“We believe in Sturdy,” Ed says. “For me, supporting Sturdy philanthropically is a way to say thank you and to invest in a community that means so much to me. Sturdy Health epitomizes what a community health system should be.”

Over the years, both personally and professionally, Ed and his family relied on Sturdy’s exceptional care. And that trust has only strengthened with time.

Even after retiring to Cape Cod three years ago, Ed and his wife continue to make the 80-minute drive back to Attleboro to see their Sturdy doctors — a testament to the enduring connection they feel to the system.

“Sturdy has just been a tremendous blessing for the Hurley family.”

Ed has backed up his words with action. He is a donor to the Sturdy Health Foundation, with his most recent gift in support of the hospital’s latest Emergency Department expansion project.

And Ed’s deep connection to Sturdy goes beyond gratitude. As President of the Hockomock Area YMCA from 1993 to 2022, he led several successful partnerships with Sturdy, most notably through the Healthy Futures program, which tackled childhood obesity across 15 communities.

“I’ve always believed that if you partner with others who share your goals, you can have a greater impact,” Ed explains. “Whenever we did any activities around community health, Sturdy was an important partner right there with us.”

Today, Sturdy’s leadership continues to serve on the YMCA’s Board of Directors and Incorporators, and Ed has been a longtime member of the Sturdy Health Foundation Board. It’s a natural extension of his lifelong work to bring people and institutions together in support of a healthier, more connected community.

On a personal level, Sturdy has cared for Ed’s children, his wife, and his aging parents and in-laws. He recalled how the staff showed extraordinary compassion through complex care and end-of-life moments.

“With my in-laws, and my own mom and dad, I saw how Sturdy was there for them…during really challenging times. That's what makes Sturdy such a unique and special place – the people who work there always go above and beyond.”

And for Ed, his gifts to Sturdy are more than donations. They are an investment in an organization making a difference in the local community. They are a reflection of gratitude, legacy, and belief in the power and impact of local healthcare.

“I’m grateful for the quality of medical care that my family has received and it’s important to me to say thank you for that.”
 
If you’d like to donate to the Sturdy Health Foundation, please visit www.sturdyhealth.org/give or contact the development office at (508) 236-8008.