When Marina Arko walked into the Quentin & Elisabeth Alexander Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at UH Rainbow Babies & Children's each morning, she knew her time mattered. For more than 30 years, Marina worked alongside pediatric researchers, physicians and nurses who gave their best to advancing care and research for young patients. One such colleague was world-renowned neonatologist Richard J. Martin, MD, Director, Neonatal Research Programs, UH Cleveland Medical Center and Drusinsky-Fanaroff Chair in Neonatology, whose research teams, Marina among them, would change the future of care for the tiniest patients with lung disease.

“Richard is an expert clinician and researcher,” said Marina, “but I was most struck by seeing him explain and teach things to a family in a terribly demanding situation so that they could become experts themselves in their child’s care. He gave them a confidence in his decision-making that only comes with years of experience and rare talent.”

Over time, Marina and her husband, Tom Arko, got to know Dr. Martin and his late wife, Patricia M. Martin, MD. “Pat could walk into any situation and be immediately at ease,” said Tom. “You can’t talk about Richard without including Pat,” added Marina. “They made each other who they were.”

A combination of respect and admiration for the Martins, appreciation for care received at UH, and a longstanding commitment to the health system inspired the Arkos to establish the Patricia M. Martin, MD, and Richard J. Martin, MD, Chair in Neonatology at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s. The chair supports inaugural appointee Thomas Raffay, MD, in advancing research on lung development and pioneering approaches to prevent and treat lung disease in premature infants.

“This could have easily been named the Marina and Tom Arko Chair,” said Dr. Martin. “But it’s not. That fact is so reflective of the Arkos’ dedication to their friends, to their networks, and to bigger things. It’s what makes them so impressive.”

A Family History, Intertwined

UH is part of the Arkos' family story. Starting in the mid-1960s, Marina’s mother worked at UH MacDonald Women’s Hospital. Over the years, UH has treated their family for everything from premature birth to complex tumors, to heart disease. They are also longtime caregivers at UH. Alongside Marina, several immediate and extended family members have been or are UH caregivers. Collectively – and incredibly – the family has contributed more than 200 years of service to UH, and counting.

Investing in the Future

Dr. Raffay focuses on preventing and treating bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease that has challenged neonatology for decades. Marina sees this work as a fitting continuation of Dr. Martin’s legacy. Her NICU career included 15 years of direct patient care and, later, research with Dr. Martin on the Collaborative Home Infant Monitoring Evaluation (CHIME) study, which tracked infant respiratory patterns on at-home devices and informed safer care.

"Us old-timers know a BPD diagnosis too well,” said Marina. "Continued research is fundamental.”

The Arkos see their support for an endowed position as an investment in that fundamental work. “The chair honors and recognizes people,” explained Marina, “but it’s about helping the chairholder become a bigger part of the rich history of neonatology at UH and improve patient outcomes. I have no doubt Tommy will do that.”

Marina and Tom Arko's
granddaughters

A Philanthropic Family

Just as the Arko Chair will help continue the legacy of neonatology at UH Rainbow, Marina and Tom are passing down their family’s values of service and giving to the next generation. Their six granddaughters, ages 4 to 11, have been assembling care packets for pediatric behavioral therapy sessions at UH Rainbow, filling them with crayons, coloring books and other therapeutic toys. Over 18 months, they’ve produced more than 1,200 packets.

“It’s a small project, but it makes a difference," said Marina. "And anyone can do it.” The words embody a quiet, unassuming attitude that slowly creates lasting impact – through decades of care, generosity and commitment.