Friends of Patients at the NIH
Out for a Ride
Posted on by Dr. Francis Collins
![](https://public4.pagefreezer.com:443/content/NIH%20Director%20Blog/02-07-2024T17:01/https://directorsblog.nih.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/FNN-Charity-Ride.jpg)
NIH Family Members Giving Back: Diane Baker
Posted on by Dr. Francis Collins
![In the kitchen of The Children's Inn](https://public4.pagefreezer.com:443/content/NIH%20Director%20Blog/02-07-2024T17:01/https://directorsblog.nih.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/diane-baker-with-francis-collins_dinner-prep.jpg)
Caption: My wife Diane inspired me and my staff to volunteer to make dinner for patients and their families at The Children’s Inn at NIH.
Credit: NIH Record
My blog usually celebrates biomedical advances made possible by NIH-supported research. But every August, I like to try something different and highlight an aspect of the scientific world that might not make headlines. This year, I’d like to take a moment to pay tribute to just a few of the many NIH family members around the country who, without pay or fanfare, freely give of themselves to make a difference in their communities.
I’d like to start by recognizing my wife Diane Baker, a genetic counselor who has always found time during her busy career to volunteer. When I was first being considered as NIH director, we had lots of kitchen table discussions about what it might mean for us as a couple. We decided to approach the position as a partnership. Diane immediately embraced the NIH community and, true to her giving spirit, now contributes to some wonderful charities that lend a welcome hand to patients and their loved ones who come to the NIH Clinical Center here in Bethesda, MD.