Ed and Kathy Ludwig have been coming to Martha’s Vineyard for more than 30 years as seasonal residents. Their two sons, Michael and Kevin, grew up coming to the Island for the summer and now share this wonderful place with their wives and three children.
“The Ludwig family, three generations strong, are faithful believers in Martha’s Vineyard,” Ed said.
Ed has a distinguished career in healthcare. He serves as a lead independent director for the board of directors at Boston Scientific and recently retired as a director of CVS Health Corporation. He understands the importance of having strong, well-run hospitals.
The Ludwig family was a lead donor in the $48 million capital campaign to build Martha’s Vineyard Hospital’s new main building in 2010 and, more recently, has been a generous donor in the workforce housing initiative in Edgartown. More than three years ago, after a life-changing medical event, the Ludwigs also supported the purchase of a new CT scanner for the hospital along with other donors.
“I take this very personally. On the night of Sept. 30, 2020, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital medical professionals saved my life,” Ed said. “Otherwise healthy, I was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma, also known as a brain bleed. I was diagnosed and stabilized at the hospital and transported by helicopter to Mass General where I was treated and saved.”
Ed said it’s that night that has made him such an even more staunch supporter of Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and the people who work there. “Without the outstanding, 24/7 ready professional care provided by Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, Martha’s Vineyard would not be, could not be, the Martha’s Vineyard we all know, love and trust as a safe haven. No hospital? No Martha’s Vineyard as we know it. And very importantly, without the outstanding, gifted and dedicated staff, there would be no MVH. Yes, the hospital is an essential building but inside are essential people.”
The hospital, despite paying competitive wages, has found it difficult to retain and attract key staff. The number one issue is the cost of housing on the Island, which was already high but skyrocketed to new heights during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ludwig family understands the issue and has become both a supporter and strong advocate for the Housing for Healthcare project at 490 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, which will provide 48 units of housing for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
“The time has come to finish this essential rebuild of our hospital. This will provide respectful housing for the dedicated, generous and gifted professionals who serve us there every day. It will enable them to do an even better job supporting all of us who might need them whenever we might need them,” he said.
Ed and his family have access to top medical professionals at hospitals in New York City, New Jersey, and Florida. Even with that access, Ed knows that there is no substitute for quality emergency care when you need it.
“Why do we need Martha’s Vineyard Hospital? I needed it that night. That night it provided life-changing and life-saving care right here on Martha’s Vineyard. They saved my life; they want to be here to save your life too whenever you might need it. You just never know when you might need it.”
