waxahachie is a significant story in Texas, with new residents attracted to the city’s hometown feel, beautiful scenery and access to amenities. Nearly 50,000 people call Waxahachie home in 2024, and Ellis County’s population is forecast to double by the year 2050.
Baylor Scott & White Health is working to empower residents in Ellis County, where the hospital serves as the largest private employer, to live well. A capital campaign recently kicked off to expand Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Waxahachie to support the growing community’s healthcare needs.
Bonney Ramsey, a dedicated resident, volunteer and longtime board member of BSW – Waxahachie, was the first to make a gift toward the expansion.
“Baylor has been an integral part of my family for a very long time. The care is always the same compassionate, loving care, so it is my honor to have an opportunity to give back to Baylor Scott & White for all it has done for us,” Bonney said about the gift, which she made in honor of her late husband, Mike.
Bonney and others are joining Baylor Scott & White in ensuring the hospital that has cared for residents for more than 100 years has the facilities to provide care for generations to come.
“Philanthropy drives our progress
and accelerates our impact,” said Will Turner, president of BSW – Waxahachie. “Our community takes to heart the needs of its residents and invests in lifesaving services, new facilities and advanced technology to provide for that need.” Donor support helps fund patient- centered programs such as oncology patient navigation, nursing education, chaplaincy and more.
In the last five years, the hospital has increased outpatient visits by more than 53 percent, inpatient stays have grown by 41 percent, and births have increased by 25 percent—underscoring the need for expansion. In February, BSW – Waxahachie broke ground on a six-story tower to add more than 90 new patient beds to high-volume areas such as the emergency department, women and children’s services, intensive care unit and medical/surgical patient rooms.
“The growth in our patient volumes would make anyone sit up and take notice, and Baylor Scott & White is committed to growing where the need exists to support health and well-being across our great state,” Will said. “Witnessing the continued investment from early donors, many of whom have supported us for years, is inspiring,” he added. “We are profoundly grateful for their support in building the future of medicine in Ellis County.”
To be a part of this transformational project, an investment in the future of healthcare in Ellis County, please contact Casey Hogan at 214.820.2681 or Casey.Hogan@BSWHealth.org.
Waxahachie Warriors: Dinah and Ray Weable Lead Community Crusade Against Breast Cancer
Dinah Weable’s journey began in 2001 with a diagnosis of breast cancer. The experience was a pivotal one for the Weables as it underscored how essential early detection is.
“My breast cancer was caught right here in Waxahachie,” Dinah said. “I was religious about getting my yearly mammogram and after I had mine, the technician called and asked me to come back. She said she noticed something that wasn’t there a year ago. We caught it quickly, which I think is most important.” Dinah then underwent a mastectomy at Baylor University Medical Center without needing further treatment.
Dinah and Ray felt called to help cover the costs of mammograms for underserved women in Ellis County. Catching cancer at its earliest stages can lead to higher survival rates and less-aggressive treatments. Yet the cost of a mammogram, which can be several hundred dollars, leads some women to delay screening.
To address this need, the Weables brought their community together for local events to raise funds and awareness for early diagnosis through mammography
and created a foundation to house donations.
With the support of local businesses and community members, since 2018, the Dinah Weable Breast Cancer Foundation has donated $260,000 to the Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation to provide mammograms to underserved women in Ellis County. To date, the effort has helped women who would otherwise be unable to afford this care receive more than 1,700 mammograms, a testament to the power of philanthropy in caring for the community.
