Willie Stargell Foundation gives $50K grant to NHRMC

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — On the 17th anniversary of Baseball Hall-of-Famer Willie Stargell’s death, his foundation presented a big gift to New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Stargell battled a kidney disorder during his final days in Wilmington.

This $50,000 grant will fund equipment, nutritional programs, and education for nephrology nurses in the NHRMC Willie Stargell Dialysis Unit.

Dr. James McCabe says the money will provide better care and hope for dialysis patients, which is what Willie would have wanted.

“It’ll help our patients. The chances of living, between life and death can be a matter of minutes and this type of equipment we have now can save lives,” Dr. McCabe said. “That’s ultimately what this day is all about. It’s about what Willie would want, which is to give people hope and know that we’ve got the best equipment.”

The Stargell Foundation also gave thousands of dollars to treatment centers around the state as well as local pharmacies and nursing programs at UNC Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College.