Gary Richard, the third generation of the electronic retailer P.C. Richard & Son, had provided Catholic Health Good Samaritan University Hospital with the facility’s largest gift in its history.
The healthcare system did not disclose the amount of the gift from Richard. However, the second largest gift in Good Sam’s history was $1.7 million in 2015 from Charles DeClerck.
With the gift, the hospital has renamed its stroke and brain aneurysm center to the Gary H. Richard and Family Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island at Good Samaritan University Hospital. The center, which was launched in 2018, is recognized by recognized by both the Joint Commission and New York State Department of Health.
The center cares for thousands of patients each year. Its clinical team are leaders in brain aneurysms, endovascular, stroke and other cerebrovascular pathology, using the latest in neurointerventional technology.
“With this bold commitment to support the Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island, our clinical leaders at Good Samaritan University Hospital will continue the important work being done to care for patients with neurological conditions, using the most advanced treatments,” Catholic Health President and CEO Dr. Patrick O’Shaughnessy, said in a written statement.
“We are extremely grateful to Gary Richard for his support as we continue to provide world class care to our patients,” he added.
The center features an intensive care unit designed to providing advanced care to neuro patients, including those recovering from a brain aneurysm, stroke or other neurological condition. This closed unit includes a dedicated eight-bed step down unit and has been recognized since its opening for its clinical excellence. The program recently celebrated its five- year anniversary, caring for more than 7,000 patients.
“I know personally how crucial it is to have qualified specialists on demand and at your bedside,” Richard said in a written statement.
“My family has been blessed for decades to be a part of Long Island communities. It is with our deep, personal and sincere gratitude to have this great opportunity to support Kimon Bekelis, MD and the Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center at Catholic Health Good Samaritan University Hospital,” he added.
The gift will expand surgical space and enhance the facility, allowing clinicians to provide the most advanced care, patient experience and offer exciting opportunities to adopt new, innovative technologies, which will lead to the future of neurological care. In addition, the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at the Hospital will also reflect the Richard Family name and continue to grow and provide life-saving care to thousands of Long Islanders.
“Since its inception seven years ago, The Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Center at Good Samaritan has changed the fabric of stroke care on the South Shore of Long Island,” Bekelis, chairman of Neurointerventional Services for Catholic Health and medical director of the Gary H. Richard and Family Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center, said in a written statement.
“Despite our many firsts and numerous accolades, our biggest honor has been the impact we have had on our patients’ lives,” Bekelis added “Grateful patient philanthropy humbles us and demonstrates that impact. Gary Richard personifies this spirit of selfless contribution that creates an evergreen support of our program and will impact many patients’ lives for generations to come. We are honored that our center will carry his family name.”
Adina Genn
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