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Cattle Rancher Shows Gratitude With a Nontraditional Gift

Pat and Babe Goggins

Each year, the Goggins family donates the proceeds from the sale of Lot 17 to support their endowment.

A high school basketball game is typically rowdy, but when Pat Goggins had a heart attack and stroke at his grandson's game in January 2008, there was silence.

"It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop," recalls Pat's wife, Babe. "I don't think anyone will ever forget that night."

Bystanders—including a St. Vincent Healthcare nurse—sprang into action, administering CPR until the SVH HELP helicopter arrived to transport Pat to the hospital.

Pat spent three weeks at St. Vincent Healthcare, an SCL Health facility in Billings, Montana, including 17 days in St. Vincent Healthcare New Hope rehab. This "bigger than life" cattle rancher lost sight in one eye and had to learn how to walk again. Despite these challenges, the Goggins were impressed with the level of compassionate care Pat received.

"It was amazing from the time we went in until the time we came out," Babe remembers.

Once released, Pat was overjoyed to return to Vermilion Ranch, where the Gogginses, along with their six children and 16 grandchildren, raise Angus cattle. In recognition of Pat's care, the Gogginses wanted to express their gratitude to the hospital and team of healthcare professionals who had aided in his road to recovery by donating a bull to St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation.

This special tradition has continued during their twice-yearly cattle auctions: They donate the proceeds from the sale of Lot 17, representing the 17 days Pat spent in rehab, to benefit the Goggins Family Endowment for New Hope Rehabilitation at St. Vincent Healthcare.

"They were very good to him," notes Babe. "I hope they keep doing what they've been doing, helping people who need help."

Pat passed away on Dec. 31, 2015. Babe is grateful for the years she and her family had with Pat after his heart attack and stroke. It's meaningful to her knowing that their endowment supports, and will continue to support, rehabilitation services in perpetuity.

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To learn more about supporting SCL Health facilities in Montana with a gift in your will or other estate plan, contact your local foundation using the links below.