Local News

Chance encounter leads to center obtaining ultrasound equipment

PARSONS -- A chance encounter led to a wish coming true for the Central West Virginia Center for Pregnancy Care and its branch in Tucker County.

For the past 15 years, Barbara Kincaid, who is the organization's director, hoped to someday have an ultrasound machine at the satellite office located in Parsons. Funding for such a vital piece of equipment seemed nearly impossible to obtain though, as it carries a price tag of close to $20,000.

Then fate played a hand. While attending a Rally for Life event in Charleston two years ago, Kincaid noticed a gentleman with a shirt on that she admired. She approached the man, who was a priest, and the two began to talk and get to know each other better.

"I met father (William) Kuchinsky at the rally and he asked me about my pregnancy center and an ultrasound machine," she recalled. "I told him I didn't have one and he connected me to an organization in Great Falls, Virginia. And from there is where he got our ultrasound machine."

The Knights of Columbus, both of Thomas and Great Falls, Virginia, worked together to raise the money for the machine, which was installed on Jan. 30. On Sunday, Bishop Mark Brennan of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston traveled to the Parsons Pregnancy Center to bless the machine.

"It was vital for us to get the ultra sound," said Kinkaid, who has been with the organization for 17 years.

"We can't thank the Knights of Columbus enough for raising the money for this."

Central West Virginia Center for Pregnancy Care, which covers nine counties in the Mountain State, is there to help any parents seeking support.

"Mothers can come in and get baby items such as beds, pack-in-plays, car seats or anything that would benefit and support a mom with her pregnancy and after the baby is born," Kinkaid said.

For more information, call 304-473-1122.