Dear Friends,
Every day at Adventist HealthCare, we witness moments of courage, compassion and healing—made possible because people like you care deeply about the well-being of others. Your generosity strengthens our mission to extend God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing.
This issue of Philanthropy Matters shares a story of resilience and healing in a patient who found the strength to recover thanks to caregivers who provided exceptional care and spiritual leaders who provided comfort during the dark days. You’ll meet a donor who gave in gratitude for life-saving care, who will continue to support Adventist HealthCare through planned giving. And you’ll read about some of the ways generosity ensures hope and healing for all in need of care.
If you’re already a donor, thank you for being part of this Mission of healing. If you are learning about our work for the first time, I invite you to join us. Every gift—large or small, one-time or monthly—helps ensure that compassionate care, innovative treatment and wellness programs remain available to all who need them.
Together, we are building a healthier, more hopeful future for our community. Thank you for walking this journey with us.
In gratitude,
Andrew Dziuban Vice President, Philanthropy & Donor Relations Adventist HealthCare
Why Give?
Generous gifts from grateful patients and the community ensure that patients like Dr. Rockower receive the healing treatment and spiritual comfort they need during difficult days.
I’ve been an orthopedic surgeon for nearly fifty years. However, until I became a patient myself, I may not have completely understood how critical the non-medical component of care really is. My team at Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation Rockville made it abundantly clear.
Last summer, I suddenly and inexplicably woke up unable to move and with no blood pressure. It was terrifying. What made the situation even more challenging was that my wife, Ann, had recently been diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer. As you can imagine, it was upsetting to think I wouldn’t be able to be there for her as she was dealing with her own medical crisis.
As my condition improved, Ann’s unfortunately deteriorated. After spending a few weeks in the hospital, I was transferred to Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation
Rockville for physical therapy and rehab, and unbeknownst to me, emotional support. My beautiful wife passed away unexpectedly only a day after I arrived. Now I could barely get out of bed for a very different reason.
While the physical therapy I received during this time was second to none, it was the comfort and attention from the Chaplains that brought me solace. Together, they made it possible for me to attend my wife’s funeral and to sit Shiva at the hospital and to focus on all the necessary aspects of grieving. Because of the therapy and the spiritual care, I am back to my old self physically and adjusting to a new emotional normal.
Your Gifts in Action
State-of-the-art Technology Eases Stress of Breast Biopsy
When a breast biopsy is required, the Brevera Biopsy System helps to make the process shorter by enabling real-time tissue analysis at the point of biopsy rather than having to bring samples to a separate lab for review. In addition, the system typically requires fewer samples reducing the risk of bruising and swelling – which means greater comfort and a better overall experience for our patients.
It is through the efforts of EagleBank and EagleBank Foundation that the team at Shady Grove Breast Center is delivering more efficient and more comfortable diagnostic testing using the Brevera Biopsy System. For the past several years, EagleBank Foundation has sponsored a golf tournament, the proceeds from which were given to Adventist HealthCare. This year, those funds will pay for the Brevera system, which will greatly reduce the stress and discomfort women experience when undergoing diagnostic testing for breast cancer.
While cutting-edge technology means we can provide the very best clinical care available, we know it’s only part of a patient’s cancer treatment. Another area where donor support has made a difference is through our amazing wellness programs which carefully and compassionately guide cancer patients from diagnosis, through treatment and to survivorship.
To learn more about Adventist HealthCare Cancer Services visit: AdventistHealthCare.com/Services/Cancer
Improving Time to Treatment, Patient Care and Comfort
• With the purchase of an ICON Riser, medical teams at White Oak Medical Center now can assure faster time to treatment in the event of a Code Blue. With this technology, the team gains exclusive use of elevator #6, which is the largest and can accommodate team members, patients and equipment.
• The Cardiac and Vascular teams at Shady Grove Medical Center equipped its exam rooms with new tools and new beds to better serve thousands of current and future patients.
• The Forensic Medical Unit purchased a new examination table that will improve patient comfort and reduce fall risk.
• Germantown Emergency Center bought a second Panda Warmer in anticipation of an increase in births at the center.
• Thanks to generous donors, Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation was able to purchase a High-Performance Treadmill and a Recumbent Cross Trainer.
Donors Make the Difference
Life-Saving Care Inspires CVIR Donation
A family who benefited from life-saving heart care at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center has made a significant donation to our tower’s new cardiovascular treatment lab. Laurence (Larry) and Fern Bensignor’s gift will help complete our tower’s CVIR lab, where interventional cardiologists and neurointerventional specialists help emergency patients undergoing heart attacks and strokes. In recognition of their generosity and enduring commitment, the lab will be named in honor of the Bensignors.
In 2016, Larry was rushed to our Emergency Department, suffering a widow–maker heart attack. Interventional cardiologist Rajeev Patel, MD, and our medical team helped
save his life. Since then, the Bensignors have become steadfast supporters of our hospital, giving multiple substantial gifts. Also, Larry is the past chair of the Shady Grove Medical Center Foundation and currently serves on the hospital’s Governing Board. “It’s a strange feeling to hear sirens in your neighborhood, and know they are for you,” says Larry. “Every moment I spend with family, including my delightful 4-year–old grandson, laugh with friends or listen to my favorite music is a gift,” he adds. “Dr. Patel and Shady Grove Medical Center saved my life. Fern and I want other patients who need emergency intervention to receive the best care possible, and to have the same chance at continued life.”
Planned Giving is a way to help Adventist HealthCare continue its mission of extending God’s Care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing. Through gifts such as wills, trusts, life insurance or retirement assets you can make a meaningful contribution that extends beyond your lifetime.
To learn more visit AdventistHealthCare.com/News/2025/Shady-Grove-MedicalCenter-Receives-Transformative-Gift/
Harnessing the Power of Corporate Philanthropy
Adventist HealthCare’s Corporate Partners Program gives area businesses the opportunity to invest in their community and have a significant impact on population health through an annual philanthropic contribution. Corporate gifts can be designated for specific initiatives or to the area of greatest need. We are grateful to the organizations who already have made a commitment to ensuring continued access to exceptional care.
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Friends of Adventist HealthCare Host Events
Raising Awareness and Funds
Children’s Mental Health Advocacy Group Selects The Lourie Center to Receive Funds
Adventist HealthCare The Lourie Center for Children’s Social & Emotional Wellness was pleased to be a grantee of funds raised by Champions for Children’s Countdown to World Mental Health Day.
Led by Paula Widerlite, Champions for Children is an advocacy organization raising awareness about and funds for children’s mental health. On September 30, 2025, they gathered a group of experts, leaders and advocates to shine a light on the issue. Through sponsorships and ticket sale, the group raised $95,000 which will be shared
by The Lourie Center and two other worthy organizations. “Our grantees are stepping up where resources are being dismantled,” comments Ms. Widerlite, “and that’s why we are proud to stand with them to provide children and families the support they need, right here in our region.”
The Lourie Center serves more than 4,000 children and families annually in the Washington metro region, and provides prevention, early intervention, education and treatment services to strengthen children’s emotional health.
Local Businessman Raises Funds for Cancer in Memory of His Brother
The John M. Shober 4th Annual Golf Tournament, sponsored by local businessman Dave Shober in honor of his late brother John, brought together more than 65 participants at the scenic Blue Mash Golf Course in Laytonsville, Maryland.
This year, proceeds from the tournament were earmarked to strengthen the bereavement program at Adventist HealthCare Cancer Services, ensuring that families navigating loss receive the care and compassion they deserve. Thanks to the support of local businesses and a dedicated community of avid golfers, the event successfully raised over $20,000 toward this vital cause.
News and Events from Around the System
SHADY GROVE MEDICAL CENTER
Adventist HealthCare “A”
Logo Placed Atop the Tower
In July, the Adventist HealthCare “A” was placed atop Shady Grove Medical Center Tower, one of the last key pieces of the building’s exterior and the crowning touch.
Rooftop Helipad is Extending God’s Care from the Sky
At 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, Shady Grove Medical Center rooftop helipad was opened for service. With careful coordination, crews removed barriers so that pilots could see the distinctive “H” marking the landing pad.
Helipad Dedicated in Memory of Connor Gamma
On Sunday, Aug. 3, before helicopters received clearance to land, a small group of leaders gathered to dedicate the helipad. Program Director of Spiritual Care Stephanie Grant and hospital President Dan Cochran led the ceremony. Our helipad’s pilot receiving area is dedicated to the memory of Connor Gamma, son of Brett Gamma, MD, Associate Vice President for Physician Outcomes and Quality. It’s a fitting way to honor Connor, as he loved everything about flying. Thank you to the Gammas for their philanthropic gift to the tower, which will support our patients being transported and the team members who serve them.
To keep up to date on tower progress and to learn how you can support this vital addition to your community hospital visit AdventistSGMC.com/NextLevel
Fort Washington Medical Center Rings in Fall with a Festive Twist
Despite the mid-day overcast and rainy weather on Sept. 27, Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center’s (FWMC) Fall Festival turned out to be a fun experience!
Highlights from the event included:
• Hand-painted face designs and relay game stations featuring a kid-friendly mock emergency triage.
• Photo ops with crowd favorite Pinch, mascot for the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs.
• A fantastic live performance by the Buccaneers Pathfinder Club band members representing Fort Washington’s Breath of Life Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The FWMC team extends their sincere appreciation to all staff, volunteers, families, special guests and community partners who made this inaugural event truly special. Everyone’s support and participation helped create a meaningful experience overall.
White Oak Medical Center Hosts Triumph Trek & Health Fair
Triumph Trek is an annual event that celebrates the recovery, resilience and renewal of our rehabilitation patients and honors the families, caregivers and clinicians who support them throughout their journey.
This year, participants not only wheeled, walked or ran around White Oak Medical Center’s beautiful lake, but also took advantage of our health fair offering health screenings, vaccines, tools and resources for better health. There was a bouncy house, face painting, giant Jenga and other childfriendly activities to amuse the young and young at heart, and opportunities to explore emergency vehicles.
We are grateful to our corporate, community and medical partners, along with our dedicated leaders, organizers and volunteers who made the day so very special. Your commitment makes this event possible and strengthens our Mission to extend God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing.
