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The Power of
Philanthropy Winter 2025 A special report for ChristianaCare supporters like you…
Dear Friends and Supporters, The power of philanthropy is truly extraordinary. It Stay Connected! @ChristianaCare 302-327-3305 philanthropy@christianacare.org
can create life-changing opportunities, bring hope to those in need, and strengthen the very fabric of our communities. In healthcare, your generosity enables us to expand our reach, enhance our services, and deliver compassionate care to those who need it most. Thanks to the kindness of donors like you, countless lives have been transformed—patients who once faced overwhelming challenges now find renewed health and hope. We invite you to read their inspiring stories and see firsthand how your support makes a difference. Together, we can continue to build a healthier, more vibrant community, where everyone has the chance to thrive. On behalf of ChristianaCare, thank you for your continued commitment and compassion.
The Power Of Generosity & Gratitude The Legacy Of John Rowan AKA “The Mayor” More than a decade later, the spirited legacy of John Joseph Rowan (August 30, 1946 – April 14, 2013) endures. A memorial plaque, permanently displayed in a seating area of what was once Christiana Hospital’s 6B Hematology Unit, serves as a lasting tribute from his wife and best friend, Heidelore Rowan. It reminds all of John’s contagious zest for life and his love of people. Heide recalls that “People — including me — just gravitated to John. He always had this terrific sense of humor, an Irish twinkle in his eye, and a welcoming personality.” After battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia for three years at ChristianaCare’s Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute, John—affectionately known in his community as “The Mayor”—defied expectations, outliving his initial prognosis of only a few months. His lively, larger-than-life spirit won the hearts of his care team, who he affectionately called his “angels.” Incredibly moved by his care team’s dedication and the holistic care John received, Heide understood that this multi-faceted care not only extended his life but also allowed him two precious years with his first grandchild, Oliver. That gift of time at ChristianaCare was the greatest gift anyone could have given John and his loved ones. To honor this gift and create a legacy of hope, Heide and John discussed making a planned gift to support cancer research. Following his passing in 2013, Heide established a significant trust in her will to benefit ChristianaCare’s Cawley Center for Translational Cancer Research (CCTCR). Her bequest is projected to exceed $1 million in the coming years. Today, the CCTCR continues making transformational strides toward finding cures for leukemia and other cancers, spreading hope for a healthier future. Meanwhile, John’s unforgettable spirit remains a part of the hospital’s history—an enduring source of inspiration for caregivers and patients. For more information, including sample bequest language and a free estate planning guide, please visit Christianacare.giftlegacy.com
With gratitude,
Dia Williams Adams, MPA, CPA Vice President of Philanthropy
The Power of
Eleven years later (right), Heide Rowan and her family revisit the memorial plaque at Christiana Hospital in honor of her husband, John “The Mayor” Rowan, recapturing the 2014 photo (left).
Philanthropy Winter 2025
Saying thank you is a powerful thing
At ChristianaCare you and your loved one’s health
it makes the excellence of others part of your story.
Every gift makes a difference and sends an
means everything to us. You can say thank you to the caregivers who provided care and comfort during a time of need.
important message of hope and encouragement to our caregivers — acknowledging their dedication to the health of patients and their loved ones.
Honor a Caregiver By giving today, you impact healing tomorrow.