Gift Aims to “Spark Hope” for Digestive Disease Research in Weston
It’s estimated that more than half a million Americans have Crohn’s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract. Symptoms can be difficult to live with, including abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition.
“Crohn’s disease has been a part of my life for decades,” says Florida resident Ellen Shulman. “I know firsthand the uncertainty, pain and debilitating effects that accompany it, as well as the emotional impact on those who love you.”
Her own experience with the illness is what motivated her and her husband, Steven Jay Shulman, to make a $5 million gift to Cleveland Clinic Florida, to fund research and education in the Digestive Disease Center at Weston Hospital, led by Steven Wexner, MD, PhD (Hon), FACS.
In recognition of their generous contribution, the Center will be named the Ellen Leifer Shulman and Steven Shulman Digestive Disease Center.
“For both patients and their families, Ellen and I want to spark hope through action that will yield important results,” says Mr. Shulman, an entrepreneur and veteran of the managed care industry. “With this donation and the world-class leadership of Dr. Wexner, we believe that the Digestive Disease Center can achieve new breakthroughs in research and patient care. There will be increased hope both for digestive disease patients and those who love them, thanks to the Center’s work.”
World Class Care of Digestive Disease
Dr. Wexner has been helping build the digestive disease programs at Cleveland Clinic Florida for almost 35 years. “Our many achievements have been due to the efforts of our superlative team,” he says. “Since our inception in 1988 we have made numerous advances that have become global standards. Through our teaching we have disseminated our innovations to our residents and fellows who have become renowned leaders and to colleagues in virtually every country.”
Crohn’s disease has no known cause, although certain factors such as smoking, having an autoimmune disease or a genetic predisposition may increase the risk of developing the condition. And while Crohn’s disease has no cure, treatments and lifestyle changes can keep the disease in remission and prevent complications.
Driven by Gratitude
Dr. Wexner is grateful for the couple’s incredible philanthropy. “The Shulman’s unparalleled altruism ensures the ability to perpetuate our investigation and education to continue to improve patient outcomes throughout the world in the Ellen Leifer Shulman and Steven Shulman Digestive Disease Center.”
Despite her illness, Mrs. Shulman considers herself to be very lucky. “I have always had the unwavering support of family and friends, and for that I am forever grateful," she says. "It is this sense of gratitude that drives Steve and me to help others fighting digestive diseases.”
Learn more about Cleveland Clinic Florida Digestive Disease & Surgery Institute.
Goombay Bash Celebrates 20 Years of Supporting Martin Health
A Caribbean-inspired Junkanoo performance welcomed more than 345 community members to the 20th annual Goombay Bash. Held on June 11 at the Mansion at Tuckahoe in Jensen Beach, the event’s proceeds support maternity and pediatric services at Cleveland Clinic Martin Health.
This year’s Goombay Bash raised more than $173,000 and featured a VIP reception, interactive entertainment, a silent auction and a host of culinary delights. The event is hosted by the LifeSavers, local volunteers who are dedicated to raising funds for the Martin Health Maternal Child and Pediatric Departments since 2002.
“Over the last 20 years, this event has raised over $2 million with 100% of the proceeds going to the Maternal Child and Pediatric Departments at Martin Health,” says Rishi Singh, MD, President of Cleveland Clinic Martin North and South Hospitals. Madhu Sasidhar, MD, President of Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital, added, “The impact the LifeSavers have on healthcare delivered to our community is a direct result of the investment they have made as sponsors. We are in awe of their generosity and commitment to this event each year.”
Martin Health Maternal Child and Pediatric Departments noted several achievements in 2021:
- More than 1,800 babies were born at Cleveland Clinic North Hospital and Tradition Hospital.
- More than 6,300 families were visited by the Mother Baby Home Care program to check-in and support both mother and baby.
- When making home visits, nurses in the Home Care Program drive “Baby Mobiles,” vehicles funded through proceeds from the Goombay Bash.
“This year’s Goombay Bash could not have taken place without the support of our major sponsors which include Engel Construction, Arlington Electric, Covelli Enterprises, Inc., Premier Realty, and Robins & Morton,” says Delesa Morris, Executive Director of Cleveland Clinic Martin Health Foundation. “The impact this event has on maternity and pediatric services in our community is due to the generosity of our many caring sponsors and donors. We are immensely grateful to them.”
Support Maternity and Pediatric Care at Martin Health
Please visit our website to discover more about maternal child and pediatric care, or to learn the impact of your gift to Martin Health.
How to Meet Your Charitable Goals and Retirement Goals
If you have charitable objectives, did you know that establishing a charitable gift annuity with Cleveland Clinic can provide benefits to you while supporting our mission of caring for patients? Plus, gift annuity payout rates increased significantly as of July 1, 2022.
A charitable gift annuity (CGA) often is the gift of choice because it is an uncomplicated agreement between you and Cleveland Clinic. By establishing a CGA, you guarantee income for yourself and/or one other person for life. The income amount is based on a payout rate specific to your age: Older beneficiaries will enjoy a larger percentage than younger ones.
Gift annuity payout rates recently were generously increased. For example, an 80-year-old previously received a payout rate of 6.5%; the increased payout rate is 7%. The previous rate for a couple ages 76 and 75 was 4.7% and now is 5.3%. Additionally, the payout rate is typically higher than many other popular income-producing investments such as CDs, money market funds or bank savings accounts.
For tax purposes, your contribution for a gift annuity is treated as two transactions: one portion is a gift to Cleveland Clinic and the rest is an investment in an annuity. An additional advantage is that part of your income will be tax-free based on your expected lifetime. You also will receive a charitable tax deduction in the year your contribution is made.
If you’re interested in learning more about how a charitable gift annuity can benefit you and Cleveland Clinic, please call 216.444.1245 or send an email to giftplanning@ccf.org. Our gift planning team looks forward to assisting you.
Logsdon Family Gift Supports Medina Hospital
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital on Friday, June 17, to celebrate the opening of the new location of the Logsdon Family Center for Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine.
The center, funded through a generous gift from Dave Logsdon and his late wife Jan, opened in January 2021 in a temporary space at the hospital. Formerly used as the medical library, the newly renovated location on the hospital’s first floor now provides easy access for patients. Featuring abundant natural light, the suite includes two exam treatment rooms, space for shared medical appointments and access to the hospital conference room for larger classes.
Members of the Logsdon family attended the ceremony, along with many hospital and community leaders.
Integrative Medicine is the treatment and prevention of chronic illness through complementary therapies such as nutrition, acupuncture, exercise, stress management, supplements and herbal medicines. Integrative Medicine consultations consist of a thorough review of a patient’s medical history, current medical issues and desired outcomes. The center’s specialists help patients choose the best ways to integrate complementary therapies and treatments into their lives.
Patients may benefit from a consult if they want a more holistic or integrative approach to their health. Services can offer relief from chronic illnesses or troubling symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, nausea, pain, anxiety and stress.
The center works together with all members of a patient’s healthcare team, according to Maria Hochendoner, a certified nurse practitioner who sees patients in the center. “In integrative and lifestyle medicine, we teach patients that our genes are not our destiny; we have a lot of control over how well we live and how long we live,” she says. “Making small changes in our daily lives can have a profound impact on our health."
The Logsdons learned the value of nontraditional pain relief options when a healing services therapist visited Mrs. Logsdon at Medina Hospital while she was undergoing treatment for cancer. The therapist’s services helped create an atmosphere of care and compassion that comforted the couple during a difficult time. Mrs. Logsdon passed away in March 2018. The couple was married for 42 years.
“I'm hopeful that a designated space will allow our patients to feel comfortable and confident in the care they are receiving," says Hochendoner. "Having a dedicated center will also likely increase awareness of our department and the services we provide, which in turn will have a positive impact on the health of the Medina community.”
There are many ways to support Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital and make an impact with a gift of any size. Learn more here.
