A Generous Gift to Transform Cardiovascular Care
When Eric Zorn reflects on his journey through illness and recovery, he speaks with deep gratitude — and certainty. “If there was one physician I would want by my side for the rest of my life, it would be Dr. Jerry Estep,” he says.
That conviction is at the heart of a $3 million gift from Eric and Lois Zorn to establish an Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine at Cleveland Clinic in Florida, honoring Jerry Estep, MD, Division Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine. The Zorns’ philanthropy is both a tribute to exceptional medical care and a commitment to advancing patient care, research, and education for generations to come.
Eric’s story is one of resilience — and of a care team that refused to give up. In November 2025, while on the way from his home in Sarasota, Florida to the Weston Hospital for spinal surgery, a frightening situation unfolded. Eric, who hadn’t been feeling well, became ill and lost consciousness while Lois was driving. She was able to maintain her composure and called Dr. Estep, who had a team of physicians waiting when they arrived at the hospital. The team diagnosed Eric with acute renal failure. He spent a week in the ICU and another week hospitalized. During that time, Dr. Estep stepped in not only as his cardiovascular specialist, but as what Eric describes as his “general,” coordinating care across specialties, from nephrology to hepatology to urology.
“He put together a miraculous team to take care of me. There is no question in my mind that he saved my life at least twice,” Eric says.
During Eric’s illness, Dr. Estep and his wife were there for Lois. “The whole situation was devastating to me,” she recalls. “From Dr. Estep to Rosa Perez, our patient liaison, every person in the office, every person that took care of Eric — the staff, the nurses — I felt like they were my family. I thank them for the privilege of having Eric with me today.”
Against the odds, Eric recovered. His kidney failure proved to be a rare one-off case, and he did not require additional dialysis. After returning home, he was monitored remotely by Dr. Estep for weeks.
The Zorns’ relationship with Cleveland Clinic spans many years. In January 2020, Eric found himself struggling to breathe on a golf course in Sarasota. He soon underwent quadruple bypass surgery at another hospital, but his health continued to deteriorate. A friend, Larry Pollock, Chair of Cleveland Clinic’s Philanthropy Committee, referred him to Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where he was diagnosed with amyloidosis — a rare protein disorder that had been previously overlooked and had led to heart failure.
Under the care of Dr. Estep – who was practicing in Ohio at the time – and Jason Valent, MD, Eric received chemotherapy and cardiovascular treatment. When he returned home to Sarasota, Dr. Estep called him multiple times a week, checked in on his progress and even called to wish him a happy birthday. “I felt like he was around the corner,” Eric says. “Eighteen months later, Dr. Estep transferred to Florida and we couldn’t have been more thrilled.”
For Eric and Lois, their endowed chair is an expression of love, gratitude, and belief in Cleveland Clinic’s mission. “We love Cleveland Clinic,” Lois says. “We can’t say enough.”
Their gift ensures that the kind of compassionate, coordinated, life‑saving care that transformed their lives will continue — and that physicians like Dr. Estep will have the support they need to change countless more.
Celebrating 40 Years of Philanthropy
In a community where neighbors quickly become friends and generosity runs deep, Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital has long benefited from the spirit of giving that defines Indian River County. At the heart of this support is the Eagle Society – a philanthropic force celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
Founded in 1986 as the Golden Eagle Society, the group began with 100 visionary donors each contributing $10,000 to strengthen local healthcare. Over the years thousands of members have raised tens of millions of dollars to expand care and advance innovation at Indian River Hospital.
Connection and Commitment
Eagle members like Sherry and David Brown exemplify the Society’s spirit. After moving to Vero Beach in 1998, they helped establish the Eagle Society at Grand Harbor to rally their neighbors in support of the hospital.
“It brought our community together in such a special way,” says Sherry. “The Eagles have always helped the hospital grow alongside the community – and that need hasn’t changed.”
Sherry serves as co-chair of the Grand Harbor leadership committee – now one of several local volunteer committees that help drive the hospital’s mission forward – and on the board of the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Foundation.
Purpose-driven Philanthropy
Today nearly 2,000 households support Indian River Hospital and its role as a vital community resource. “Indian River is a very philanthropic community, and much of our Foundation’s success has been driven by the Eagle Society,” says Roxanne Hall, Executive Director of the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Foundation.
That support was especially evident during the 21st Century Campaign – a transformative, decade-long initiative launched in 2003 that raised $52 million. Thanks to that effort, the hospital added new facilities including a surgical intensive care unit, a post-anesthesia care unit and the Emergency Services Pavilion. The campaign also led to the creation of the state-of-the-art Welsh Heart Center.
This success was quickly followed by the Excellence in Cancer Care Campaign, leading to the establishment of the Scully-Welsh Cancer Center. Combined with other philanthropic efforts over the years, Indian River Hospital has been transformed from a small community hospital into an award-winning regional hospital.
Sherry has witnessed that transformation and understands just how vital continued investment is. “We can’t just celebrate past accomplishments – we have to keep moving forward,” she says.
Building for the Future
Over the past 40 years, Eagle Society members have raised more than $250 million to strengthen care close to home. Current initiatives include:
- A third-floor expansion of the Scully-Welsh Cancer Center
- A new Electrophysiology Lab within the Welsh Heart Center, supported by a $1.5 million community match from Pat Welsh
- Ongoing enhancements to Emergency, Labor & Delivery, and critical care services
“The Eagle Society’s commitment is truly remarkable and essential to everything we do,” says Roxanne.
Celebrating a Milestone: “40 for 40”
To mark its 40th anniversary, the Foundation has launched the “40 for 40” campaign, seeking $40 million in new commitments in 2026. The effort will honor the Society’s legacy while advancing the next generation of healthcare in Indian River County.
“Supporting the hospital is the best dollar you can give away,” says Sherry. “It helps everyone in the community.”
For four decades, the Eagle Society has proven what’s possible when a community comes together for a common cause. Now, as the Eagles look to the future, they've set their sights on new heights – and the important work ahead.
Palm Beach Ball Reigns Triumphant
Cleveland Clinic’s annual Palm Beach Ball, held Saturday, February 21, exceeded expectations as the premier social and philanthropic event of the season. More than 500 guests attended the sold‑out black-tie event, which supported Cleveland Clinic’s plans to build a new hospital and expand outpatient services in West Palm Beach. The event featured a record-breaking paddle raise that generated $22 million to help fund the Emergency Department at the planned 200-bed hospital.
“The ability to deliver exceptional emergency care and complex outpatient and inpatient care close to where people live and work can be life‑changing,” said Conor Delaney, MD, president of Cleveland Clinic’s Florida Market. “This hospital represents a long‑term investment in the health and safety of Palm Beach County, ensuring patients receive the right care at the right time, backed by Cleveland Clinic’s expertise.”
The evening began with an exclusive VIP reception, during which Tom Mihaljevic, MD, CEO and President of Cleveland Clinic and holder of the Morton L. Mandel CEO Chair, announced a $3 million gift from Eric and Lois Zorn. The gift will establish an endowed chair in cardiovascular medicine and honor Jerry Estep, MD, division chair of Cardiovascular Medicine for Cleveland Clinic Florida.
Guests then transitioned to the main ballroom for an engaging fireside chat with tennis legend Chris Evert. While sharing her powerful personal cancer journey and the lifesaving care she received at Cleveland Clinic’s Weston Hospital, she underscored the importance of expanding access to Cleveland Clinic’s world‑class care in West Palm Beach.
The program also featured remarks from Dr. Delaney, who highlighted recent achievements across Cleveland Clinic’s Florida hospitals and provided updates on the Palm Beach expansion plans.
The evening concluded with volunteer ambassadors Lynn Ross and Marie Unanue—champions of the Palm Beach expansion campaign – presiding over the highly successful record-breaking paddle raise.
