Chisholm Family Supports UH Ear, Nose & Throat Institute
Since University Hospitals' humble beginnings in 1866, members of the Chisholm family have offered their support as leaders, donors and volunteers in Cleveland. Henry Chisholm sat on the first board of the Cleveland Hospital Association, and his granddaughter was one of the original twelve King's Daughters who started Rainbow Cottage — today's UH Rainbow Babies & Children's.
More than seven generations later, that strong relationship continues with Henry's great-great-great-grandson, Homer D. W. Chisholm, and his wife, Gertrude Kalnow Chisholm. Members of the Diamond Legacy Society, Homer and Gertrude have made generous contributions to UH over the years, included UH in their estate plans, and most recently, establishing the Homer D. W. Chisholm and Gertrude Kalnow Chisholm Chair in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology
Philanthropy Runs In The Family
Gertrude, whose family has owned and operated a 150-year-old manufacturing company in Tiffin, Ohio, also comes from a long line of philanthropists. The Kalnow name is known for supporting community endeavors, including Heidelberg and Tiffin Universities, and numerous other organizations. Additionally, Gertrude and Homer have supported several arts, educational, religious and community programs in both Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.
The Chisholm-Kalnow Chair supports the work of inaugural appointee Pierre Lavertu, MD, who is the founding Director of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology at University Hospital's Cleveland Medical Center and a nationally recognized expert in the treatment of tumors of the head and neck. The gift will also support a patient-centered survivorship program within the UH Ear, Nose & Throat Institute, focusing on services to help patients, families and caretakers learn how to thrive as survivors of head and neck cancer.
A Leader in Otolaryngology Care
The UH Ear, Nose & Throat Institute is a leader in otolaryngology care, earning a reputation for performing innovative clinical research and offering advanced treatment options for conditions affecting the ears, nose and throat. As one of the emerging Centers of Excellence within the institute, the Head & Neck Cancer Center offers cutting-edge new treatments, minimally invasive surgical techniques and access to promising clinical trials for patients.
The Chisholm's close relationship with Dr. Lavertu began in 2011 when he provided guidance during their son Reid's health battle. In appreciation, the Chisholms established the Reid Chisholm Esophageal Research Fund at University Hospitals. Dr. Lavertu was also part of the UH Head and Neck Cancer care team during Homer's successful battle with head and neck cancer.
The Chisholms are members of the UH Ear, Nose & Throat Leadership Council, as well as both the Diamond Legacy and Samuel Mather societies. Like the philanthropy of their ancestors, the legacy gift from Homer and Gertrude continues the Chisholm and Kalnow families' lasting impact on the future of health care.