Donor Stories: Tom Kress and Anita Gras Bryant
Published
Q: Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at Bastyr Clinics. How long have you been a Bastyr Center for Natural Health patient?
A: Anita: Close to 30 years. I was raised by an aunt who was a naturopath, so it felt like a natural thing to do to see naturopathic doctors.
Q: How did you hear about Bastyr Center?
A: Tom: I returned from India, having collected a fair amount of light tropical medicine for my symptoms. When I moved back to Seattle, probably 35 years ago or more, the clinic was right in the area where I moved, near the University of Washington.
Anita: It seems like it's been in our lives for a long time.
Q: Can you share about any services you have utilized at Bastyr Center?
A: Anita – I often go for physical medicine services, such as massage, Peet mud baths, and adjustments. And that was what I grew up with. And so, it felt really natural to do that, and I was grateful that this type of care was still available.
Tom: I’ve also used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the Ayurvedic services that used to exist. These were all helpful for me. I had a condition that, for many men, becomes pretty chronic. I had an acute episode on two occasions, and TCM helped to alleviate the acuity of those bouts and then since then, I've never really had much problem with that at all. TCM was also very helpful with my dysmotility issues. Others I know had to have punishing surgeries. I thought I was going to need the same procedure. I used TCM for treatment, and the symptoms began to lessen each time I had either an esophageal occlusion or esophageal obstruction. I could feel it relax. I've only had a few follow-ups to keep it under control. It's been eight to ten years since those conditions were treated.
There are so many situations like that in our society where we've gone the invasive or pharmacological route, and they could have been alleviated or improved with some natural therapeutic treatments. Anita and I have also used counseling services at the clinic.
Q: How long have you been giving financial gifts to Bastyr?
A: Tom: Quite a while. We started donating small annual gifts, then moved to qualified charitable donations (QCDs). We think all other patients who want to support Bastyr Clinics should consider giving with a QCD! After age 70, your gifts to Bastyr can go much farther with a QCD because the amount is not taxed!
Q: Why do you donate to Bastyr?
A: Tom: We've had a great experience and wish it was available to more people in other areas around the country!
Q: I know there are so many worthwhile organizations in Washington. Why is Bastyr always included in your gifts?
A: Anita: I was raised by a naturopathic family, so Bastyr represents naturopathic medicine. So, it's easy to be affiliated with Bastyr, and we're grateful that they are relatively close to us so that we can access the wonderful services that Bastyr offers.
Q: How else have you been involved with Bastyr? I understand you have visited the Kenmore campus?
A: Tom: Yes, we've done programs at the campus for a long time, a lecture or seminar, or just to meet for lunch at the dining hall.
Q: What do you think about the mission of the organization?
A: Anita: The philosophical and therapeutic missions are just a given for us.
At this New Year Give the Gift of Natural Medicine to Others
Have you experienced life-changing health from the care you receive at Bastyr Clinics?
Would you like to open the door for others, without financial means, to access this same care? You can open the door for them!
$85: Open one (1) care visit for someone in need
$250: Open three (3) visits for others who cannot pay
Thank you for ensuring Bastyr Clinics continues to provide healing and care to our community throughout 2025!
