The Lee Memorial Health System is the recipient of what may be the largest philanthropic donation ever received in Southwest Florida – $20 million earmarked for construction of a children’s hospital.
The anonymous gift is contingent on matching funds from the community. CEO Jim Nathan says it moves the system significantly forward in its $100 million children’s hospital capital campaign. Right now a patchwork of services is available for children at Lee Memorial Health Park. Nathan said a successful campaign would allow the stand-alone facility to consolidate and expand care.
“We’re now completely out of space and for many times throughout the year we have to send children out of town and that’s just very unfortunate because the whole goal is to be able to care for these seriously ill children as close to home as possible.” he said.
Nathan says the challenge grant will work as a catalyst -- inspiring others to give by having their dollars matched. Groundbreaking on the 128-bed comprehensive pediatric care facility is tentatively scheduled for 2013.
