Longtime connection inspires a legacy gift

Macomb County resident and community and business leader Ralph Koss is no stranger to leveraging his passion for service to help strengthen his community.

An active member of several community-based and charitable organizations, Ralph’s connection to Henry Ford Macomb Hospital dates back to 2002, when the hospital was St. Joseph’s Healthcare. For years, Ralph chaired the annual St. Joseph Century Club golf outing, helping energize community support and raise funds for hospital programs.

When Henry Ford Health took ownership of the hospital, Ralph remained closely involved. He saw firsthand how the organization’s investment could expand high-quality care close to home for families across Macomb County.

“The transformation along 19 Mile alone has been incredible,” said Ralph, reflecting on the growth that has reshaped the hospital campus.

Ralph served on Henry Ford Macomb Hospital’s board, staying engaged and championing fundraising efforts that supported care advancements. Today, he chairs the Ambassador Club, which supports Henry Ford Macomb Hospital by raising funds to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community.

Advancing patient care

Ralph has witnessed firsthand the value of advancing the care the hospital provides, with friends and family members receiving care there, and, more recently, himself.

After a nearly 30-day stay in the hospital during a battle with pneumonia, Ralph gained a deeper appreciation for the high-quality care the team at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital provides. As challenging as the experience was, he credits the care and kindness of every team member he encountered for making a difference during his stay.

“There wasn’t a single team member that didn’t ask if I needed anything every day, from doctors, to nurses, radiologists, environmental services — everyone,” he recalled.

During his hospitalization, Ralph stayed in the Janet & Jim Riehl North Tower, which opened in 2023. The North Tower is the signature piece of a transformational effort to turn Henry Ford Macomb Hospital into the first all-private patient room hospital in Macomb County. Continued investment will help renovate the hospital’s central tower.

“Until you’re a recipient of care in that space, you don’t even understand the impact,” Ralph added.

Building a foundation for future generations

Ralph cemented his longtime commitment to Henry Ford Macomb Hospital by including the hospital in his estate plans. For Ralph, the decision to make a planned gift reflects a belief in the hospital’s continued role as a vital resource for the Macomb County community.

Reflecting on the legacy he hopes to leave, Ralph shared, “After I’m gone, I want to ensure the quality of care in this community continues to improve for generations.”

Through his generosity, Ralph is helping create a stronger foundation for the future of healthcare in Macomb County — one that will continue to serve neighbors, friends and families long after his lifetime.