Jane and Dick Gephardt have never forgotten the struggle they endured when their infant son was treated for cancer more than 30 years ago, nor the lessons learned from families who weren’t as lucky. Today, the Gephardts' son Matthew is a healthy 35-year-old cancer survivor living in Atlanta.
Jane and Dick have devoted decades of unwavering energy to children’s charities and inspired many others to contribute. The Gephardts founded the first Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis. After Dick was elected to Congress in 1976, Jane became part of the vision that created The Children’s Inn.
A quiet, modest contributor, Jane joined the Board of Directors in 1991, one year after The Inn opened.
“She has been a dynamic force,’’ says Mark J. Raabe, consultant with Merck & Co., Inc., and member of The Children’s Inn Board of Directors.
Jane almost single-handedly created an honorary advisory committee, enlisting the support of numerous luminaries, including Tony Bennett, Bob Costas and Katie Couric.
In addition to their enthusiasm and efforts, Jane and Dick have contributed generous financial gifts to The Inn. The couple held a gala fundraiser last December in honor of Dick’s retirement. Guests contributed to the Dick Gephardt Legacy Fund for the benefit of several charities. The Children's Inn received a gift of $200,000.
“Jane has a huge heart,’’ Raabe says. “I think it’s her love for The Inn and the kids that has driven her participation.’’
For Jane, it’s all about other people. “I think it is so important to keep families together,’’ she says. “To keep families comfortable in a place where parents can share a common experience.’’
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