Generosity in Action: Transforming Lives with Every Act of Giving

GENEROSITY IN ACTION

TRANSFORMING LIVES WITH EVERY ACT OF GIVING

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”

—Coretta Scott King

Message from Our Leaders

It has been an extraordinary year for UMass Memorial Health and our member hospitals Like so many healthcare institutions across the country, we have faced difficult financial challenges, but our caregivers—backed by the kindness and generosity of you, our donor community—have met these challenges head on Your unwavering support enhances our caregivers’ ability to be flexible in moments of challenge, bold in times of opportunity, unrelenting in pursuit of innovation, and uncompromising in our focus on the best clinical care possible for all

In 2025, we opened the new North Pavilion, which added 72 inpatient rooms to the UMass Memorial Medical Center University Campus, and we plan to add an additional 24 rooms We also added 19 new inpatient beds to the Memorial Campus Alleviating capacity issues was possible because of your philanthropic spirit.

We continued to adapt and utilize cutting-edge technology to care for our patients wherever they may be with the opening of the Digital Hub You helped us make delivering virtual care easier and more efficient across the system.

We welcomed Milford Regional Medical Center to the UMass Memorial Health system; we opened a new ICU and critical care unit at Harrington Hospital; and we broke ground on the new satellite emergency facility located in Groton Because of you, we can ensure that our patients continue to receive the essential care they need and deserve close to home.

As you read the following pages, we hope you take great pride in the impact you and our donor community have made across UMass Memorial Health. Thank you for all you have done for our caregivers, patients, families, and communities

With gratitude,

Eric W Dickson, MD, MHCM, FACEP President & CEO, UMass Memorial Health

Kathleen F Driscoll Senior Vice President & Chief Philanthropy Officer, UMass Memorial Health

UMass Memorial Medical Center

Providing Equitable Care for all Mothers and Babies

Thanks to key support from our donors, the Doula Program at UMass Memorial Medical Center provides expert and compassionate care for Black mothers throughout their pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum journeys

Research shows that Black women have a disproportionately higher number of complications during pregnancy and childbirth These can lead to serious health problems after delivery—for both mother and baby—but with the right care, they can be prevented

As non-clinical caregivers, the doula’s role makes the experience for Black mothers and their babies safer and healthier Further, the Doula Program is unique because we provide entrepreneurship classes that empower our doulas to start their own businesses or partner with other doulas Through collaborations with the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition, 35 doulas have been trained through our program and received small business support.

ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE 2024:

• 431 inquiries for expert doula support

• 265 patients paired with a compassionate doula

• 189 doula-supported births

• 43 patients engaged postpartum

• 41 expert doulas participating

• Launched a free in-person childbirth education class

“The Doula Program is the gold standard of care. I support this vital program because I want every mother to have access to a knowledgeable, supportive, and benevolent doula who will ensure they feel safe and heard.”

–Kathryn Iacocca Hentz, Program Donor

“From the day of conception until the day of birth, it’s a never-ending race to make sure not only the baby but

Children’s Medical Center

Enhancing Pediatric Care and Patient Experience

At the UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center (CMC), infusions are vital treatments that deliver medications directly into the bloodstream They are used for a wide range of conditions—such as cancer, immune disorders, blood disorders, and chronic illnesses—when oral medication is not effective

The need for infusions exceeded the CMC’s original three dedicated infusion bays which resulted in children and teens receiving treatments in exam rooms not designed for lengthy experiences or traveling farther away for frequent infusions

With transformative gifts from the Doyle Family’s RD26 Foundation and the Amelia Peabody Charitable Trust, and support from other generous donors, the CMC expanded its Infusion Suite from three to five treatment bays, ensuring children would not have to delay critical infusion treatments. Each bay now has new treatment chairs, companion chairs, privacy curtains, TVs, and gaming systems so our patients are comfortable and have options to help pass the time

“ We are grateful to be able to support this important expansion that will help so many.

This project reflects Ryan’s enduring spirit and the foundation’s mission to bring comfort and hope to families facing pediatric cancer.”

–Dee and Tim Doyle, Ryan’s parents

The expanded Infusion Suite is named for Ryan Jude Doyle and allows our team to care for more children and to treat them sooner and more comfortably. The expansion has also helped improve patient flow, wait times, and family experiences throughout the entire clinic

Relieving Stress and Anxiety for Pediatric Patients

The CMC’s Child Life Program provides child-centered care and exceptional pediatric experiences Backed by the generosity of our donors, the dedicated Child Life team helps thousands of children each year relieve stress and anxiety associated with medical treatment by using age-appropriate support, education, and activities

IN THE CHILD LIFE PROGRAM IN 2025:

• Our full-time canine assistant, Valentina, had more than 1,300 patient encounters to help decrease pain perception, demonstrate that blood pressure cuffs do not hurt, and help children through some of the scariest moments of their lives

• Nearly 800 Music Therapy sessions took place with visits ranging from 20 minutes to 75 minutes in length depending on the individual needs and preferences of each child

• Our innovative social robot, Robin the Robot, worked with approximately 1,850 kids during their inpatient stays at the CMC

• The Kids Comfort Promise continued to ensure that children have as little pain and anxiety as possible for needlesticks and blood draws

“We support the Child Life Program because we want to help children feel as safe and comforted as possible while dealing with medical challenges that no one that young should have to face. Diagnoses, tests, and blood draws are scary enough for adults, and so we stand behind the wonderful caregivers making these experiences better for countless children.”

–Arthur J. Remillard, III, President The Remillard

Family Foundation

North Pavilion Update

Improving Patient Care Through State-of-the-Art Facilities

The North Pavilion, our new inpatient facility that opened in January 2025, was one of the largest capital projects in UMass Memorial Health’s history, made possible by the support of 30 generous individuals, families, and foundations in our community.

The 72 new private rooms have already had a significant impact on patient flow, patient satisfaction, and employee satisfaction

MOST NOTEWORTHY ACHIEVEMENTS DURING ITS FIRST YEAR INCLUDE:

• Drastically improved capacity challenges. Our patient capacity challenge has been the number one issue facing UMass Memorial Medical Center, the primary hospital for all transfers of critically ill patients from community hospitals in Central Massachusetts Timely transfers are associated with lower mortality rates for patients with time-sensitive conditions, such as heart attack or stroke With the addition of the new beds in the North Pavilion, “transfers accepted” are up and our “transfers declined due to capacity” are down

• Emergency Department (ED) boarding is down. The ED is the first stop in the surge area progression and the place where “boarding” happens—a situation when adult or pediatric patients are stuck in the ED for days or weeks at a time, waiting for an appropriate bed to open Because of the North Pavilion, on average, there are 22% fewer patients boarding in the ED each morning and wait times have been reduced by 18 7%

• Patient satisfaction is high. Our patient surveys and feedback show that the opening of the North Pavilion has increased patient satisfaction for those who receive care in the new building as well as those treated at the University Campus

“I am deeply grateful for the generous support from the Hahnemann Trust. Their commitment enables my team and me to expand the reach of our palliative care services, extending from inpatient care to the outpatient setting. This gift addresses a critical need in the Leominster and Fitchburg area and will be instrumental in ensuring that more individuals receive the compassionate care they deserve.”

—Kimberly Ebb, MD, FACP, Medical Director, Division of Palliative Care

HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital

Providing Expert and Dignified Care for Serious Illnesses

Palliative care is a specialized form of medical care that focuses on improving quality of life for people living with serious illnesses, such as pulmonary disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, end-stage liver disease, and end-stage renal disease It includes interdisciplinary care to address quality of life, symptom burden, emotional well-being, communication, continuity of care, and caregiver burnout

Currently, there is an inpatient palliative care program at our HealthAlliance-Clinton Leominster Campus With a generous commitment from the Hahnemann Trust, we are expanding our palliative care services to include outpatient services at our Fitchburg Campus

“We are proud to support the expansion of palliative care at HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital with a gift to establish the Outpatient Palliative Care Service. This program reflects a compassionate, whole-person approach to care, one that honors the dignity of patients and supports their families during some of life’s most challenging moments. We believe this investment will help transform how serious illness is treated in our community.”

–Hahnemann Trustees

The new Outpatient Palliative Care Service will include three key components: palliative care training and staff development, chaplaincy and bereavement services, and clinical team expansion

Harrington Hospital

Turning Tragedy into Hope: Advancing Behavioral Health and Recovery Support Services

In the wake of losing their son Adam to an accidental overdose, Lisa Faust and James Faust Jr , MD—a now retired anesthesiologist at Harrington Hospital—and their son Brian made the decision to turn their tragedy into hope for individuals suffering from substance use disorder and families touched by the disease

Adam’s family established the Adam Faust Memorial Fund at Harrington Hospital to honor Adam’s life and dedication to helping others by advancing behavioral health and recovery support services, as well as supporting caregivers

Caregivers at Harrington Hospital take pride in our comprehensive behavioral health service line, through which we offer an integrated continuum of care that encompasses inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and school-based programs for all ages, children to adults. This diverse array of treatment options empowers patients to make significant progress in their healing journeys

In July 2025, Harrington Hospital hosted an event in collaboration with the Faust family to celebrate the launch of the Adam Faust Memorial Fund and benefit the hospital’s behavioral health and recovery support services

“Adam’s legacy now serves as a powerful reminder of the critical need for awareness, compassion, and accessible support for those affected by substance use disorders.”

–The Faust Family

“Marlborough Hospital saved my life three times and has provided me and my family with excellent and personalized care for over 70 years.”

—Erika Wilkinson

Marlborough Hospital

Helping Future Families Receive the Same Amazing Care

Erika Wilkinson, a long-time dedicated supporter of Marlborough Hospital, passed away in 2024 at the age of 96 after a life of service to others She left a generous bequest to Marlborough Hospital—the institution that had cared for her family since 1953

Erika’s daughter, Heidi, who passed away in 2006, was born on January 4, 1955, and was the first baby born at Marlborough Hospital that year Heidi went on to spend many years there as a candy striper and a volunteer; she was beloved by hospital staff Erika’s late husband, Bob, also received care at Marlborough Hospital for multiple health issues during his 91 years

Erika believed in philanthropically supporting a community hospital, and so part of her bequest went towards the Marlborough Hospital Emergency Department Renovation and Expansion project The project will alleviate critical patient overcrowding and enhance the high-quality care we offer by nearly doubling the number of patient rooms, including new treatment and trauma rooms.

Through her bequest, Erika has created a legacy that will support the caregivers, patients, and families at Marlborough Hospital for generations to come As a result of Erika’s donation and in her own words, “the future of Marlborough Hospital looks good ”

Milford Regional Medical Center

Enhancing Operating Rooms for our Patients

In 2024, Milford Regional Medical Center embarked on a campaign to complete a comprehensive makeover and outfit their suite of eight operating rooms (ORs) with enhanced cutting-edge visualization technology

The original operating rooms had equipment that was 15 to 20 years old, and the updates brought the most sophisticated and comprehensive visualization solution to the renovated ORs for use in multiple specialties. This includes the latest technology available for lights, video integration, and booms (ceiling-mounted systems that organize and deliver essential utilities and equipment, such as power, medical gases, data, monitors, and surgical tools)

Leading the charge in making this OR campaign successful was Kevin and Leslie Lobisser, long-time supporters of the hospital

The new OR suite has significantly enhanced our caregivers’ surgical capabilities and helps ensure our patients and families are receiving the best care possible

“We are passionate about the health of our community. Our mission and values have always aligned with those of Milford Regional Medical Center. We want our friends, family, and neighbors to have access to state-of-the-art medical care and facilities when they need them. With the loss of Kevin’s mother and Leslie’s father at young ages to cancer, we understand the importance of good health. We are excited about the opportunity to now be working with UMass Memorial Health and will continue to do what we can to keep great quality healthcare in Milford.”

— Kevin and Leslie Lobisser, The Lobisser Family Foundation

“Theresa has helped so many of us get through some tough times. I call her “Mother Theresa” for the work she does; she is always, always available when we need her help. For her efforts she has made countless friends. I am happy to be one of them.”

—Tony Tilton, Former UMass Memorial Board Chair

UMass Memorial Health

Solidifying Access to Personalized, Quality Care

The CarePath Program has long provided personalized patient liaison services to support, guide, and assist members of the UMass Memorial Health community

For the past 43 years, CarePath has been overseen by Director Theresa Hicks, who serves as an advocate for all patients across the system with deep compassion and professionalism

Under the leadership of philanthropist Tony Tilton, more than 55 grateful patients and counting, who have turned to Theresa when they needed it most, stepped forward—with immense pride and gratitude—to establish The Theresa Hicks Fund.

The fund honors Theresa’s unwavering commitment and ensures UMass Memorial Health can continue to provide these vital services to our patients across all our hospitals in perpetuity

Events and Celebrations

Each year, we value the opportunity to gather—with hospital and community leaders, caregivers, patients, their families, and dedicated friends and donors like you—to celebrate our achievements. We are grateful for all those who support and attend our annual fundraisers, which help us advance our mission within the communities we serve. These special events—like the annual Hope and Healing Celebration supporting UMass Memorial Health and Mélange Gala supporting Milford Regional Medical Center—aim to enhance the health and well-being of those we serve.

Community Fundraising

Across UMass Memorial Health, community fundraising plays a critical role in all that we do Our volunteer fundraisers build community spirit, raise awareness for hospital services and offerings, strengthen relationships, and help provide critical funding for hospital programs From the legendary Boston Marathon and Falmouth Road Race to the Rodman Ride for Kids, and other special events like Derby for Drew, Festival of Trees, and golf events—community fundraising empowers UMass Memorial Health and our dedicated community members to work together in support of a common cause

Our Gratitude

We hope you are inspired by all that your support has made possible for our patients, families, and caregivers across UMass Memorial Health The medical innovation, patient care, community programs, and capital projects described in this report are only successful because of the generosity and kindness of our donors

Thank you for sharing our commitment to the health and well-being of our communities.

Office of Philanthropy

365 Plantation Street, Biotech One Worcester, MA 01605

774-443-GIVE ummhealth.org/giving