We Did It!: 99-Year-Old Westford Man Receives COVID-19 Vaccine

WESTFORD, MA — One of the first people to get the vaccine in Westford was Hartwig "Dr. Hart" Achenbach – at age 99 last month. Now, the facility where he's staying is hoping to help him celebrate his 100th birthday surrounded by the well wishes of the community.

"In addition to a drive-by parade and other festivities, we hope to shower Dr. Hart with 100 cards and well-wishes from the greater community, including Boxford, Groveland and Danvers, where he and his late wife, Rachel, and their family lived for many decades and touched many, many lives," Bridges by EPOCH at Westford staff Sarah Turcotte said.

The facility is inviting anyone who would like to send him a card.

"Help us reach our goal of 100 – or more!," Turcotte said.

Achenbach is a Harvard Medical School graduate and WWII Veteran. He also volunteered on the charitable hospital ship SS Hope for many years, performing surgeries and providing treatments for people living in poverty-stricken countries and natural disaster sites around the globe, according to the staff at Bridges by EPOCH at Westford.

"Dr. Hart spent his much of his career providing medical care to the world’s most vulnerable," Abbi Laushine of Bridges by EPOCH at Westford said. "It seemed fitting that he be first in line at our COVID vaccination clinic. We think it is so cool that, after all he has done and sacrificed to bring hope through medicine to those in need, he is now on the receiving end of hope through this vaccine."

What were Achenbach words upon getting his vaccination?

"We did it!"

Achenbach's daughter Ellen Lewis and the team at the assisted living facility are planning to celebrate his milestone birthday on Feb. 26.

Cards may be sent to:

Dr. Hart Achenbach, C/O Bridges bbyEPOCH,

108 Littleton Road,

Westford, MA 01886.