GROWING FORWARD CAMPAIGN: GAGNON

GRATEFUL PATIENTS FUEL GAGNON’S AMBITIOUS EXPANSION

This past January, Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute celebrated expanded access to high-quality cardiovascular care through the opening of a 55,400 square-foot addition. As one of the top cardiovascular programs in the nation and the largest in the state, the opening of two additional floors includes 72 private patient rooms; a new MRI machine, dedicated to Gagnon patients; four family and visitor lounges; a meditation room and a multipurpose area for patient education, support group meetings and physician/family consultations. Suites have a private bath with shower and comfortable seating, including a recliner, a workspace and a sleep space to accommodate overnight guests.

Read why two grateful patients decided to advance the project’s $20.5 million philanthropy goal through the Growing Forward Campaign.

Stuart Lasser underwent heart surgery in June of 2019 that required a sextuple bypass. “I have a new lease on life, and I wanted to do something within my means to thank the hospital so that this care can be available to more people in the community,” Lasser said. When he heard about the Growing Forward Campaign’s needs, he was quick to donate $35,000. “It’s an extraordinary center with remarkable staff,” Lasser said. “We shouldn’t take it for granted that we have this first-rate medical facility in our backyard. It’s a gift, and you can’t say that about most places in the country.”

In February 2018, Fred Pierce was rushed to the hospital after suffering a sudden heart attack. During the ambulance ride, the emergency medical technicians contacted the Sameth Emergency Department medical staff, apprising them of Pierce’s condition and his immediate needs. Upon arrival, Pierce was met by six healthcare workers ready to swiftly prep and roll him into surgery.

“I had a 100 percent blockage, but there was relatively little damage because they fixed it so quickly,” he said. “After my procedure, the nurses at Gagnon couldn’t do enough to make me comfortable. They are off the charts fantastic.” Pierce gave $35,000 to the Growing Forward Campaign because of his positive experience and quick recovery. It’s an extraordinary center with remarkable staff –Stuart Lasser Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute Patient and Growing Forward Campaign Donor

Fred Pierce

Growing Forward Campaign Impact

DONORS WHO GAVE TO THE GROWING FORWARD CAMPAIGN EXPANSION AND RENOVATION PROJECTS MADE A DIRECT IMPACT ON THE COVID-19 RESPONSE. The recent expansion of Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute and the Joan and Edward Foley Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Goryeb Children’s Hospital provided care teams with the additional capacity and flexibility to accommodate even more critical care patients. And with the renovation of the Infusion Center at Carol G. Simon Cancer Center, cancer patients continued their outpatient treatment in a calm and healing setting.