A Lasting Gift: Sally and Terry Byrne’s Investment in Health Care
Published: January 12, 2026
Sometimes inspiration begins as a question. For Asbury Methodist Village residents Sally and Terry Byrne, inspiration came during a nursing scholarship award ceremony hosted by the Asbury Foundation. Listening to the stories of associates pursuing their dreams, they asked themselves, “Could more be done to make donations benefit needy associates as well as needy residents?”
From that question the vision for the Nursing and Health Sciences Education Endowment took shape.
“There was already some support for those studying nursing,” Sally explains, “but health care includes much more than nursing.”
Personal Roots in Health Care
Sally knows health care firsthand as a retired physical therapist. She worked part-time as a therapist while managing a family of four that included a son with special needs.
Terry was a State Department economist. But he also did volunteer work with Mobile Medical Care. There he interpreted for non-English speaking patients from former French and Belgian colonies.
A Gift that Benefits both Associates and Residents
“Many Asbury residents give to benevolent care to help neighbors who have outlived their financial resources, says Sally. “Our gift helps both residents, who receive improved care, and associates, who provide that care.”
Sally also notes that many associates come from families of modest means. “If they can improve their skills, they will grow in their careers and provide better care for residents. It’s a win-win situation,” she adds.
The Byrnes see education as a powerful tool for supporting career growth and strengthening Asbury’s ability to recruit and retain top-quality talent. That benefits Asbury itself. They conclude in unison, “It’s really a win-win-win situation.”
Looking toward the Future of Care
The Byrnes are realistic about the challenges ahead. “America has an aging population and a shortage of caregivers,” Sally says. “Senior living communities are expanding nationwide, recruiting caregivers.”
They hope this endowment will attract dedicated, career-minded professionals to join (and stay) at Asbury.
“People need a reason to grow roots,” Sally adds. “This endowment shows associates they can have a future at Asbury.”