Cape Cod Healthcare receives largest charitable gift in its history
Cape Cod Healthcare has received a $20 million charitable donation from Cynthia G. and John F. Fish of Osterville. The gift to Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation is the single-largest contribution in the health system’s history.
The gift was granted for the purpose of improving patient care and the patient experience across Cape Cod. To that end, the $20 million pledge will help to fund new initiatives across the CCHC system focused on elder care, as well as overall patient care and expanded access for the community.
In recognition of this support, the campus of Cape Cod Hospital will be named the Cynthia G. and John F. Fish Campus at Cape Cod Hospital.
“The generosity of the Fishes represents a partnership that shares in the vision of Cape Cod Healthcare to provide top-tier medicine and an exceptional care experience for those we serve in our unique region,” said Michael K. Lauf, president and CEO, Cape Cod Healthcare. “This impactful donation will further our unwavering commitment to expanding access to the highest quality care for our community and visitors.”
Lauf said the gift will strengthen Cape Cod Healthcare’s ability to deliver specialized care and services for the region’s older patients, which is particularly important in a county that has one of the nation’s oldest populations.
“It is truly a transformational gift that will enable us to continue to provide lifesaving treatment, identify and meet the needs of our community, and enhance the wellbeing of all on Cape Cod by providing leading-edge tertiary services, close to home,” he said. “We extend our sincere gratitude to Cynthia and John Fish and others who passionately support our mission to provide the best possible care for our patients.”
Respected Business and Philanthropic Leaders
Cynthia Gelsthorpe and John F. Fish are distinguished leaders in business, philanthropy, healthcare, education and civic engagement who share a commitment to service in their communities and beyond.
John F. Fish is chairman and CEO of Suffolk, a Boston-based national contractor that builds, innovates and invests. Suffolk is one of the nation’s leading privately held builders, generating more than $10 billion in annual revenue and ranking among Engineering News-Record’s Top 400 Contractors. A respected business leader and advocate for the real estate industry, John is the former chair of the Real Estate Roundtable, a founding member and director of the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, and a former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. He also serves on the Real Estate Board of New York, the Partnership for New York City, and the National Business Roundtable.
John is also committed to strengthening institutions that advance healthcare, education and community well-being. He currently serves as chair of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, vice chair of the Mass General Brigham Executive Committee and a board member of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research.
Cynthia Gelsthorpe Fish is a dedicated philanthropist and volunteer whose lifelong commitment to caring for others has focused on advancing healthcare, education, environmental stewardship and Alzheimer’s research and care. Cynthia served for more than 16 years on the Board of Trustees of Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Her extensive nonprofit leadership also includes service on the boards of Boston Children’s Museum and Hebrew SeniorLife, as well as active involvement with Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, where she serves on the President’s Advisory Board and the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases. Earlier in her career, she was a merchandise coordinator overseeing 26 stores in the Northeast and an educator.
Speaking of the couple’s charitable gift to CCHC, Cynthia said the healthcare system “has been there for our family during some of life's most important moments, and we know countless other families throughout the Cape with similar stories. The care, compassion and dedication of its physicians, nurses and staff make an extraordinary difference in people’s lives every day. We are incredibly proud to support their mission and important work."
John Fish said “Cape Cod Hospital has been part of the fabric of this special community, while providing exceptional care to residents and visitors alike. This incredible healthcare institution has also touched our own family in meaningful ways, which makes this gift especially personal for both Cyndy and me. We are honored and privileged to support Cape Cod Healthcare's mission to deliver the highest quality, accessible health services on Cape Cod today and for many generations to come.”
Cape Cod Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare services for residents and visitors of Cape Cod. With more than 600 providers, over 5,000 employees and more than 250 volunteers, the system has two acute care hospitals, a Level III trauma center, the Cape’s leading provider of homecare and hospice services (VNA), six urgent care centers, a primary and specialty care network, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility, an assisted living facility, and numerous health services and programs.
