In 1948, my Grandma arrived in America, her heart brimming with dreams and determination. She had left behind her family in County Kerry, Ireland, carrying the hope of a better life and a fierce desire to help those she loved. By 1950, she’d graduated high school and enrolled in the nursing program at the University of Rhode Island. But life had other plans. In 1953, faced with the reality of supporting her family, she made the heart-wrenching decision to drop out and start working full-time. 

Her mission wasn’t just about building a life for herself; it was about bringing her family to America. She worked tirelessly, saving every penny, driven by a single goal: to bring her two sisters and one brother over from Ireland. She understood that the key to a better life in America was education, so, without hesitation, she did whatever it took to help her siblings complete their schooling. She put in long hours at work, but every spare moment was spent helping them study. Her sacrifices were endless, all for the chance to give her family a future she never stopped believing in. As my Aunt shared their story with me, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of admiration for her unwavering devotion and selflessness.

Her dedication paid off. She ended up helping her sister become a Registered Nurse and her brother achieve his dream of becoming a Doctor. It was her love and her unwavering belief in their potential that helped them achieve their dreams.

In 1958, my Grandma married my Grandpa (who I’m named after), and together, they set their sights on a new goal—bringing his family to America. He had four sisters and one brother still back in Ireland. The journey was difficult, but they were committed. As a family, they did the same thing again—sacrificing their time, money, and energy to ensure that his siblings had the opportunity to go to school, to build lives of their own.

She was the epitome of selflessness—a woman who always gave, always helped, always pushed others to achieve their best. She put all three of her children (my Aunt Colleen, my Aunt Maureen, and My Dad) through school, never asking for anything in return. Her belief in the power of education was unwavering. She had never finished her own degree, but she made sure others could. 

My Aunt Colleen, who had always seen the strength in her mother, followed in her footsteps. Inspired by Grandma’s sacrifices and dedication, my Aunt Colleen became a mental health worker. She graduated from Rhode Island College in 1987 and soon began working at Butler Hospital in the psychiatric ER. “I love what I do,” she says, and it’s clear in everything she does. 

Through her work, my Aunt Colleen has carried on my Grandma’s legacy—advocating for safety through the hospital’s safety committees, ensuring continuous improvements for staff, and playing a pivotal role in the health and safety committees during the COVID-19 crisis. Her unwavering commitment to her profession and her colleagues is a direct reflection of the lessons my Grandma taught her. In 2013, my Aunt Colleen was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia, one of the most excruciating migraine diseases one can experience. Despite the daily pain, she shows up with a smile and often says that her faith in Jesus is what keeps her going. She’s been a role model to me over the years, and hearing her stories of perseverance and strength has inspired me deeply. It’s these types of stories that make me feel like I need to give back and help others, just as she’s helped so many.

In honor of my Grandma, my Aunt Colleen and Dad established a scholarship at the University of Rhode Island in her name. It was a way to carry on her legacy—a legacy built on sacrifice, hard work, and the belief that education could change lives. This scholarship is designed to assist immigrants in pursuing their nursing education, ensuring they have access to the opportunities and resources needed to succeed. In 2013, we awarded the first degree in Grandma’s name, and since then, we’ve helped 11 students pay for their nursing tuition. It’s a small but powerful way to continue the cycle of giving that she started all those years ago.

My family means everything to me, and the strong foundation of giving they’ve built—particularly in healthcare—compels me to carry on their legacy of supporting the industry. That’s why, at Vie, we’re proud to donate 3%+ of every wagered pot to organizations that help healthcare workers improve both their physical and mental health. To all those working in healthcare, I want to express my deepest gratitude. While our company is built on promoting fun and wellness, it is you who are there for us in our most vulnerable moments.

James McGovern, Founder/CEO of Vie