Bette Albert, Donor, Elder House Call

Over the years, Bette Albert watched from her window as Johns Hopkins Bayview grew and changed from Baltimore City Hospitals to the Medical Center it is today. In 1994—six years after retiring from the Maryland Pilots as an administrative assistant—Bette decided to make a difference in her East Baltimore community and volunteer at the facility she often gazed upon.

As a weekly volunteer with the Elder House Call Program, a service that provides medical care to frail homebound patients, Bette fills home care boxes with the necessary medical supplies so physicians are prepared for their visits. She also works with new physicians and responds to questions about the program. Thirteen years and an amazing 3,000 volunteer hours later, Bette continues to volunteer with the Elder House Call Program, as well as the department of neurosurgery.

In addition to her time and talent, Bette and her husband, George, contribute financially to Johns Hopkins Bayview. Every month, they divide their financial support between the Elder House Call Program and the Johns Hopkins Burn Center. The Albert’s are proud to see their donations used in areas where they are needed most and helping the less fortunate. As patients who receive their own primary care services from geriatricians at the Care Center, the Albert’s also wish to honor the physicians and staff who have treated them so well.

 “I’m proud to be part of an institution whose mission is built around the community it serves,” Bette says. “These people really pay attention to their patients and see them through. I say ‘hallelujah’ for this wonderful group of people—the doctors, nurses and every member of the staff, old and new. They inspired me to quit smoking by showing me what it could do to my health. I think that will add a few years to my life.”

Johns Hopkins Bayview also is proud of Bette. The Association of Fundraising Professionals-Maryland Chapter named her an Unsung Hero for her contributions and commitment to the Medical Center. In 2007, Bette was recognized on National Philanthropy Day at an awards ceremony in front of nearly 1,000 people.