A Million-Dollar Heart: The Lee Family Foundation's Transformative Gift to Oishei Children's Hospital

Western New York’s children with complex heart conditions are set to receive an extraordinary boost in care, thanks to a monumental gift from the Patrick P. Lee Foundation. A groundbreaking donation of $1 million has been pledged to the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, paving the way for the establishment of the new Lee Family Foundation Heart Center.

This transformative contribution promises to elevate pediatric cardiac care to unprecedented heights within the region, ensuring that the youngest and most vulnerable patients have access to world-class treatment right here at home.

This generous gift is more than just a financial contribution; it’s an investment in the future health and well-being of countless children and their families.

The Lee Family Foundation Heart Center will serve as a beacon of hope and innovation, designed to attract and retain top-tier pediatric cardiac surgeons and specialists. It will also facilitate the acquisition of cutting-edge technologies and foster vital research initiatives, all aimed at delivering the most advanced and comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents facing congenital or acquired heart disease.

For too long, families in Western New York have often faced the daunting prospect of traveling significant distances, sometimes even out of state, to access highly specialized pediatric cardiac services.

This new center is poised to change that narrative dramatically. By bringing exceptional expertise and state-of-the-art facilities directly to Oishei Children's Hospital, the Lee Family Foundation is alleviating the emotional, financial, and logistical burdens on families during incredibly challenging times.

It means less travel, more time with loved ones, and the comfort of knowing their child is receiving the best possible care close to their support network.

Oishei Children’s Hospital has long been a pillar of pediatric health in the community, and this partnership with the Lee Family Foundation reinforces its commitment to excellence.

The existing dedicated teams of cardiologists, intensivists, nurses, and support staff will now be empowered with even greater resources to expand their life-saving work. The new center will integrate seamlessly with existing services, creating a holistic and collaborative environment where every aspect of a child’s cardiac health is meticulously addressed, from diagnosis through recovery and beyond.

The impact of the Lee Family Foundation Heart Center will resonate across Western New York for generations to come.

It signifies a profound dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for children, offering them not just medical treatment, but the chance for healthier, fuller lives. This incredible act of philanthropy underscores the power of community collaboration and the enduring spirit of generosity that defines the region, bringing hope and healing to the hearts that need it most.