Grateful family’s gift extends lifesaving patient care worldwide

From serving in the U.S. Army and being taken as a Nazi prisoner of war to founding a car dealership that grew into an automotive group with 10 locations, Marvin M. Tamaroff was tenacious. Viewed as a pillar of the community, Marvin faced adversity with courage and integrity – this included health challenges later in life.

Marvin was referred to Henry Ford Health Chair of Urology Dr. Craig Rogers for the removal of one of his kidneys when he was in his 80s. Marvin’s great care resulted in a broader family relationship and ultimately Dr. Rogers caring for Marvin’s wife, Claire, and his son, Jeffrey. As a result, the family developed a deep connection with Dr. Rogers.

“Dr. Rogers told my dad, ‘Mr. Tamaroff, it’s been an honor to take care of you,’” Marvin’s daughter, Karen Frehsee said. “My dad teared up and that just struck me. We were so impressed by the level of Dr. Roger’s caring and compassion, and we wanted to do something.”

When a robotic surgery fellowship had a funding shortfall, Dr. Rogers reached out to Jeff. “I talked to my dad, and we agreed to help. We kept it going because we saw how much good came out of it,” Jeff shared.

This investment has positively impacted countless patients and has allowed Henry Ford Health to emerge as a leader in this minimally invasive surgical technique. Since its inception, there have been six Tamaroff Fellows who have not only excelled in their training but have carried their expertise around the globe.

Ravi Barod, MBBS, PhD, FRCS (Urol), the inaugural recipient of the Tamaroff Fellowship, now leads a robotic surgery program in London at the largest kidney cancer center in the United Kingdom (UK). Through his fellowship at Henry Ford, he helped transform the landscape for kidney cancer surgery in the UK and beyond through the creation of a similar fellowship in the UK. These fellows created robotic surgery programs in the UK, Sweden, Singapore and Australia.

Upon Marvin’s passing, Claire, Jeffrey and Karen wanted to continue what Marvin started and made a $500,000 pledge and renamed the fellowship the Marvin M. Tamaroff Family Fellowship. Karen said, “It makes me feel proud that my dad started it and grateful that we can continue it.”