Widow donates $1M to hospital for permanent PET scanner in late husband's honor

A woman is honoring her late husband with a generous donation that will help improve care for others in the community. 

Carole and Tom Bloodgood were longtime residents of Greenfield, Indiana, with the couple living there for 60 years before Tom fell ill, requiring the duo to relocate closer to family in 2023. Throughout Tom’s illness, he was treated at Hancock Health, where he underwent numerous CT scans to monitor his progress. These appointments proved challenging for the couple, as the mobile scanner was used by multiple facilities and often booked out. 

Recalling these struggles, Bloodgood took it upon herself after her husband’s passing to lend a hand to the Hancock Health Foundation in their efforts to care for patients in the area. The longtime Greenfield resident donated $1 million to go toward installing a permanent PET/CT scanner at Hancock Health. 

“Tom believed strongly in giving back, and we were always grateful to have quality healthcare close to home,” Bloodgood told the Greenfield Reporter. “I am pleased to support something that will help so many patients and families. I know that would make him smile.” 

Currently, the organization relies on a mobile PET scanner that parks once every week. However, demand has grown for PET/CT scans in the area, rising by around 60% over the last three years alone. This has created bottlenecks for patients requiring PET imaging. Responding to this issue, the hospital foundation created a $3 million Future Focus campaign to help fund a permanent solution. Bloodgood’s gift will significantly speed up the organization’s timeline for making the new scanner a reality. 

Julia Compton, MD, vice president of oncology at Hancock Health, said that the donation will help reduce wait times and improve care for other patients. Nancy Davis, the foundation’s executive director added that it “will have a lasting impact for years to come.”