Erich and Audrey Spangenberg were truly inspired.
Taking a tour of the Blanche Swanzy Lange Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, they saw some of the hospital's most vulnerable patients. In incubator after incubator, premature newborn babies were struggling for every breath and clinging to life. They saw tiny children engaged in a fight for survival. These babies, if they progressed enough, would graduate from one room to the next in their long struggle to live a normal life and join their families at home.
The Spangenbergs felt they had to get involved.
The Spangenberg Family Foundation for the Benefit of Children's Education and Healthcare supports charitable efforts in education and medical research. Their foundation has contributed $500,000 to Baylor Health Care System Foundation to create a fund that will benefit the NICU.
"You are really saving lives," Audrey said, explaining the inspiration for their support for Baylor, which will impact the health and well-being of thousands of children for decades to come.
Erich is a Dallas attorney and the owner of several small companies. Audrey serves as chairperson and chief executive officer of FPX, LLC, the senior executive manager and principal owner of FP Tech Holdings and a managing member of Acclaim Financial Group, LLC. She is also active in Dallas philanthropic work. Their son, Christian is a junior at Valley Forge Military Academy & College in Pennsylvania.
The Lange NICU cares for 750 infants every year, about half of whom are very pre-term, low-birth weight and/or seriously ill. Because these infants may stay in the NICU for weeks or even months, what is done – or not done – during that time can have a profound impact on their lives. A NICU baby's brain and nervous system develop rapidly during the extended period of incubator care.
A plaque recognizing the gift will read: "In appreciation for the generosity of Christian Spangenberg and the Spangenberg Family Foundation."
Christian has been studying with an ultimate goal of going to law school. But after a visit to the Riggs Emergency Department at Baylor Dallas, he is rethinking that plan and considering becoming a doctor himself.
About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform — MyBSWHealth. Through 52 hospitals and more than 1,300 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com