$1.5 Million Gift to Rename Cone Health MedCenter for Women

The donation from Dr. Vanessa Haygood honors her mother and strengthens care for women in underserved communities.

Greensboro— Cone Health has received a $1.5 million gift from Dr. Vanessa Haygood, a longtime OB‑GYN and advocate for women’s health. In recognition of her generosity, Cone Health will rename its MedCenter for Women as the Cone Health Pearl Walker Haygood MedCenter for Women, honoring Haygood’s late mother.  

Dr. Vanessa Haygood

Why it matters 

Haygood built her career caring for women--especially those in underserved communities. Her commitment is rooted in her mother’s story.  

Pearl Walker Haygood and her husband lost three of their eight pregnancies in 1940’s in Charlotte where they had little access to reproductive or general health information or practice. Those experiences shaped Haygood’s determination to educate, support and care for women, helping them make informed decisions about their health.  

“My mother would be proud to have her name associated with MedCenter for Women,” says Haygood. “It’s a place where women can learn to care for their health, find encouragement and realize that their beginning are their beginnings, not their legacies.” 

A gift reflecting purpose 

Haygood’s donation supports a center that already plays a critical role in the community. “This gift strengthens our ability to provide the highest quality care for women and children,” said Dr. Tanya Pratt, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Cone Health. “It’s about excellence and outcomes. We’re committed to delivering care that addresses the full spectrum of women’s health needs.”  

Honoring a legacy 

“It is fitting that we put Pearl Walker Haygood’s name on this facility,” says Cone Health Chief Philanthropy Officer Michelle Schnider. “Her values of education, hard work and resilience echo the mission of Cone Health and the work happening every day inside the MedCenter.”