OUR STORY
About the Whitman Foundation
From one family's resilience to a community mission.
JACKIE'S STORY
From Personal Triumph to Community Mission
In 2024, Jackie Whitman faced an extraordinary battle that would not only transform her life but inspire a movement of compassion and community support.
After being admitted to Saratoga Hospital with pneumonia, Jackie's condition rapidly progressed to septic shock and heart failure, leading to an emergency airlift to Westchester Medical Center.
Through 16 grueling days in Emergency/Intensive Care, Jackie demonstrated remarkable resilience — and her journey would require even more strength as she faced multiple surgeries, including partial amputation of her fingers and both legs below the knees.
WHY WE STARTED THE WHITMAN FOUNDATION
Throughout her challenging journey, Jackie's spirit and the overwhelming support from her community sparked a vision larger than herself. As a devoted wife and mother of three, she recognized that while she was fortunate to have a strong support system, many families face similar crises without the same resources.
At the heart of our work is the Financial Assistance Fund — providing immediate support for families facing unexpected medical challenges, covering critical expenses from medical bills to household necessities. During a health crisis, no family should have to choose between medical care and keeping the lights on.
We are building partnerships with local healthcare providers and community organizations to create a comprehensive, sustainable support network. Through community engagement, we raise awareness and create volunteer opportunities that strengthen the bonds that make our community resilient.