One Woman’s Dedication to Restoring Hope After Trauma
A thriving organization begins with individuals who dream big and commit themselves to making a difference. Warm Springs Foundation has been blessed with such a leader, Helen Eversberg. As a steadfast board member and board chair of the Warm Springs Hospital System and Warm Springs Foundation for 36 years, Helen’s deep compassion for people who have experienced life-altering traumatic injuries and empowering people to live their best possible lives embodies the heart of our mission.
A native of San Diego, California, Helen returned to her family’s roots in San Antonio and grew up in a city that felt more like a neighborhood at the time. Though her family legacy included distinguished doctors such as her father, uncles and grandfather, Helen charted her own course and became an attorney when women represented about 3% of the bar. She faithfully served her country for 18 years in the Justice Department, rising to become U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas. Alongside her beloved husband Rob Eversberg, Helen raised four wonderful children and is now the proud grandmother of seven. Balancing the demands of a high-profile career with family life was never easy, but Helen and Rob navigated those seasons with love, determination and partnership.
Helen was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to serve as a member of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, where she assumed responsibility for prosecuting federal crimes and managing litigation of civil cases in her district. She thrived in her role, leading a team of skilled prosecutors. While she faced challenges from outdated attitudes, it only deepened her commitment to stand firm and pursue justice. She credits trailblazers like her former colleague and mentor in Houston, a legendary “Tough Old Broad,” for showing her what was possible.
One of Helen’s most cherished memories was a private conversation with President Ronald Reagan during his campaign for re-election. She recalls his characteristic warmth and gracious manner. Additionally, she was grateful for the time he spent with her and was impressed with his recognition and appreciation of the role and importance of U. S. Attorneys and his interest in hearing about the issues in the Western District of Texas.
Even with much on her plate, Helen sought to give back. With the encouragement of her friend and fellow board member, Ed Badouh, who also introduced her to Rob, Helen joined the Regional Warm Springs Hospital Board. She vividly remembers a transformative board retreat in 1989 where she heard moving stories from patients whose lives had been touched by Warm Springs. One man, a hospital vice president and weekend farmer, shared how a fluke tractor accident led to the loss of his legs. Helen was profoundly moved by his story of incredible courage as he rebuilt his life despite such a devastating hardship.
Inspired to make a difference for those affected by neurotrauma, Helen served twice as the Hospital System’s board chair. Her compassion and leadership guided the organization through pivotal changes. This included expansion of the system in South and Central Texas to serve people who did not have access to the level of specialty rehabilitation care that Warm Springs provided. Ultimately, a decision was made to sell the network in 2006 during a climate when other nonprofit hospitals were doing the same. Nevertheless, Helen and the board knew their work was not finished and the sale led to the formation of the new Warm Springs Foundation of which she became its board chair in 2012.
Helen and her fellow board members saw new opportunities to serve their community but remained faithful to Warm Springs’ roots and mission. Beginning in 2008, the foundation began awarding grants for charity rehabilitation care and to organizations that advanced the cause of improving the lives of people affected by life-altering injuries and trauma. Both Warm Springs and Helen supported and passionately believed in programs that delivered quality rehabilitative care and services that embraced creative and collaborative solutions with the power to change lives. In 2016, the foundation launched ConnectAbility as an important solution to help patients transition to post-trauma life.
Helen is still moved today by the compassion she feels and recalls many stirring patient stories and lives she has observed. It only affirms Warm Springs’ significant role in creating solutions and serving more people and families affected by neurotrauma by empowering them with better and fuller lives.
When Helen visited the renowned Shepherd Center in Atlanta, she met with a young man who was left paralyzed after a car accident. Through the help of assistive technology via an exoskeleton, Helen witnessed the miracle of the same man walking again. She saw firsthand the inspiration and hope innovation can bring to those impacted by neurotrauma.
For Helen, service to others is an important life purpose. She has always been guided by faith, family and love of country. She also honors those who came before her, the founders of the original hospital in Ottine, Texas and local leaders who poured their hearts into Warm Springs. Additionally, Helen treasures the colleagues and friends she has served with, including Rick Marek, former president and CEO, whose humble values helped build Warm Springs into the caring organization it is today.
Looking toward the future, Helen’s vision for Warm Springs Foundation is that it will be a beacon of hope, lift the human spirit, serve as a catalyst for transformative solutions, provide superior resources, serve all with care and compassion and forge creative and impactful partnerships. With courage and innovation, Warm Springs will continue to help those whose lives have been affected by life-altering trauma, making the impossible, possible.