Nearly a decade later, George remains cancer-free and credits early detection for giving him more time with his family and a greater appreciation for life. He encourages others who might be at risk to get screened.

As rural hospitals across Vermont face declining birth rates, workforce shortages, and financial pressures, NMC remains dedicated to preserving access to local maternity services. We are continuing to explore ways we can ensure long-term sustainability while continuing to provide comprehensive support for parents and newborns. NMC’s focus and commitment remains unchanged: We will continue to deliver exceptional care and support our community for generations to come. 

Foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Kristin Kindred performed Carolina’s ankle fusion procedure, which was then followed by physical therapy. Carolina is now walking independently and has returned to hiking, traveling, and the activities she loves.

During the celebration, Dr. Montagne shared many quotes from Medical Staff members including: “She demonstrates a deep and consistent investment in the people of this institution, a genuine care for the community, and an unwavering commitment to the patients she serves. She is a meticulous surgeon who consistently goes above and beyond her job description in pursuit of exceptional care and the protection of access to care in our community.”

The pinning tradition dates to the 1860’s when Florence Nightingale was awarded the Red Cross of St. George for her tireless work with injured soldiers during the Crimean War. She was known as the “Lady with the Lamp” as she tended to wounded soldiers at night.  This tradition has been widely used in the US since the early 1900’s, it’s an intimate ceremony to symbolize entering the profession, while graduation celebrates their academic degree completion, which was held Saturday, May16 in Randolph.

The boost in funding provides even more support to community members facing serious medical challenges in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. 

The fund was created over 25 years ago in memory of Jim Bashaw, a beloved teacher, guidance counselor, and basketball coach at Bellows Free Academy St. Albans. People remember his humor, kindness, and the way he always lifted others’ spirits.  

When Jim was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2000, the community came together to support him and his family. 

His wife, Shari Bashaw, remembers her running group organizing the first Run for Jim, which brought out 750 people. She was deeply grateful for the support they received before he passed away the following August. 

“If you don’t have hope, then what do you have?” she says. 

Her own experience taught her how hard it can be, both emotionally and financially, when someone you love gets a serious medical diagnosis. 

“Even though you have good insurance, you’re losing two incomes, and it can be devastating,” she says. “I really wanted to give back, especially after so many community members came out to support Jim.” 

Most people who apply to the fund are dealing with cancer, especially cancers of the head, neck, throat, breast, and lungs. The fund also helps people who have suffered a serious injury and are unable to work.  

Every dollar raised goes straight to families, since NMC covers all administrative costs.  

The Fund is well supported by the community, who have consistently donated to help keep it sustainable.  

• The BFA vs MVU Powder Puff game is one of the largest fundraisers, and in 2025 those schools raised $18,000 for the Bashaw Fund. 

• The annual Run/Walk for Jim is another one of the ongoing fundraisers with a big impact. In 2025 event raised $17,000. 

• Other schools and businesses around the region host “pink” events, too, like MVU’s Pink the Rink and BFA’s breast cancer awareness volleyball game. 

Nucar Ford St. Albans also supports the fund with its annual Nucar Cares campaign every October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Private donations help, too. 

“The Bashaw Fund is local, and there’s no overhead,” Shari says. “Every single penny that’s raised goes right to people in need.”

“He made everybody feel like they were his best friend, regardless of how long he knew you. And that was a gift that he had, and a gift he shared with all of us,” Marlow says. 

Sometimes, the Run for Jim is dedicated to others in the community who have experienced loss. In 2026, the race honored Mike Miller, who died from cancer the year before. 

“We’re talking about making it a tradition to dedicate the race in memory of someone each year,” Shari says. “It just makes it that much more meaningful for everyone involved.” 

The Powder Puff game, which also raises money for Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, shows Bashaw’s inclusive spirit, too. 

“Anyone can play in the Powder Puff. Jim’s message was always to embrace everybody. So that’s why this game is so special because that’s exactly what it does,” Marlow says. 

Math teacher Jennifer Parent, who helps organize the Powder Puff game, says the event’s greatest strength is how it brings the community together. 

“We remind the teams that they may never know exactly who they’ve helped,” Parent says. “But the event is bigger than any one person, and that’s what makes it so powerful.” 

For student Maddie Messier, the Bashaw Fund and events like the Powder Puff teach students about teamwork and community. 

“We’ve had family members pass away from cancer, and to be able to honor them by playing in the Powder Puff and helping to contribute to the Bashaw Fund gives us a sense of how to make a difference,” Messier says. 

Shari says the spirit of community and compassion keeps the Bashaw Fund going strong year after year. 

“I don’t want anyone to forget Jim,” she says. “If we can give people a little hope and take a little of the stress off, that’s what matters. And that’s what Jim would have wanted.” 

As part of an annual tradition, NMC recognized the year’s first newborn with a gift basket filled with baby essentials, toys, keepsakes, and treats for the new parents. The celebration reflects the hospital’s commitment to supporting families through life’s most meaningful moments and highlights the compassionate care that makes every birth at NMC a memorable one.

The award was presented by Barbara Toof, the Chair of NMC’s Board of Directors.  “Tonight, we’re proud to recognize someone whose service reflects the values of this award in a lasting way, through steady leadership, a true commitment to community, and a family legacy of caring for Franklin County,” said Toof.