When New York native David Allen, M.D., completed his oncology fellowship in 1974, he joined Duke Medical School classmate, Vann Austin, M.D., at Pinehurst Medical Clinic. As the first board certified oncologist to practice at Moore Regional Hospital, Dr. Allen was instrumental in guiding and developing the hospital's cancer services.
His wife, Kathleen, was the first oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist at Moore Regional. She started the outpatient oncology infusion service in 1984 and worked in oncology until retiring in 2005. Their work helped form the roots of what has grown into a comprehensive community cancer program.
Dr. Allen was dedicated to improving all aspects of care for patients with life-limiting illnesses. In 1979, he co-founded Sandhills Hospice, one of the first hospice organizations in the state. He served as Medical Director, advocate and fundraiser-in-chief. After Sandhills Hospice became part of FirstHealth, he and Kathleen continually promoted the hospice movement in Moore County.
The Allens were deeply rooted in the community in other ways. Lovers of nature, they made their home in a unique Pinehurst landmark built in 1930. This structure was the caretaker's cottage for the original Clarendon Gardens public garden and plant nursery. Surrounded by nearly three acres of woods and native plants, the cottage was expanded and beloved by the family over the years.
Five years after his retirement from full time practice, Dr. Allen succumbed to serious illness and passed away in 2016. Fittingly, at the end of his life, he was cared for by hospice nurses he had worked alongside. Kathleen decided it was time to move from the home they had cherished for so long. In keeping with the family's commitment to philanthropy, she donated the home to The Foundation of FirstHealth to fund a charitable gift annuity. She has ensured that, upon her passing, the remainder of the annuity will support FirstHealth Hospice & Palliative Care.
The unique property was placed on the market in 2017. It took nearly a year before the perfect buyers discovered it. In a serendipitous turn of events, the family of a local behavioral health provider found the peaceful retreat they had almost given up on finding. It was exactly what they were looking for, and Kathleen was elated that a young family would put down roots in that special place.
After closing, the buyers sent a heartfelt thank you to the Foundation, "We are in love and honored to carry on the legacy of community service that the Allens valued with the generous donation of this home!"
As FirstHealth studies how to further enhance its cancer services, and we celebrate the continued growth of our hospice and palliative care programs, it is worth looking back to see where we started to understand how far we have come. The lesson learned from the Allens is that tiny shoots can develop deep and strong roots when cultivated by special people with love and vision.
To learn more about planned giving opportunities like Charitable Gift Annuities and bequests, please call our office at (910) 695-7500.
