On October 18, 2012, at the age of 73, Joan Ingram secured a national base of funding for the many local charities she supports. Launched with a cold call to the Dr. Phil Foundation on behalf of Raintree Children and Family Services, Joan’s lifeline of support has since grown to reach even more people in need. With yet another donation from the foundation to Padua Pediatrics last year, New Orleans-area charities continue to benefit from the generosity of donors nationwide – and from Joan’s tireless commitment to make this world a better place.

It takes years of life experience to channel good intentions into a real impact on the many things in life more important than ourselves. With maturity we can finally realize that our place in the universe lies not at the center but throughout, connected to everyone else by a shared life experience. This realization grew into a life mission for Joan while visiting a program for children with severe disabilities. With a simple caress, Joan calmed a crying baby – and experienced a profound sense of purpose and connection with those in need.

Raising funds by phone isn’t difficult when Joan thinks about that baby or of countless others she has helped over the years. The life experience that comes with age can fuel a powerful confidence. This empowering confidence overcomes the need for outsiders to affirm our value, and it guides us toward the things in life that truly matter. For the lives she has enriched through her strength and experience, our heartfelt thanks go out to Joan.

Joan Ingram … Peoples Health Champion.