Donor Highlight: Patricia and Adrien Aube
Home Base is deeply grateful for all those who have donated time, treasure, and talent to support its noble mission. As a small token of appreciation, this new monthly “Donor Highlight” feature will help tell the stories of Home Base supporters.
Patricia Aube is not a person who likes to feel helpless. The CEO, President and Founder of Acumen Consultants is a woman of action, and it was action she resolved to take after bearing witness to several close friends losing their sons after they returned from military service.
“At that time, my husband Adrien and I were looking around and seeing so much sadness. I had two different friends who lost their sons by suicide post-deployment. It seemed like many people didn’t understand the specific plight of a Veteran who had a traumatic brain injury or other mental health struggles resulting from what they did or saw. I felt I had to do something.”
Aube’s friend told her about Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital program. Home Base heals the invisible wounds of war such as post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury through world-class clinical care, innovative wellness programs, education and cutting-edge research. The program helps all-era veterans and their families.
“I sat down with the Executive Director, retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond, for what was supposed to be a short meet-and-greet. More than two hours later we were still talking, and I immediately signed on to help.”
Aube serves on Home Base’s Leadership Council, helping to both advocate for the organization’s comprehensive initiatives and reach its lofty philanthropic goals. She is particularly proud of Home Base’s two-week intensive program, in which veterans from all-eras across the country are brought in for holistic care. Treatment, lodging, transportation and food are offered at no cost to the patient or their family.
“When some of these men and women come home and have issues, there can be shame. They don’t always talk to their parents or partners because they think people won’t get it. Home Base gets it. They also have an intake hotline staffed by fellow veterans. There are programs and support for family members. It’s unrivaled. I absolutely love what we do at Home Base.”
Aube’s husband Adrien is a Navy veteran himself, and the pair have become so connected to the mission that they set up a bequest to Home Base. After their deaths, a third of their estate will be donated to Home Base.
“It takes a lot of money to provide this incredible care and support to veterans and their family members. I hope our gift will enable more people to come through the program. Being able to help– with money, with volunteering– it’s actually helping to change someone’s life for the better. It’s the deepest sense of satisfaction you can have. There’s nothing better.”
Consider a bequest to advance health care and remember a loved one. Contact the Office of Planned Giving at 617-643-2220 or mghdevpg@partners.org.