In 2014, in appreciation for care Anne received to treat a rare type of ovarian cancer, the couple named UH Seidman Cancer Center as a beneficiary in their estate plans, creating the Anne and Donald Palmer Endowed Fund for Cancer Innovation and Research in honor of John P. Murphy, MD, Anne's physician.
Just this year, they expanded their generous support, establishing the Anne and Donald Palmer Endowed Fund for Cardiovascular Innovation and Research. Once again, their gratitude to a UH physician propelled the gift. In 2016, Anne was diagnosed with aortic stenosis, a frequently overlooked condition in patients over 75 years of age. Her cardiologist referred her to Alan Markowitz, MD, Cardiac Surgical Director, UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute at UH Ahuja Medical Center, and the Marcella "Dolly" Haugh Chair in Valvular Surgery. According to Anne, "UH saved my life for a second time. It is my pleasure to honor Dr. Markowitz this way."
The recent $1 million gift from Dr. Markowitz and his wife Cathy Pollard to the UH cardiology department also served as an impetus for the Palmers' gift. Donald summed up the couple's motivation: "To see a commitment of that size from a UH doctor is most impressive, as it reflects how strongly the physicians themselves believe in the UH mission To Heal. To Teach. To Discover. We are pleased to be able to add our support to the fine work saving lives at UH."
Contact our gift planning team today to learn how you can support UH with a planned gift.