05/23/2023
Blue Cross NC Awards the First Quarter's Medicare Agent Community Impact Grant to Tim's Gift, Inc.
How One NC Insurance Agent with a Big Heart Continues to Support Patients and Their Families
Date: 05/04/2023
In life, you don’t always get the opportunity to see the difference you make, the kindness you spread, or the light you ignite in others. This year’s first quarter recipient of the Medicare Agent Community Impact Grant is the story of one man’s generosity – the gift of his time, finances, and friendship – and the spark that continues to bless others today.
Tim’s Gift
In March of 2007, nurse Donna Reedy began caring for a new patient battling a rare form of brain cancer that spread to his spine. Bedridden and on hospice care, Tim Spell, a beloved former insurance agent from Clinton, North Carolina, was declining rapidly. As Donna cared for Tim, she learned more about his family, his business, and his years of service to the community.
Donna worked countless hours making sure Tim and his family were comforted and cared for. She often picked up and paid for items Tim needed that weren’t provided by insurance. One Sunday in April, Tim’s family and friends gathered in his home for a worship service. That morning, his loved ones collected $400 for Donna, to thank her for the care she had shown the Spell family. That evening, Tim passed away.
Donna used the love offering, affectionately called Tim’s Gift, to begin meeting the temporary medical, emotional, and spiritual needs of hospice and cancer patients and their families.
The Gift That Continues to Give
A year after Tim’s death, Donna met with his wife, Becky, and shared accounts of families whom she was able to help because of Tim’s Gift. Becky and Donna began working together to reach additional patients and their families. With their mission before them, and because no other name seemed appropriate for this organization, Tim’s Gift, Inc. was born.
Today, Tim’s Gift:
Provides medical supplies and equipment for patients in need, as well as financial assistance for medical bills not covered by insurance
Strives to improve the quality of life and provide ministry teams to meet the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families
Holds a strong conviction to help widows and children
On April 1, 2023, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina’s (Blue Cross NC) team was honored to award $10,000 to Tim’s Gift (picture attached, below). The organization was nominated for the grant by Eve Black-Venters, one of the top Medicare agents in Clinton, North Carolina.
“Tim’s Gift is an important organization for our community,” said Eve. “I’m thankful for the staff who are always willing to assist those who are struggling with financial difficulties due to medical expenses. Tim Spell was an insurance agent and a kind man with a big heart! I think it’s wonderful that his legacy lives on through this charity that serves others.”
Blue Cross NC is grateful for individuals like Tim Spell and Donna Reedy, whose legacy and generosity is making a difference for those who need end-of-life care.
So, when you reflect on a life well-lived, don’t miss the chance to make a difference and spread some kindness. You just might ignite a light in others that shines well after you’re gone.
Is there an organization that’s close to your heart? Somewhere you serve, or a place that’s affecting positive change where you live and work? What might an unexpected gift of $10,000 do for your local community?
Click here to complete the Medicare Agent Community Impact Quarterly Grant Program nomination form. Our Committee will choose one North Carolina organization to support each quarter this year.
We can’t wait to hear your stories and honor the organizations that inspire you!
