Estate And Trust Of Frances W. Ferrara Makes $2.5 Million Gift To Boca Raton Regional Hospital
BOCA RATON, FL – On February 11, 2022, the closest friends and family of Frances (Fran) Ferrara gathered at the Eugene M. and Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute (LCI) to honor her legacy and philanthropic spirit. Leaders from Boca Raton Regional Hospital were present to accept the incredibly generous gift of $2.5 million from Fran’s estate.
In life, Fran was a passionate and vibrant supporter of the hospital. After being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2015, she spent a great deal of time at Boca Regional. Fran often said, “I had never been nurtured in my life. As a result of my cancer, I found a place where, for the first time ever, I felt cared about and loved. From the minute I walked into the hospital for treatment, the doctors, nurses, staff, and administration welcomed and comforted me. Everyone showed compassion in a way I had not ever before experienced.”
Fran was a fixture at our Go Pink Luncheons and Annual Balls. “Anytime you would see her at one of our events she always had a smile on her face. Her positivity was absolutely contagious. The entire team that cared for Fran at Boca Regional is grateful that they were able to bring comfort and enhancement to her life. She was a treasure to our donor family,” states Mark Larkin, President of the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation.
Fran’s legacy gift will be used to support both the greatest need of the Lynn Cancer Institute as well as programs at The Thomas E. Oxley Center for Cancer Survivorship & Wellness at LCI. “All of the programs I have participated in at LCI have made a significant difference in my life. From the legacy class to workshops in nutrition and meditation as well as a variety of lectures and programs, I met people, learned a great deal, and enjoyed myself. The programs have enriched my life and have fulfilled my health, mental, and spiritual needs. I want others to have the same opportunities to enjoy them and feel included in their time of need,” Fran had explained on why this was important to her.
Fran’s legacy gift isn’t her first to Boca Regional. Her previous gift was given to the Lynn Cancer Institute to provide wellness classes and activities for patients in treatment, and with this gift, Fran named an exam room in memory of her beloved friend, Flossy Keesely. Flossy was a dear friend of Fran’s and had often spoken to Fran about the donations she had made to a hospital. Fran was inspired, and when Flossy passed away, Fran honored her memory with a gift to name the room at LCI.
“My gift is meant to encourage fellow patients and survivors in their journey at the Lynn Cancer Institute. I believe that the encouragement offered through dance, nutrition classes, support group activities, and lectures empowers wellness,” said Fran.
About Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation
The Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization for Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Boca Raton Regional Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, nearly 23,000 employees, more than 4,000 physicians and more than 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies.