Candice Bolte

A retired New Jersey schoolteacher, Candice Bolte knows the importance of making a difference in the lives of others. That desire extends to helping the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center expand their excellent health-care services for individuals and families in the Morristown community. As Mrs. Bolte says, "This is our home, and it helps everyone in this area to have a world-class hospital."

Mrs. Bolte and her mother Frances spent considerable time frequenting other medical facilities. What they discovered is that some medical establishments felt more like a department of motor vehicles—like the patients were just a number. "At Morristown Medical, the doctors keep in mind what is best for the patient," she says. "It's not a place where patients just become experiments for the latest technology. The doctors at Morristown Medical explore all options, with surgery as a last resort." She adds, "They put the patient first."

That high quality of patient care is why Mrs. Bolte selected Morristown Medical when making her charitable bequest. "I'm a single woman, and I'm not wealthy," she notes. "But I can leave a gift in my will and do what I can to help."

Mrs. Bolte's career included teaching math at Belleville High School. She then worked at AT&T doing project management in their legislative area. After mass layoffs in 2001, she returned to teaching at Columbia High School. When her mom became seriously ill, Mrs. Bolte retired to care for her more fully.

"Mom and I believe it's important to help Morristown Medical. It's difficult on the patient and it's hard on family and friends if you have to travel a great distance when someone is ill," she says. "We need to work together and support each other. Morristown is not just for my family and friends—it helps everyone here."