Carolyn Kaye and Evelyn Raye Ensley were the first twins born at Buena Vista County Hospital on September 24, 1951. Recently, Carolyn Kaye (Ensley) Hauschen donated to the Buena Vista Regional Healthcare Foundation in honor of her and her twin sister, Evelyn Raye (Ensley) Thull, as a way of giving back and helping future babies born at the hospital.
Even though BVRMC was the starting point in their lives, it certainly wasn’t the last time the twins would be connected to the hospital. Both returned to have their children; Carolyn having four children and Evelyn having three children, all born at BVRMC.
Giving back to their community and the hospital runs in the family as Noell (Kris) Noll, Carolyn’s daughter, has worked as an EMT in Sioux Rapids for over 20 years. Perhaps taking after her mother, who also worked in health care as a CNA for over 52 years.
Carolyn and Evelyn have experienced countless changes, especially in the health care system, over the past 70 years, but their focus on community is unwavering.
The twins have always looked for ways to support their community, and donating to the Foundation provided a unique opportunity to give back to the place where their journeys began. Carolyn expressed that she donated in hopes that her dollars would “help whoever needs help.”
“Having local, quality health care available is just as important today as it was over 70 years ago when the Ensley twins were born,” says Katie Schwint, BVRMC Executive Director of Community Development. “Their generosity helps us continue to support BVRMC’s mission to be the best place for care.”
To learn more about the Buena Vista Regional Healthcare Foundation and how your dollars can make a direct impact in your community, please visit bvrmc.org.
