A life filled with adventure and a passion for helping others was the driving force behind Melinda Epperson’s generous planned gift to Vail Health Behavioral Health. Her commitment to mental health advocacy stemmed from seeing her mother’s struggles with depression.
An avid hiker who conquered 28 fourteeners and had just done an 89-mile hike in the Alps last summer, Melinda embraced physical challenges with boundless energy. Her active lifestyle was more than a personal pursuit—nurturing the mind-body connection was vital to her mental well-being.
“She would say that her drug of choice was endorphins,” shares her husband, Stan Epperson. “That’s how she dealt with mental health challenges.”
Melinda was tragically killed by a drunk driver while out on her daily 5-mile hike, devastating family and friends. Nearly 800 loved ones attended her celebration of life events, a testament to her profound impact on so many.
A Healing Haven for Body and Mind
Melinda’s generous planned gift will be recognized through the Melinda Epperson Fitness Center at the Precourt Healing Center, which will open in the spring of 2025. The state-of-the-art facility will combine her love for fitness and helping others, providing a space where patients can harness the mood-boosting power of exercise.
“She was exceptional physically, but on top of that, she was very caring and concerned with other people,” adds Stan.
A Lifetime of Generosity
The Eppersons established a family foundation 15 years ago to focus their philanthropic efforts. Now, their children and grandchildren are continuing this legacy of giving back.
Stan’s own planned gift to Vail Health Foundation’s area of greatest need reinforces this lifelong commitment. The founder of a successful food distribution business, Stan says, “Vail Health provides exceptional care that far surpasses what you’d expect for a community this size. When you have the ability to support that level of excellence, you should.”
To learn more about giving options that meet your specific needs and goals, please contact Foundation@vailhealth.org or 970.569.7766.
She was exceptional physically, but on top of that, she was very caring and concerned with other people.”Stan Epperson