"Trusting Her Team: A Neurohospitalist’s Journey to Healing"
As a neurohospitalist, Summer Morea has dedicated her career to helping others through some of their most vulnerable health moments. But in 2023, she began experiencing unrelenting headaches. Trusting her instincts—and her colleagues—she turned to the neuroendovascular team at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. Summer’s recovery was successful, but her story left a lasting impression—not only on her life, but on how she views her role as a provider.
"Inspired by Care: A Brighter Future for Neurology — Gratitude story"
When Kathryn Lindquist found herself in the care of MedStar Health after a frightening health event, the thoughtful, world-class treatment she received would inspire her to ensure others could access the same compassionate, life-changing support.
"From Patient to Family: A Heartfelt Care Journey - Gratitude Story"
After Jerry Tippett's unexpected heart failure diagnosis at 54, the compassionate team at MedStar Washington Hospital Center provided life-saving care, including an LVAD and a heart transplant, giving him three more years with his family before his passing. Now, his sister Janice is receiving care at MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute, where their family's history of cardiovascular disease has led to groundbreaking genetic research that could benefit future generations.
"A Life-Changing Experience - Interdisciplinary Approach Makes all the Difference"
At the start of April 2024, Mark Rouchard was, in his words, “living the dream.” Upon retiring in 2018, he and his wife, Mary Ellen, had started traveling more often, going for runs, spending more time with their six grandchildren, and simply savoring life. Then, on April 5, the unthinkable happened. “I was in my office doing some paperwork and out of the blue, I felt weird, and both my left leg and arm went numb,” Mark says. As Mark learned of his diagnosis, his life would not be the same.
"Giving in thanks for extraordinary care from an extraordinary team."
Dominic Brunaccioni, a 21-year-old American University student, underwent urgent brain tumor surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and, with rehabilitation, walked at graduation. Grateful for the care, his mother, Kim, made a generous donation to the Neurosurgery and Innovation Fund to honor the MedStar Georgetown team.
"In gratitude for the ultimate teamwork — Gratitude story"
After severe headaches and misdiagnoses, Jennifer McNally found life-saving care at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, where Drs. Anousheh Sayah and Vinay Deshmukh repaired her cerebrospinal fluid leak through complex surgery. Grateful for the care she received, her parents established the Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Fund to support the program and raise awareness of this condition.
"Paying it forward — Gratitude story"
In 2016, Bill Bivens was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a slow-growing cancer, and monitored without treatment until moving to Fairfax, Virginia, in 2019, where he continued care at MedStar Georgetown. Under the guidance of Dr. Catherine Broome, Bill began a targeted oral therapy that significantly improved his condition without requiring chemotherapy. Grateful for the advanced care and life-changing treatment, the Bivens made a philanthropic gift to support MedStar Georgetown’s cancer program, hoping to help future patients.
"Inspired by care above and beyond"
Leo Vondas overcame severe health challenges, including infections and complications from peripheral vascular disease, with life-saving care at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Grateful for his recovery, Leo and Carol honored the hospital with a philanthropic gift and continue to advocate and volunteer in appreciation.
"A Healthcare Fairy Tale"
A routine dental cleaning led Gregg Jubin to a life-threatening case of bacterial endocarditis due to mitral valve prolapse. After expert care at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, including robotic mitral valve repair, he made a swift recovery and expressed his gratitude with a philanthropic gift to support the heart program, calling his experience “a healthcare fairy tale.”
"In gratitude for the gift of time"
In 2018, Richard Seaton’s shortness of breath led to a diagnosis of stage IV non-small cell lung cancer, despite being a non-smoker. Dr. Stephen Liu at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital identified a RET gene mutation and prescribed a targeted therapy that has kept Richard’s cancer dormant for over four years. Grateful for the compassionate care and expertise he received, Richard made a philanthropic gift to support the hospital’s cancer program, calling the care “incredible.”
"Making a difference in the lives of school-age patients"
Albert and Betty Tucker founded the Tucker Foundation over 40 years ago to support local hospitals and cancer research, focusing on pediatric and chronically ill patients. Their legacy continues through funding MedStar Georgetown’s Hospital School Program, ensuring young patients can pursue education during treatment and positively impacting countless families.
"Giving thanks for a lifetime of blessings"
Pat Romanchock joined MedStar Montgomery in 1978 as a radiology technologist, rising to director of Medical Imaging through her dedication to excellence. After her 2022 breast cancer diagnosis, she became a grateful patient and pledged philanthropic support to the hospital’s Centennial Campaign, deepening her volunteer efforts to advance its mission.
"Adding Life to Years at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital"
When their 97-year-old Aunt Marie faced severe heart failure, Joe and Karin De Francis turned to MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, where expert care helped her recover in just six weeks. Grateful for the transformative care, they made a philanthropic gift to the Adding Life to Years® campaign to support future patients.
"In honor of the late Alexander Dromerick, MD"
After a stroke in 2011, Linda Greenberg’s recovery began at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, where Dr. Alexander Dromerick helped her achieve remarkable progress, including walking again. Grateful for her care, Linda and her husband Lenny have made philanthropic investments to support the hospital, including funding an endowment to honor Dr. Dromerick's legacy.
"Living organ donor gives the gift of life and expresses her gratitude"
Hannah Scheenstra initially wanted to help a two-year-old in need of a liver transplant, but although she wasn’t a match, she agreed to remain on the transplant list as an altruistic living donor. Three months later, she was a perfect match for a six-month-old girl needing a transplant, and after the surgery, Hannah was thrilled to know she had given the baby a second chance at life. In gratitude for the care she received, Hannah made a philanthropic gift to the MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute in honor of Dr. Guerra and her care team.
"Giving to Promote Healing"
Greg Albright and Wes Combs, both with strong ties to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, recognized the need for modernization despite the exceptional care they received. After witnessing the busy emergency department and realizing the opportunity to create a more calming environment, they were inspired to support the hospital’s Verstandig Pavilion.
"A Philanthropic Investment in the Future of Healthcare - A Gratitude Story"
Bernard and Nancy Matus support MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital’s scholarship program, helping staff advance their healthcare careers. In addition to annual gifts, they are advocating for a new endowment to sustain the program for future healthcare workers.
"Distinguished philanthropist endows chair and makes a philanthropic investment to Verstandig Pavilion"
After spine surgery with Dr. Jay Khanna, Daniel D’Aniello made a $5 million gift to advance orthopaedic and spine care at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. The gift funds The D’Aniello Family Endowed Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery and supports the Verstandig Pavilion. His generosity reflects confidence in Dr. Khanna and a commitment to advancing world-class care, research, and education.
"A Fitting Tribute for a Lifetime of Memories"
Judith Feustle, ScD, RN, has a lifelong connection to MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, where she was born, trained as a nurse, and worked for 30 years, eventually becoming director of the nursing school. Even after transitioning to academia, she remained engaged as a board member and recently made a philanthropic gift to create a historical timeline and display for the hospital’s 170th anniversary in 2024.
"Honoring a caring spirit - Gratitude Story"
When Mary Agnes Stewart passed away from cancer in 2021, her daughters, Diane, Mary Helen, and Catherine, honored her memory by giving back to the MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute and Hospice of St. Mary’s, whose care extended her life and brought her peace. A lifelong Leonardtown resident and caregiver, Mary Agnes cherished her family, living to see her grandson return from the military, and remained grateful for the compassion and expertise of Dr. Amir Khan and the hospice team during her final days.
