Meet Donor Cynthia Crawford
“Giving connects me to my community, and it’s how I keep Larry’s legacy moving forward.”
You’ll find Cynthia Crawford at nearly every Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation event with a smile, a story, and a helping hand. Whether she’s welcoming guests at Soirée by the Sea or handing out sweet treats at the candy hole during Golf for Life, Cynthia’s presence has become a welcome staple of The Foundation.
If you have had the opportunity to be around Cynthia Crawford count yourself as one of the lucky ones. She is a constant beacon of warmth and generosity.
What makes her presence even more remarkable is the journey of giving and unwavering commitment to philanthropy. After losing her beloved husband Larry, Cynthia turned to her community for comfort. In giving back, she found purpose, connection, and a new kind of joy.
Why It’s In Cynthia’s Nature to Give
For Cynthia, philanthropy isn’t just about dollars raised, it’s about showing up. She gives her time, her heart, and her energy to ensure others feel welcome and supported.
Her story is a reminder that generosity can be an everyday act. Cynthia’s presence at Foundation events lights up a room. She remembers names. She notices people. She makes others feel like they belong.
“I’ve received so much just by being involved,” Cynthia says. “It’s given me a sense of community – and a way to honour my husband’s memory through kindness.”
Carrying Larry’s Legacy
Cynthia’s journey with the Hospital Foundation began alongside her late husband, Larry. While undergoing cancer treatment, Larry became aware of just how critical medical imaging equipment was to the care he received at NRGH. It sparked something in him. He began making donations to improve diagnostic capabilities and support the future of a new Intensive Care Unit. Although his cancer subsided, Larry later developed congestive heart failure. He passed away in 2021.
After his passing, Cynthia learned that Larry’s gifts had helped purchase vital imaging equipment and had contributed meaningfully to the ICU project he believed in so deeply. Witnessing the tangible impact of his generosity stirred something in Cynthia. She felt inspired — not only to honour Larry’s memory, but to continue the legacy they had started together.
Cynthia chose to make a planned gift of her own. Her legacy will support future equipment, research, and care, with a special focus on the Heart & Stroke Care program. After reading about the Foundation’s Vision 2030 and Beyond, she was moved by plans for a future Cardiac Catheterization Lab — one that will help patients like Larry receive life – saving procedures right here in our region. It’s In My Nature – Donor Stories FINAL.docx “We need to ensure the quality of the hospital in our community,” Cynthia says. “That’s why I chose to give.”
A Legacy of Giving
Cynthia’s is a testament to the many forms giving can take: time, energy, kindness, and yes, legacy. She embodies the spirit of the campaign and the very best of our community. Her impact will carry on for future generations of patients and families in our region. It’s a powerful act of hope, and a reflection of the life she leads.
