For decades, Walter and Betty Montgomery have made Spartanburg Regional's mission their own and have used their family's considerable resources to improve the health of every person in Upstate South Carolina. Their latest gift shows their dedication as they lead the charge to fight cancer through the expansion of Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute at Pelham. 

“Cancer is a prevalent disease in this region, and the idea of helping people in the Upstate not have to travel from home if they need extended treatment was important to us,” Betty said.  

Walter said the decision to support Gibbs grew out of his family's longstanding commitment to community health. As leader of Spartan Mills, he understood – as had his father and grandfather before him – that a strong healthcare system is vital for both the local economy and residents in need.  

“We were concerned about the health of our associates and supporting the medical community was an important part of our thinking,” he said.    

The Montgomery family supported the campaign to open the Rose and Walter Montgomery Patient Tower on the campus of Spartanburg Medical Center on East Wood Street in 1994. The family also actively supported the inception of the Spartanburg Regional Foundation in 1991.  

Betty serves as chair of the Cancer Division Board in 2019. The couple's daughter-in-law, Brelan, volunteers her time on the Heart Division Board. And their son Scott led the Foundation's Board of Trustees as chairman in 2017. 

Scott credits his parents with instilling a commitment to giving back – and focusing locally.  

“They always wanted to support causes in our community,” he said. “Their giving is intentional but quiet.”     

In supporting the expansion of Gibbs Cancer Center & Research Institute, Walter shifts the spotlight to others, explaining that the leadership of Julian Josey, MD, and Jay Bearden, MD, inspired them to make a gift. 

“They have been involved in moving things forward in cancer treatment,” Walter said. “It's impressive, and we are excited about what lies ahead.” 

To donate to the Gibbs at Pelham expansion, visit RegionalFoundation.com.