Each year, the WakeMed Foundation’s Annual Giving Campaign offers an opportunity to support hospital programs and services. We sat down with Larry Barbour, president and chief executive officer of North State Bank, and longtime board member and supporter of WakeMed to talk about why supporting WakeMed matters to him.

Larry Barbour’s Calling

Some people have jobs; others have careers. Some of us are fortunate enough to have a true calling – a desire to affect change.  For me, banking is a calling – which is why my life’s work has been establishing North State Bank. Our purpose at North State is to add value to the lives of the people we serve and to change people’s lives for the better with the work we do.

As such, I admire those organizations that can truly say their work changes people’s lives, and even more, I admire those individuals whose work is a true calling. I can think of no greater example of an impactful organization driven by people who go to work every day to fulfill a calling than WakeMed.

WakeMed’s History of Care for All People

Day in and day out, the nurses, physicians and leaders at WakeMed make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of those around us.  Without regard for socioeconomic status, race, religion or creed, WakeMed has a longstanding history of caring for everyone who turns to them for care. I respect that and honor the history that this hospital was founded upon – dating back to the 1960s when my grandparents spent their last days there. Similar to our values at North State Bank, a cornerstone of WakeMed’s values is treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Zachary’s Life and Memory

Many years ago, my wife and I lost our dear son, Zachary, to a cancerous brain tumor. His memory has had such an impact on our lives.  Even in his last days, Zachary spent more time thinking of others than himself. I’ll never forget during one of his last ambulance rides when he heard a call for a man who’d suffered a heart attack – Zachary asked me if we could pray for that man, someone he’d never met while he himself was suffering incredible pain. Zachary never gave up and never stopped caring for others – he inspires me to this day to reach out and help others.

Zachary’s Legacy Lives On

This life-changing experience taught me how much we can learn from our children – and that we can make this community better by enhancing their lives. Every day, WakeMed enhances the lives of children in this community by providing life-changing pediatric health care throughout Wake County.

That’s why my family and North State Bank have chosen to establish a two-million-dollar endowment in support of the WakeMed Children’s Hospital. With Zachary’s memory woven into this gift, my hope is that it will allow WakeMed to continue investing in the lives of children for generations to come.

Much like WakeMed, North State Bank was built by and for our community. We’re honored and humbled to support WakeMed – an incredible health system committed to improving the health and well-being of this community. I hope this gift will raise awareness for WakeMed Children’s and that it will inspire others to join us in supporting this great cause.

The WakeMed Foundation expresses a heartfelt THANK YOU to Larry Barbour and the North State Bank team for their generosity and support of WakeMed. The WakeMed Children’s Endowment will support the continued delivery of innovative pediatric programs and services in perpetuity.