"University of Kentucky Children's Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky... $50 million..."
The announcement was somewhat unusual, kept under wraps and beamed to a packed auditorium via live stream from Rochester, New York — the home base of Tom Golisano, the founder of human resource company Paychex.
The father of a son with special needs, Golisano has pledged or donated more than $300 million to support children with autism and other disabilities, according to Forbes. The donor also ran for governor three times under the Independence Party of New York.
We have made progress, but the needs aren't going away. We can't meet them alone.Dr. Scottie Day, Kentucky Children's Hospital physician-in-chief
Golisano chose UK HealthCare as one of six new children's health facilities to receive tens of millions.
"These hospitals will continue to operate independently, but now, through collaboration, shared learning, and a connected name, will have the opportunity to share research, training, and best practices and advocate together for stronger pediatric healthcare," the philanthropist said in emotional comments.
That name change he mentioned will extend to UK, with Kentucky Children's Hospital becoming Golisano Children's at UK.
Dr. Scottie Day, physician-in-chief for the newly-named facility, described the major donation and joint efforts with other Golisano-backed hospitals as a partnership that will benefit all.
"We have made progress, but the needs aren't going away," he said. "We can't meet them alone. We know we can't meet them alone."
Sylvia Ofei, a pediatric gastroenterologist and assistant chief medical officer for ambulatory pediatrics at KCH, said the recognition is rewarding.
"It's exciting because the work that is being done is being recognized," she told WUKY. "You think about the University of Kentucky and Lexington, but it's not just there... This is recognized nationally."
The donation represents the second-largest ever for the University of Kentucky.