Special to the Sun
Nearly 300 business and community leaders, policymakers, advocates, and supporters gathered to honor leaders who are improving healthcare access and advancing immigrant rights at this year’s Boston Senior Home Care (BSHC) Legacy of Leading Gala: Transforming Communities through Service celebration in Boston on October 16, 2025. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Madam Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan, and State Representatives Brandy Fluker-Reid and John Moran were among those in attendance.
Boston Senior Home Care is expanding strategic collaborations to further its mission of serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers. Through its partnership with Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc. (PLAN of MA & RI), this year’s Diamond Sponsor, Boston Senior Home Care continues to strengthen connections within the caregiving community and ensure that older adults and people with disabilities have access to essential resources and supportive services.
“The Legacy of Leading Gala is an opportunity for Boston Senior Home Care to pay tribute to those who share our vision of creating a more dynamic, inclusive, and resilient community, for everyone,” said Boston Senior Home Care CEO Meg Hogan. “We are proud to touch the lives of thousands of older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers, and look forward to continuing to build on this life-changing work to ensure vulnerable individuals receive the comprehensive support they need to thrive.”
Mayor Michelle Wu presented Suzanne Lee, President Emeritus of the Chinese Progressive Association, with the Community Advocacy Award in recognition of her five decades of unwavering service promoting community development, educational access, and advocacy for Boston’s most vulnerable residents.
Dr. Paul Hattis, physician-attorney and health care policy expert, presented Dr. John E. McDonough, Professor of Public Health Practice in the Department of Health Policy & Management at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and key architect of state and national health care reform legislation, with the Patricia A. Lynch Excellence in Public Service Award for his lifelong commitment to improving health care access for vulnerable populations. Hattis and McDonough co-host the Health or Consequences podcast, which explores Massachusetts public health and health care policy issues under the sponsorship of Commonwealth Magazine.
The evening’s emcee was award-winning broadcaster and podcaster Candy O’Terry, who guided the celebration with warmth and enthusiasm as guests reflected on the organization’s impact across Boston’s diverse neighborhoods.
Boston Senior Home Care (BSHC) is a private, nonprofit human services agency based in Boston. Since 1974, it has been dedicated to making a difference by connecting older adults and individuals with disabilities with social services and resources to live independently. BSHC also provides support and guidance to caregivers by helping them care for their loved ones while focusing on their self-care needs. For more information, visit bshcinfo.org.