A Family Legacy of Generosity
Margaret during a mission trip in Bolivia
As we journey through the season of Lent, the practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving help us deepen our spiritual lives in preparation for Easter. Almsgiving, the act of responding generously to the needs of others, is an act of joy. At Solidarity Bridge, we see this spirit of joyful generosity lived out through people like Margaret Flanagan and her family.
Margaret has supported Solidarity Bridge for over 15 years. She became involved through her late father, Dr. Bob LaPata, a physician remembered not only for his medical skills, but for his compassion, humility, and generosity. In Margaret’s words, her father was “a very kind, gentle, caring, faith-based guy… he was just always about giving back.”
Dr. LaPata was foundational to Solidarity Bridge’s work in women’s health in Bolivia. Recognizing that women often delay their own care while caring for everyone else, he helped establish our gynecology program, providing life-changing surgeries and clinical care to women who might otherwise go untreated.
Margaret and her father, the late Dr. Bob LaPata
Inspired by her father’s example, Margaret has dedicated her time, skills, and resources to Solidarity Bridge in many ways. A nurse by training, she initially began volunteering in the office, sorting medical supplies. Later, she traveled to Bolivia on medical mission trips, where she shared her first trip with her dad. Reflecting on those trips, Margaret remembers being most impacted by the gratitude of the patients and local physicians. “You could just feel it,” she shares, “like you were making a difference.” This sense of shared mission is at the heart of Solidarity Bridge.
Today, Margaret lives out that same mission, supporting Solidarity Bridge through behind-the-scenes administrative support and continued generosity as a donor.
“To whom much is given, much is expected,” is the family value that continues to inspire Margaret. For her family, generosity has never been about recognition or obligation—it’s about impact.
When giving to Solidarity Bridge, she appreciates our careful stewardship of resources and the ability to to see where each dollar goes, who it helps, and how it changes lives. Margaret sums up her reason for giving simply: “It’s one world, one people. Everybody is human and deserves a chance, whether you live in Chicago or Cochabamba.”
During this Lenten season, we invite you to consider sharing your gifts with those seeking local healthcare.
Your gift to Solidarity Bridge helps make surgeries possible, strengthens local health systems, and builds compassionate human connection. Together, we can ensure that kindness, care, and healing continue to reach those who need it most.
Join us in generosity this Lenten season by making a gift.
