Donor Testimonials
"Summa has been here for more than 125 years, and we need to ensure that it remains an exceptional resource for our community."
Rennick Andreoli
President and CEO of RDA Hotel Management and honorary chair of the Summa Health campaign, with his late wife, Dee, who served with him as honorary chairs of the 2017 Summa Health Sapphire Ball, are esteemed benefactors of Summa Health
"Should it not be the privilege as well as the duty to help care for the sick and afflicted?"
O. C. Barber
Businessman, philanthropist and co-founder of Akron City Hospital,
June 5, 1904
"I want the best healthcare for my children and grandchildren — and their children and grandchildren. That's why I support Summa Health now and always."
Ann Brennan
Former chair, Summa Health board of directors, with her late husband, David, visionary benefactors of Summa Health
"My parents were passionate about enhancing the outstanding, comforting care provided to my mother during her cancer journey at Summa Health. My family is proud to carry on this legacy of support for our community."
Robert Cooper
Son of the late Jean and Milton Cooper, with his wife, Regina, esteemed benefactors of Summa Health
"The plans for facility improvements are not just nice things to do. They are essential for Summa Health to maintain its clinical edge, attract and retain top medical and healthcare professionals, and provide exceptional patient care."
Vincent DiGirolamo
Retired chairman, National City Bank, with his late wife, Nancy, esteemed benefactors of Summa Health
"Summa Health is investing in this beautiful new patient tower to better serve its patients and families. Bonnie and I invite the entire community to join us in supporting our local health system and its heartfelt mission to serve everyone in need."
Ernest R. Estep, M.D.
Retired Summa Health obstetrician and gynecologist with his wife, Bonnie
"As a retired educator, I understand the significance of educating and empowering future generations, as well as instilling in younger people the importance of sharing one's time, talent and money to support worthwhile endeavors. I strive to accomplish these goals so that Summa Health remains the leader in providing healthcare for the entire community."
Kay Franks
Benefactor of the Ellen M. Franks Endowed Cardiology Fund Honoring Roger B. Chaffee, M.D.
"We are delighted to be a part of Summa's great legacy and help to ensure the ongoing care of our friends, our family and our community."
Yvonne Hamlin
with her late husband, Richard M. Hamlin, esteemed benefactors of Summa Health
"Summa Health provides the community with behavioral health services and so many more critical programs that aren't available elsewhere. Strong healthcare is essential for a strong community, and that's why Summa Health deserves our support."
Philip Kaufmann
Member, Summa Health board of directors, with his wife, Patty, esteemed benefactors of Summa Health
"I was born at Akron City Hospital, along with all of my siblings, children, nieces and nephews. My mother was a volunteer at St. Thomas, and both of my parents served as trustees. My family and I have a strong emotional attachment to Summa that spans decades and generations. We believe the healthcare at Summa is as good as any in the country, if not the world."
Jim LaRose
President, House of LaRose, and generous family benefactor
"The health and vitality of Summit County are entwined. The Lehner Family Foundation is proud to establish the C. Gordon Ewers Endowed Fund for Cardiology in honor of Gordon Ewers and in recognition of the clinical excellence of William B. Bauman, M.D."
Lehner Family Foundation
Richard Burke, trustee, speaking for the Lehner Family Foundation. Pictured are (from left), Lehner Foundation trustees David Koly, the late Michael Stark, founding trustee the late Gordon Ewers, Burke, and Jim McIlvaine, former chair, Summa Health board of directors
"Donors enhance our health system by supporting clinical research and education. This helps our physicians to innovate upwards to the national and international communities of their peers."
Sameer Mahesh, M.D.
Medical director, Summa Health Cancer Institute, and holder of the Vincent and Nancy DiGirolamo Endowed Chair in Oncology
"Just as I felt sad for the things we won't do, Jim reminded me of all we can do."
Vanita Oelschlager
With her husband, Jim, esteemed benefactors of Summa Health
"We're conducting research with the Department of Veteran Affairs to develop screening tools to identify which returning military personnel are at highest risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder later on. My colleagues in the Traumatic Stress Center and I are grateful to Jim and Vanita Oelschlager and Harry and Fran Donovan. Their philanthropic support has enhanced our care of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma-related conditions."
Patrick Palmieri, Ph.D.
Chief Psychologist and Vice Chair, Summa Health Department of Psychiatry
Director, Summa Health Traumatic Stress Center
Holder of the Jim and Vanita Oelschlager Chair in Traumatic Stress
“Summa Health is our health system, and we are proud to give back so that others in our community can benefit from the excellent care that Summa provides.”
George and Alice Strickler
George, chair of the Summa Health board of directors, and Alice, a Summa volunteer for more than 30 years, are longtime supporters of Summa Health
"In the last 50 years that I've been in business, I've never seen this region more poised for growth and prosperity than now. Summa is a critical driver of our local economy, and it's an essential provider of quality healthcare services close to home."
Paul Testa
CEO of Testa Companies and member of the Summa Foundation board of directors, with his wife, Kathie, who served with him as honorary chairs of the 2016 Summa Health Sapphire Ball, are longtime supporters of Summa Health
"Denise and I fundamentally believe that healthcare in this country needs strong community support. For us, our time and financial investments in Summa were the perfect choice."
Norm Wells
Former chair, Summa Health Board of Directors, with his wife, Denise. They are longtime supporters of Summa Health
"I became a surgeon because I wanted to know that what I did with my life made a difference. Pam and I believe in philanthropy for the same reason."
Gary B. Williams, M.D.
Retired chief of the Division of General Surgery and former medical director of the Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Center for Breast Health, with his wife, Pamela, esteemed benefactors of Summa Health