Generous Gifts Support Cardiovascular Genetic Testing and Research
Bailey-Haslam family philanthropic funding provides genetic testing for family members of any patient at Cleveland Clinic diagnosed with an inherited heart condition
In 1974, Ann Haslam-Bailey and her siblings lost their 42-year-old mother to what the family thought was a heart attack. Her grandfather passed away long before Ann was born when he was only 31. Despite these events, when Ann abruptly experienced a cardiac emergency in 1998, a genetic connection didn’t cross her mind.
“I was in the car going up to the mountains with friends of ours when suddenly I couldn't move any part of my body, and I couldn't talk,” says Ann. “And anybody that knows me knows this doesn't happen very often,” she adds with a laugh. Ann was airlifted to a hospital in her hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, where her husband, brother and a cardiologist were waiting.
“I spent three weeks in the hospital in intensive care and the doctors figured out I had an aortic dissection,” she says. “It was not advised at that time to operate on me because not a lot was known about the dissection of your aorta.”
What Is Aortic Dissection?
Aortic dissection is a tear in the inner layer of a weakened area of the aorta, which is the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate care. Treatment now includes several types of surgery and medication.
Aortic dissection happens because of a slow breakdown of the cells in the walls of the aorta. The breakdown has likely been occurring silently for many years before the weakened area of the aortic wall finally gives way. This causes a tear in an inner layer of the aorta, which leads to the dissection. Researchers today believe that many cases are genetically inherited.
An Unexpected Reoccurrence
Ann carefully followed her doctor’s orders and took her medication as prescribed. She was caught off guard when, 15 years later, it happened again. “My cardiologist never told me that it could happen to me again,” she says. Dee and Jimmy Haslam (Ann’s brother) had recently become the new owners of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and this time, they urged her to seek care at Cleveland Clinic.
This decision in 2013 brought the Baileys and the Haslams to Cleveland Clinic, where they met Milind Desai, MD, MBA, now Vice Chair of Cleveland Clinic’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute. Over the years, their relationship has evolved into a close friendship based on trust and respect.
Ann returned to Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Desai countless times. As treatments for aortic dissection advanced, a stent was placed in her aorta. Today, she is doing well and only visits Dr. Desai once a year. “But he has monitored me closely,” she says. “He has listened to me, he has loved me dearly and he has really, really taken great care of me. And because of him, I'm here today.”
Gifts Provide Genetic Testing for Families and Research Funding
In appreciation for the care they have received at Cleveland Clinic, the Bailey-Haslam family has made gifts of $30 million to support and expand cardiovascular genetics research by establishing the Haslam Family Section for Cardiovascular Genetics at the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute.
The funds also will help provide genetic testing for family members of any patient at Cleveland Clinic diagnosed with an inherited heart condition. In addition, the gifts have established the Haslam Family Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine.
The donations have been given by Natalie and Jim Haslam; Dee and Jimmy Haslam; Crissy and Bill Haslam; and Ann Haslam-Bailey and her husband Steve Bailey. The family first donated to Cleveland Clinic in 2014.
Helping Others Through Research
“The doctors at Cleveland Clinic saved my life 10 years ago when I had a full aortic dissection,” says Ann. “I am incredibly blessed to have had doctors with such expertise and have had the empathetic and world class care of countless nurses and doctors. This donation is deeply personal for our family, as we now know we lost our mother and grandfather to aortic dissections. We understand the critical role of genetic research in this disease and hope this gift can positively impact other families.”
The Impact of Genetic Research
Cardiovascular genetics focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders affecting the cardiovascular system. This includes inherited conditions such as arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, heart failure and vascular disease. Genetic testing for patients with inherited heart conditions allows for early detection and intervention and allows physicians to create a personalized care path for patients. Caregivers within the newly established Haslam Family Section for Cardiovascular Genetics will utilize the genetic patient data to work toward discovering new genetic markers in cardiovascular diseases and accelerate research by enrolling more patients in studies, utilizing the largest cardiovascular dataset in healthcare.
The Haslam Family Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine is currently held by Dr. Desai. “I am grateful to the Bailey-Haslam family, whose longstanding commitment to giving back will now help save the lives of those who may otherwise not know they are at risk for cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. Desai, who also serves as Cleveland Clinic’s director of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center and medical director of the Aorta Center. “It’s estimated around 1 in 500 people have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most common inherited heart condition, which is a lot of people, so it’s vital family members of anyone who has an inherited heart condition be evaluated.”
Rhonda’s Kiss Celebrates 10 Years of Providing Hope
“In terms of care and support, the experience was as good as we could have hoped for during Rhonda’s short fight with cancer,” says Marc Stefanski, Chairman and CEO of Third Federal Savings & Loan. “It was just three months from her diagnosis to when she passed.”
Rhonda Stefanski was Marc’s wife and mother of their five children.
Following her passing in 2014, the family created Rhonda’s Kiss, an initiative to honor her memory. Each year, more patients benefit from the invaluable aid provided by the Rhonda’s Kiss Patient Assistance Fund at Cleveland Clinic’s Taussig Cancer Center. The fund is a tribute to Rhonda and reflects the Stefanski family’s dedication to those in need.
The fund helps alleviate the financial stress faced by patients undergoing cancer treatment. Recognizing that access to high-quality cancer care extends beyond the hospital, the fund offers meaningful, real-time assistance to cover essential living expenses. This includes mortgage, rent and utility payments, ensuring patients have a comfortable and secure home, and transportation, which is vital for maintaining reliable access to appointments. By addressing these financial burdens, the fund enhances patients’ overall well-being and allows them to concentrate on what truly matters — their health and recovery journey.
Over the past 10 years, Rhonda’s Kiss has raised over $2 million and assisted more than 2,800 patients at Taussig Cancer Center, including:
- 684 patients who received housing assistance.
- 1,704 patients who received assistance with utilities.
- 444 patients who received transportation assistance.
Stefanski says providing support services for patients and families leads to tangible and immediate results. “People here and now need our help,” he says. “It makes a big difference, one person at a time.”
Stefanski acknowledges that cancer treatment itself is very expensive, but notes that transportation to and from appointments, utility bills and housing costs still need to be paid. “Not everyone is blessed to be able to afford those different things,” he continues.
“If we can help people through a difficult time, it’s very satisfying. The hope is that other people will see the value in that.”
You can make a donation to the Rhonda’s Kiss Cancer Patient Assistance Fund at Cleveland Clinic here.
Weston Hospital Celebrates New Cancer Infusion Suite and a Matching Gift
Thanks to generous philanthropic support from the community, a new, 3,500-square-foot infusion suite located on the first floor of the Maroone Cancer Center at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital’s Egil and Pauline Braathen Center was recently unveiled. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held during the annual Get Your Pink On event on October 23, was celebrated as part of Cleveland Clinic in Florida’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month events.
A highlight of the ceremony was a moving speech by a passionate supporter of the Maroone Cancer Center, who emphasized the vital role of philanthropy in advancing innovative cancer care in our community. The donor pledged to match all gifts up to $300,000 to support the cancer center’s continued growth in patient care, research and education.
Zeina Nahleh, MD, Director of the Maroone Cancer Center and Regional Vice Chief and Chair of Hematology-Oncology at Cleveland Clinic in Florida, spoke about the recent renovations made at the cancer center, made possible by generous donations.
“The new Infusion Suite at the Cleveland Clinic Maroone Cancer Center will better meet the needs of our patients with cancer and expedite their access to lifesaving treatments,” says Dr. Nahleh. “We will now be able to provide 10 additional private infusion bays for our patients, offering the most private healing environment.”
In addition to the Infusion Suite renovations, upcoming plans include:
- Building a new oncology wellness center on the first floor to house integrative oncology services for holistic cancer care.
- Expanding the oncology pharmacy by adding a new hood and prescription robot to improve efficiency and decrease wait time for patients.
Double Your Impact
Your support of cancer care initiatives at the Maroone Cancer Center ensures that each patient receives the best possible treatment and outcomes. Learn more about innovative cancer care and make a gift here.
Philanthropy for the Frontline of Care
Tom and Claire Joyce recently became generous benefactors of the Emergency Department (ED) renovation project at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital. Originally from Washington, D.C., they now enjoy the winter season in Vero Beach, Florida. For the Joyces, philanthropy is fundamentally about community. They are dedicated supporters of healthcare and educational institutions, making impactful contributions that address urgent needs and enhance the well-being of their community.
“It becomes very personal when a close friend or family member suddenly needs care urgently – you’re reliant on the healthcare system in your local community,” says Claire. She recalls a critical medical situation involving their youngest son, in which a local hospital provided life-saving care. The Joyces are profoundly grateful for the quality of care they received, which was made possible by the generosity of local benefactors.
“We understand how costly healthcare has become, and it’s essential for smaller communities to have access to top-notch healthcare,” Claire emphasizes. “The local community and winter visitors alike deserve outstanding healthcare options. We have friends who’ve faced both minor emergencies and serious health issues, and we want to contribute to ensuring the best healthcare is available in our area.”
A Compelling Case for Support
The Joyces’ journey began when friends John and Liz Blanchard, who serve on the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Foundation Board of Directors and co-chair the John’s Island Leadership Committee, invited them to an informational gathering about Indian River Hospital. At the event, they met Eleni Tousimis, MD, Director of the Scully Welsh Cancer Center, and C. Andrew Salzberg, MD, a breast reconstruction surgeon, who shared insights about the hospital and its ED renovation campaign. A year later, after attending another hospital event, the Joyces felt a clearer and more compelling case for supporting the ED initiative. “That ultimately led to our commitment,” Tom recalls.
Supporting Caregivers, Too
With their gift, the Joyces were welcomed into the 1921 Society, which honors those who have made lifetime gifts of at least $1 million to Cleveland Clinic. Since its inception in 2005, over 600 individuals, families, corporations, and foundations have joined this distinguished group.
Their generosity continued when they were unable to attend this year’s 33rd annual May Pops concert featuring the Brevard Symphony Orchestra. They graciously asked to invite caregivers from Indian River Hospital to enjoy the event instead. As Tom states, “Who better to enjoy an evening of entertainment than the people we’re most grateful for – the dedicated hospital staff who care for our patients.”
The Joyces are pleased with their decision to support the ED expansion and renovation project. Tom highlights that the ED is often the first – and sometimes the only – interaction a patient or family has with a hospital. “In many ways, you might call it the frontline of healthcare in the community,” he explains.
“The way an emergency room treats patients – everything from wait times to outcomes – helps define the hospital's reputation,” he continues. “While a hospital encompasses much more than its emergency room, it’s crucial that the ED experience is an exceptionally positive one, even in challenging situations.”
Claire hopes their gift inspires others to contribute. “We feel fortunate to be able to invest in quality healthcare in our community,” she says. “We plan to be here for many years, and we hope our children and grandchildren will benefit from our contribution. We hope our gift will inspire others to lend their financial support as well.”
