February 23, 2026
For more than five decades, Barbara Coffin walked the halls of Hartford Hospital with a smile, a kind word, and an unwavering devotion to patients and families. A dedicated volunteer for over 50 years, Barbara has given countless hours of her time comforting others, always considering Hartford Hospital not just a place of healing, but a place she calls her own.
“I always say Hartford Hospital is my hospital,” Barbara shares warmly. “It’s where I’ve seen so much compassion, excellence, and hope. Being part of that has been one of the greatest joys of my life.”
Now, Barbara has extended her extraordinary generosity even further with a transformative seven-figure gift to support Hartford Hospital’s new Cancer Center. The new center will expand access to state-of-the-art treatments, advanced technology, and holistic care—bringing hope to thousands of patients and their families for generations to come.
Barbara’s commitment to the hospital is deeply personal. Over the years, she witnessed firsthand the impact of exceptional care and innovation, and she wanted to ensure that the same life-changing support would be available to others. Her gift is a tribute to the hospital she treasures and an investment in its future.
“Volunteering here all these years has shown me the heart of Hartford Hospital,” Barbara reflects. “This gift is my way of saying thank you and helping to make sure patients receive the very best care possible.”
Hartford Hospital President Cheryl Ficara, RN, MS, NEA-BC, expressed profound gratitude: “Barbara Coffin embodies the very spirit of Hartford Hospital—compassion, dedication, and generosity. Her decades of service and this remarkable gift will shape the future of cancer care for our community.”
“From her earliest days as a volunteer to this momentous act of philanthropy, Barbara’s story is one of devotion, generosity, and love,” says Lynn Rossini, Vice President of Philanthropy. “Her legacy will live on in every life touched by Hartford Hospital’s new Cancer Center—at the hospital she has always called her own.”
If you, your family, or your organization is interested in supporting our mission, explore our Ways to Give webpage or contact a member of our Philanthropy Team.