Impact Stories

Every gift has a story. There are many ways that our donors, employees, physicians, volunteers and other Henry Ford Health stakeholders make a profound and meaningful difference in the lives of the patients we serve. Read about the incredible impact our supporters are having on our communities, research, education—and our world, through contributions of time and financial resources.

Our stories

Couple’s longtime gratitude inspires an investment in the future of neurology research

Inspired by a life-changing operation in 1993, Andy and Nancy Vanchick are advancing the Department of Neurology’s research and clinical initiatives through planned gifts.

Fostering pathways to healthcare for underrepresented youth

Through the RYSE MED program, Martina Caldwell, M.D., M.S., is teaching local students that there is a future in healthcare for them.

Gift empowers research to deliver better outcomes for colorectal diseases

The Iacobelli family drives leading-edge colorectal research to improve patient outcomes through gift establishing the Colon and Rectal Surgery Research and Academic Fund.

Couple honors physician's legacy with gift toward Nephrology Department

Sarah and Chip McClure pay tribute to a beloved physician with a gift to bolster Nephrology education and training and advance research efforts.

Henry Ford Health leader makes a planned gift to support personal passion

Doug Clark champions community health equity through planned gift to the Ruth Ellis Center.

Seven decades after receiving lifesaving care, patient honors doctor’s legacy through planned gift

Beverly Briggs helps preserve Henry Ford’s history through a planned gift to the Conrad R. Lam Archives

Physician creates a legacy of leadership with $1.5 million gift to establish endowed chair

Kathleen Yaremchuk, M.D., honors the Department of Otolaryngology’s tradition of research and innovation with endowed chair.

Ellen Lawson pays tribute to late husband with gift to support brain cancer caregivers

Ellen Lawson’s gift to Game on Cancer serves as a tribute to her late husband Chris and an act of generosity for others living with glioblastoma.

An endowment gift to SandCastles means an enduring legacy for one volunteer

A planned gift left by Margaret Haslem Nielsen supports children and families experiencing grief after the loss of a loved one.

For Janet and Jim Riehl, giving back to the community means everything

As the new Macomb Hospital bed tower rises on the horizon, it will soon bear the name of Janet and James Riehl, two lifelong Macomb County residents and pillars of the community.