Couple advances nursing excellence at Tacoma General Hospital through legacy gift

Becky Walsh and Jeff Cook are inspired by the same mission — to improve access to nursing education for generations to come. This passion stems from Becky’s 45-year career as a Critical Care Nurse at Virginia Mason Medical Center.

When Becky was in high school, she volunteered as a candy striper at an Aberdeen hospital.

“I discovered I really liked helping others experiencing an illness,” Becky shares.

She then attended Grays Harbor College and worked at the hospital as a ward clerk and nurse aide. There, Becky met a registered nurse (RN) who encouraged her to apply to Tacoma General Hospital School of Nursing (TGHSON).

Becky was accepted at TGHSON, and she also went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing.

“At TGHSON, I learned about the art, science and philosophy of nursing, while developing strong skills at the bedside,” Becky says. “I was also able to work at MultiCare Tacoma General and Mary Bridge Children’s Hospitals on the weekends to fund my education.”

Now, Becky and Jeff are committed to helping nurses grow in their careers.

The couple made a legacy commitment through their will and a beneficiary designation from their IRA to establish The Becky Walsh and Jeff Cook Endowment for Nursing Excellence, which will help care team members develop critical skills.

“I’d like to contribute to making it easier for working RNs to achieve an advanced degree,” Becky explains. “I believe that simulation education, and the technology which wasn’t available or as advanced when I was a student, provides optimal opportunities for nurses and other care teams to develop skills in critical clinical situations.”

To learn more, contact our gift planning team at 253-403-1264 or plannedgiving@multicare.org.