Helen DeVos Children's Hospital and the Rich DeVos Heart and Lung Transplant Program bring world-class specialty care to Grand Rapids.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Rich and Helen DeVos Foundation It's officially over. The organization has funded numerous businesses in Grand Rapids.Notably, through donations from foundations, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Richard DeVos Heart and Lung Transplant Program.
Rich has suffered from heart disease for many years, and at one time said his heart was only working at 10 to 15 percent capacity.
“When I was waiting for a new heart, I was a little worried about whether I would actually get one, because we were almost at the end of continuing to use the old heart. So… They said it was a matter of days or weeks,” Rich DeVos once said. .
In 1997, he underwent a heart transplant, which saved his life. It was a highly specialized “domino operation.” At that time, he had to go to England for surgery.
“Mr. DeVos' deep attachment to the local surgical staff ultimately led to him becoming a leader in the heart and lung transplant program here,” said Dr. Edward Murphy, chairman of the Richard DeVos Lung Transplant Endowment. We have decided to establish a donation fund.” , “Dr. Khaghani, one of the surgeons who treated him in the UK, actually came here to take part in the creation of the program.''
This is, Richard DeVos Heart and Lung Transplant Program In 2010.
“Heart and lung disease patients in West Michigan can now have great peace of mind knowing that all aspects of heart and lung care are provided here,” Dr. Murphy said. “There is no reason to leave West Michigan for treatment elsewhere.”
“Rich's vision was to deliver world-class care. He really didn't want a mediocre program,” Dr. Murphy continued. “He wanted this program, this transplant program, to be outstanding in every way, and it is, so I'm glad to be a part of that. In research, in education, in patient care. The elements are second to none.”
In 2022, the program celebrated its 300th lung transplant since the program's inception.
Meanwhile, Rich and Helen DeVos' vision for pediatric health care in West Michigan was coming to fruition.
“They had great vision, great faith and energy. If there's a need, if there's an unmet need in our community, and if there's an opportunity to positively impact it, They will be part of that story,” said Dr. James Farner, executive director of philanthropy at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. “I think Helen always had a special place in her heart for children, especially children’s health care.”
Helen DeVos Children's Hospital opened in 1993 and moved to its current building on Michigan Avenue in 2011. The hospital says it has more than 250 pediatric specialists. It has received numerous awards in U.S. News & World Report's national rankings.
“In the not-too-distant past, when a child was diagnosed with a new, fatal illness or injury, the child would often be admitted to the hospital, even in the middle of the night. “I think it's hard to remember that they're being sent by ambulance, by helicopter, by car, across state lines, even out of state, to get services from a full-service children's hospital,” Furner said. “Now we have world-class care for our children and families here in Grand Rapids. It's a very, very precious gift.”
Hospital staff have fond memories of Helen's visits to the hospital, but Dr Farner said he was also reluctant to give her his name.
“It wasn't just an act of charity; it was an act of self-surrender by them,” said Tina Freese Decker, president and CEO of Corewell Health. “They attended events and were part of the community. Helen would read books to children at children's hospitals, attend holiday parties, Halloween parties, things like that, just to see things in people's lives. ”
Rich DeVos was also instrumental in the merger of Butterworth Hospital and Blodgett Hospital. Spectrum Health was formed in 1996 after a U.S. District Court approved his merger of two major Grand Rapids health systems.
“Rich knew that by combining the forces of Blodgett and Butterworth, we could create something positive and truly unprecedented for our region,” Freeze Decker said. “He was the one who pushed us forward. He led the conversation and worked with government to help us move forward. I admire him and many other leaders in our community. He had a vision to improve health for all of Michigan. ”
This legacy lives on through their donations and children. This year, the DeVos family donated $50 million to be distributed to Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Joan Secchia Children's Rehabilitation Hospital, and Pine Rest Children's Behavioral Health Center.
Of this amount, $20 million will be used to establish a permanent endowment for the Child and Family Life Team, which supports approximately 40 professionals who work with children and families in the hospital.
“This program includes child life specialists and child life supports, and also includes school teachers, music therapists, and art therapists,” Freese Decker said. “Because when you're in the hospital, you forget that you normally go to school, and when you're at home you can run around and play, or take art class or music class. It's very important that we get to know each other a little bit.”
“I know that I have always been a better person and a better physician because of their guidance, because of their love and compassion for our work and their leadership in this community. ,” Dr. Furner said.
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