Munson’s Cowell Family Cancer Center Receives $5.2 Million Gift to Benefit Cancer Patient Support, Research, and New Technology
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Munson Healthcare is thrilled to announce a generous $5.2 million philanthropic gift from the estate of longtime Traverse City resident, Patricia Heffron, that is supporting cancer patients, research, and helping fund investment in an ION Robot.
This gift represents the third largest in Munson’s history and serves as a fitting tribute to her memory.
“Patricia’s strength, kindness, and generosity is a lasting legacy that will have a profound impact on patients and families across northern Michigan for many years to come,” said Debra Henderson, Chief Development Officer, Munson Healthcare. “We extend our deepest gratitude for her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those battling cancer. Her gift is sure to inspire others to support healthcare.”
These funds will be used toward many different efforts, including:
- Funding a portion of Munson’s new ION Robotic Surgical Assistant set to be introduced at Breathe Easy – Catch it Early, a lung cancer awareness event open to the public on November 21 at the Cowell Family Cancer Center (4:30-6:30 pm).
- Cancer programs and research to ensure patients have access to innovative treatments and services and the support they need during their cancer journey.
- Supporting groundbreaking pancreatic disease research to improve outcomes for those affected by pancreatic diseases.
- Patient support to assist with essential expenses such as housing, groceries, utilities, and travel for care.
“Patricia was an extraordinary person, empathetic, sensitive, fair and had great wisdom, yet was very humble,” said Stephanie Blount, a close friend of Heffron. “She was very grateful for her life every day and I am not surprised at all by her generosity. To know her was a gift I will always cherish.”
Heffron, her late husband, and many family members battled pancreatic cancer, and during her treatment in 2020, she made a personal decision to help others who are faced with the same fight.
Friend and neighbor, David Gordon MD, retired Chief of Cancer Services for Munson Healthcare and Clinical Director of the Cowell Family Cancer Center, said “Patricia hoped the future would bring better diagnostic and treatment capabilities in cancer. She wanted to ensure that patients received support for their journey through cancer. She was particularly interested in establishing a robust pancreatic diagnostic and treatment program as many in her family, including herself, had suffered from that disease. We are forever grateful for her gifts and hope her largesse will improve cancer care in the future.”
For more information, please contact Munson Healthcare’s Foundations.
Munson Healthcare Foundations I northern Michigan
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CONTACT:Ashlee Bartleson
Senior Corporate Communications Specialist
Munson Healthcare
231-465-3374 (media pager)
616-260-0622 (cell)
abartleson@mhc.net
Munson Healthcare
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Ashlee Bartleson Sr. Corporate Communications Specialist
- December 03, 2024
- (231) 935-7964
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