For more than 108 years, Lee Health has been a trusted partner in Southwest Florida’s health care journey. It has served every generation, from babies in the NICU to grandparents undergoing heart surgery, guiding patients from diagnosis through recovery with compassion and expertise, achieving transformative growth in health care.

Recognizing the growing needs of the community, Lee Health established a foundation 30 years ago to foster innovation and growth. Over the years, the foundation has raised more than $300 million, enabling the creation of state-of-the-art facilities and advancements. Its impact can be seen in initiatives like the Lee Health Cancer Institute, Golisano Children’s Hospital, technological advancements such as the Da Vinci surgical robots, and investments in staff education and training.

On Nov. 1, Lee Health transitioned from a governmental nonprofit to a community-focused nonprofit. This change ensures that Lee Health remains committed to reinvesting all gains into patient care, and also underscores the importance of philanthropy in achieving transformative growth. Unlike most safety-net systems, Lee Health does not receive direct tax support, meaning contributions from donors are crucial to expanding services and improving access to care.

This shift is paving the way for achieving transformative growth in the future. Planned projects include a pediatric surgery center and innovative musculoskeletal services at the new Lee Health Fort Myers hospital, set to open by December 2027. This storm-hardened, technologically advanced facility will meet the region’s growing population’s needs, ensuring high-quality care remains accessible close to home.

Achieving transformative growth is fueled by the generosity of donors who share a vision of healthier communities. Philanthropy has enabled extraordinary achievements, including:

Tom Golisano, who recently gifted $10 million for Golisano Children’s Hospital expansion, on top of $20 million in 2013 for initial construction.

Communities, like Sanibel and Captiva residents, who created SanCap Cares, raising more than $18 million since 2000. Bonita Bay residents have contributed over $1.5 million in three years for expanded cancer care.

Foundations, including the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, which has donated more than $4.2 million for cancer care expansion, and the Shipley Foundation, which has contributed over $3 million for achieving transformative growth in cardiothoracic surgery innovation.

Read the full article about transformative change in health care by Chris Simoneau at Pine Island Eagle.