News Releases
7/12/05
Community leader and philanthropist Annette Bloch has given $1 million for The University of Kansas Hospital’s Center for Advanced Heart Care.
Currently under construction, the Center for Advanced Care is expected to open in 2006. Annette Bloch’s gift to the Kansas University Endowment Association will purchase equipment for a heart rhythm care center in the new facility. The Richard and Annette Bloch Heart Rhythm Center will be named for Annette Bloch and her late husband, who co-founded H&R Block, Inc.
The Bloch center will evaluate and treat patients who have a history of problems with fast or slow heart rhythms. It will also serve patients with pacemakers, those who experience alterations in consciousness and people who have an increased risk of sudden cardiac death.
“The Richard and Annette Bloch Heart Rhythm Center will prolong and improve the quality of patients’ lives by helping them maintain a healthy heart rate and rhythm,” said Irene Cumming, president and CEO of the hospital. “We are proud to add Richard and Annette’s names to the group of dedicated supporters of the hospital’s new heart facility.”
Richard Bloch overcame cancer twice in his life, but aggressive chemotherapy treatment for the disease in the late 1970s later caused heart problems, Annette Bloch said. He received care at KU’s hospital under the direction of electrophysiologist Loren Berenbom, M.D.
“When Dick spent time in KU’s hospital, it was so different from our experiences with other hospitals,” Annette Bloch said. “Everyone was wonderful, especially the nurses. And Dr. Berenbom is one of the most caring doctors. Right when we needed someone, he was there.”
Annette Bloch said she knows her husband, who died in 2004, would be happy with her decision to support the hospital’s new heart center.
“He was such a humble man, but when I gave the gift, I knew he was up there smiling,” she said. “I’m hoping other people will follow me and give, and that they will become aware of the quality of care we have available right here in Kansas City.”
Annette Bloch is a member of the Community Advisory Council that is helping to raise awareness of the hospital’s heart program and the Center for Advanced Heart Care. Her gift will count toward “You Gotta Have Heart,” the heart center capital campaign being conducted by KU Endowment. The hospital is investing $77 million through a combination of bonds, revenues and philanthropic gifts to build and equip the new heart center.
KU Endowment is an independent, non-profit organization serving as the official fund-raising and fund-management organization for The University of Kansas Hospital and KU. Founded in 1891, the organization is the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university and one of the largest.
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