David Charak II

David Charak II established The Charak Family Screening Mammography Endowment in October 2021 in memory of his wife, Jacqueline, who dealt with breast cancer for nearly 20 years. Jackie, an interior designer, passed away in 2008. "Jackie was treated at Missouri Baptist for a long time and she loved the care team,” David says.

As a couple, Jackie and David shared a mutual love of art and creativity. Their passion for creating beautiful spaces led David to establish The Jacqueline Charak Healing Arts Endowment Fund in 2007. David also donated a ceramics collection to display in the hospital's cancer center waiting area. Through the Foundation's Champions for Care program, he has supported numerous initiatives including a Panda Warmer for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the lung cancer screening project, and the breast cancer screening project.

But the most personal gift he has made is the The Charak Family Screening Mammography Endowment. "Giving to support free mammograms meant something to me, especially since it helps people who can't afford mammograms," he says. "I know Jackie would be looking down on me, smiling and telling me to keep doing good things.”