2    Cone Health Philanthropy
For years before she made a $1.5 million commitment to support women’s health, Dr. Vanessa Haygood 
carried the same thought with her every time she drove down Wendover Avenue in Greensboro and 
passed the MedCenter for Women: My mom’s name belongs on that building.
On page 8, you’ll discover why this mission means so much to Dr. Haygood. It’s about better health for all.
The We will be the ones  
campaign video 
celebrates the milestones 
your generosity achieved 
and describes the future 
we are building together.
Friends, we’re writing the 
early chapters of a different 
kind of health system.
Stories like hers are part of what I value most about 
this work. They open conversations with colleagues 
and neighbors across our community about the kind 
of health system we want to build together. We share a 
simple belief: The future of health care is prevention.
Of course, we’ll always be here when emergencies 
happen, but the new ways we’re working to keep 
people well are what will make a lasting difference in 
quality of life for all of us. We’re fully invested in whole-
person well-being, and being part of Risant Health gives 
us more to work with — better tools, deeper expertise 
and added strength to move new ideas forward. But 
at our core, we remain a community health system, 
grounded right here at home and committed to you.
I feel energized by this mission of wellness, and I’m 
not alone. Helping people thrive and achieve their best 
outcomes changes how philanthropy shows up. Our 
donors help move big ideas forward in ways that feel 
personal and close to home. Together, we are writing 
the early chapters of a different kind of health system.
That’s why we’ve been inviting you into conversations 
about how we care for our community (see our 
piece about value-based care, page 27). When you 
understand the shifts we’re making — and why — you 
help move that story forward.
Philanthropy and partnership drive this work — and 
our leadership model reflects this. The Cone Health 
Philanthropy Board, along with the Philanthropy Council 
and the Future Leaders Council, brings together voices 
from across our region while donors help shape what 
comes next.
This year showed me once again: Just as Cone Health 
stands with you, you stand with us. We surpassed 
our annual goal, and those gifts are already at 
work, strengthening prevention, expanding access 
and supporting caregivers across our region. That 
momentum also draws new talent to our teams (page 
6). They arrive with fresh ideas and a genuine desire to 
know this community. 
That same instinct led Dr. Haygood to look at a building 
on Wendover Avenue and see something beyond brick 
and glass.
She saw a promise. And she trusted it.
As we move through this next chapter together, I hope 
you recognize yourself in that story — and know how 
grateful we are to be building the future alongside you.
VICE PRESIDENT &  
CHIEF PHILANTHROPY OFFICER
michelle.schneider@conehealth.com

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