Marquette General receives $500,000 bequest from grateful patient

Sarah LaFramboise won an 18-month battle with cancer with the help of Marquette General Hospital. The wonderful care Sarah received from the physicians and nurses more than 25 years ago certainly made a lasting impression.

The Marquette General Foundation recently received a gift of $350,000 from the estate of Sarah and her husband, Anthony.  In all, the couple’s bequest to support Marquette General’s Cancer Center is expected to exceed $500,000.

“The notes from conversations we had with Sarah and Anthony so many years ago show they were incredibly grateful to Marquette General doctors for saving her life. Sarah made a real point of wanting the nurses to know how much she appreciated their encouragement and compassion,” said Pat Bray, Foundation President.

This is the largest gift the Marquette General Foundation has received since it was created in 2004.

 “The importance of philanthropy to hospitals across the country is growing as donations now regularly play a key role in construction projects, purchasing enhanced technology, and supporting particular services,” Bray said.

One of the physicians who cared for Sarah is Dr. Daniel Arnold, a retired hematologist/oncologist who practiced at Marquette General Hospital.  Dr. Arnold is also the current Chair of Marquette General Foundation’s Board of Directors.

 “These are such specials gifts.  It’s wonderful when someone who was helped wants to pass along that help to others,” Dr. Arnold said.

The Cancer Center at Marquette General offers all of the currently approved methods of cancer diagnosis and treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and clinical research. Through an affiliation with Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit, the Marquette General Cancer Center also offers unique cancer treatment options and provides patients access to higher-level clinical trials.

“Having access to new technologies and clinical trials is important to ensure we offer the best for patients here in the U.P.  Philanthropic support certainly helps make that possible,” said Dr. Jorge Frank, Medical Director of the Marquette General Cancer Center.

The LaFramboise’s gift is expected to be completed this year. 

For more information about making a gift to the Marquette General Foundation, please call 225-6914 or toll-free at 1-866-906-6914.