Guild of St. Francis and BraveHearts members lend their support to St. Francis

“The hospital is a force in the community and has saved many patients’ lives. People come from all over the world to St. Francis to get world-class care by the outstanding doctors, nurses, and staff,” said Pam Blank, Guild President.

In addition to operating the gift shop, the Guild raises funds for the hospital with events like the Heart to Heart Luncheon featuring a presentation by a St. Francis physician, the Summer Soiree, the Tree of Lights event around the holidays, and more.

Guild members, all of whom have a special love for St. Francis, have always been generous in their support. In the past, the Guild has helped to fund the Emergency Department expansion, the Women’s Center renovation, and the addition of an operating room in the ambulatory surgery center.

At the heart of St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center® are two volunteer organizations that have a long history of supporting the hospital’s efforts.

Since 1941, the Guild of St. Francis Hospital Foundation has been one of the hospital’s largest donors, supporting it through a variety of fundraising events and also through the hospital gift shop. Earlier this year, the Guild offered a $500,000 pledge to be paid over the next five years. The pledge is designated to the President’s Fund, which supports the hospital’s most urgent needs.

Another group that has continually supported the hospital is BraveHearts of St. Francis, a support group for cardiac patients including those who have had cardiac care at the hospital and use its cardiac rehabilitation program. Now in its 48th year and with more than 900 members across the country, BraveHearts not only serves those with past cardiac care experiences, but also is a resource to those facing an upcoming procedure. Volunteers – all former and current patients – help run a “heartline” that individuals can call and ask questions that they may not feel comfortable discussing with friends and family. Volunteers don’t offer medical advice but can serve as an advisor or listening ear as someone who has had a similar experience.

“Almost all of our BraveHearts started their cardiac care journey at St. Francis,” said BraveHearts president Fred Strobel. “Many have joined and continued to support us because they have a St. Francis connection. They feel indebted for having their lives saved.”

BraveHearts members have frequently reunited for trips and special events. They also look for ways to support the hospital, such as providing a Feed the Heroes lunch for all staff members during the COVID pandemic.

Recently, the BraveHearts members pledged $100,000 in support of the cardiac rehabilitation fitness area to update the equipment in the fitness area.

“These two special volunteer organizations are vital parts of the St. Francis Hospital community,” said St. Francis Hospital President Charles L. Lucore, MD, MBA. “We are so fortunate to work with them and benefit from their wealth of experience and wonderful generosity. We couldn’t be prouder to be their partners in this good work!”

1. (L-R), Peter Quick, Dr. Bhoomi Mehrotra, Chair of Cancer Services for Catholic Health and Director of The Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital, and Matthew Serra.

2. (L-R), Dr. Charles L. Lucore, President of St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center ®, and his wife Paula speaking with Dr. Sean Levchuck, Director of Pediatric Cardiology at St. Francis Hospital.

3. (L-R), Dr. Randall Feingold, Joe Morvillo, Dr. Gary Gecelter, Chair of Surgery at St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center ® and Steve Ross.

4. (L-R), Peter Quick, Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy, President & CEO of Catholic Health, Dr. Charles L. Lucore, President of St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center ®, Richard DeMatteis and Dr. Robert F. Vizza.

5. (L-R), Golf Tournament Chairs Denise Coyle and Deborah Benjamin with John Klein.

6. (L-R), Dr. Charles L. Lucore, President of St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center ®, Bert McCooey, Chair of Board of Directors of St. Francis Hospital Foundation, Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy, President & CEO of Catholic Health, and Sal Sodano, Chairman of Board of Directors for Catholic Health.

7. Board of Directors of St. Francis Hospital Foundation member Elizabeth Venuti, her husband Michael, and their guests at the St. Francis Gala.

8. (L-R), Bert McCooey, Chair of Board of Directors of St. Francis Hospital Foundation, Dr. Charles L. Lucore, President of St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center ®, and Gala Honorees Kathleen and Dan Denihan.

9. (L-R), Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy, President & CEO of Catholic Health, and his family, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joe Saladino, Dr. Bhoomi Mehrotra, Chair of Cancer Services for Catholic Health and Director of The Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital, and Dan Loen, Vice President, Ambulatory Care and Oncology Services at Catholic Health pose with riders at the Empire State Ride Long Island.

10. Riders at the starting line of the Empire State Ride Long Island to raise funds for cancer research.