Southampton, NY—On Friday May 15 Southampton Hospital hosted an opening celebration for The Audrey and Martin Gruss Heart & Stroke Center to honor the Gruss' generous support that enabled the establishment of the center and funded state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technology.
Local dignitaries including Hon. Mark Epley, Mayor of Southampton, Hon. Kenneth LaValle, New York State Senator, Hon. Fred W. Thiele, Jr., Assemblyman, New York State, Carol Gomes, COO, Stony Brook University Hospital, Fred Weinbaum, MD, EVP/COO/CMO of Southampton Hospital, and Apostolos K. Tassiopoulos, MD, Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery of Stony Brook Medicine all took time to say a heartfelt thanks to the Gruss's for providing half of the $10 million cost of building the new center.
Robert Chaloner, President and CEO of Southampton Hospital, said how thankful he was that a large number of elected officials had attended to demonstrate the gratitude of the community. He also commented that when Dr. Tassiopoulos had first seen the center, he had acted like a "kid in a candy store" and excitedly expressed that, "Bob, this is a game changer."
Mr. Thiele then told the crowd how his father had died of a heart attack, so it was a cause that was very close to him and his family. Mr. Epley then commented that he was extremely proud of Southampton Hospital and everything that they continue to achieve.
Mark Wolley, on behalf of Congressman Lee Zeldin then rose to the podium to present Mrs. Gruss with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, before Dr. Fred Weinbaum, the hospital’s chief medical officer, said the "center allows the institution to perform the most modern treatments known in the industry." Kenneth P. LaValle, then expressed how the center would help the institution grow, saying “This is a donation that will save lives, help people, and expand the quality of healthcare on the East End."
Audrey Gruss spoke on behalf of her and her husband, saying “The Hamptons have brought so much joy to all our lives, and we are so grateful to this community. As an aging community, we are at risk of heart disease and stroke, so we are grateful that we have this new center that we can rely on to help us live healthier, longer lives."
