Munson Healthcare announced it received a $5.2 million gift from late Traverse City resident Patricia Heffron, the third largest donation in Munson's history. The gift will help fund a portion of Munson’s new ION Robotic Surgical Assistant, as well as research and patient support at Cowell Family Cancer Center.

Heffron, her late husband, and many family members battled pancreatic cancer, according to a Munson release. "During her treatment in 2020, she made a personal decision to help others who are faced with the same fight," the release states. Munson’s new ION Robotic Surgical Assistant will be unveiled to the public at Breathe Easy – Catch it Early, a lung cancer awareness event on November 21 at the Cowell Family Cancer Center from 4:30-6:30pm.

Heffron's donation will also support cancer programs and research "to ensure patients have access to innovative treatments and services and the support they need during their cancer journey," according to the release. It will also go toward "supporting groundbreaking pancreatic disease research to improve outcomes for those affected by pancreatic diseases," as well as "patient support to assist with essential expenses such as housing, groceries, utilities, and travel for care."

According to friend and neighbor David Gordon MD, retired Chief of Cancer Services for Munson Healthcare and Clinical Director of the Cowell Family Cancer Center, Heffron "hoped the future would bring better diagnostic and treatment capabilities in cancer. She wanted to ensure that patients received support for their journey through cancer. She was particularly interested in establishing a robust pancreatic diagnostic and treatment program as many in her family, including herself, had suffered from that disease. We are forever grateful for her gifts and hope her largesse will improve cancer care in the future."

Photo credit: Munson Healthcare