People’s Hospice, a department of United Hospital Center, received a check for $276,432.34 from the estate of Gleason T. Kuhn. He lived by a coherent principle, never underestimate the value of kindness or a simple gift.

 

Kuhn’s daughter died at the age of five from a brain tumor. This tragedy sparked his desire to help others, as a humble man he changed the lives of so many by putting others first.

 

During the course of his lifetime, Kuhn was a business man and entrepreneur, he and his wife, Jeannie, made the decision to live a simpler life in order to help others. What makes him unique is he did everything for anonymity, not for recognition.

 

Mary Jo Thomas, executrix for the estate of Gleason Kuhn, former president of the United Way of Board of Directors of Marion County, cherished him as a virtuous person and helped in the selling of his estate. She often refers to him as a patient man who adored children, and someone who wanted to positively impact the world even after his death.

 

Kuhn believed that being kind and always helping one another should be instinctive. Whenever he helped someone, he called it a “hand up,” not a handout. He never wanted people to feel obligated to repay or thank him.

 

“Gleason always made a difference,” said Linda Carte, RN, MSN, AOCN, vice president of oncology and post-acute care at UHC. “He dedicated himself and resources to the people of North Central West Virginia; thereby, leaving a legacy ‘to always be selfless.’”

 

Kuhn’s wishes were for an organization that would spend this money wisely. As a not-for-profit hospice, there are times when patients come in with limited or no resources; by accepting this donation, it will help to emphasize quality and comfort when a cure is nolonger possible. Carte said that the donation means so much more when you look above the needs of your own.

 

Pictured: People’s Hospice, a department of United Hospital Center, received a check for $276,432.34 from the estate of Gleason T. Kuhn. From Fairmont, Kuhn lived by a coherent principle, do not underestimate the value of kindness or a simple gift. From left Mike Tillman, CEO of UHC; Linda Carte, RN, MSN, AOCN, vice president of oncology and post-acute care at UHC; and Mary Jo Thomas, executrix for the estate of Gleason Kuhn, former president of the United Way of Board of Directors, presenting a check for $276,432.34.