Endowed Position Celebrates Close-to-Home Cancer Care in Medina County
For the first time, UH Sharon Health Center is home to an endowed position. The Patricia and Kenneth I. Cleveland Master Clinician in Hematology Oncology was established in gratitude for high-quality care delivered there by oncologist Suresh Mendpara, MD, MBA.
Ken Cleveland, a successful Medina County developer and founder of Ken Cleveland Builders, was a patient of Dr. Mendpara for several years and credited the doctor for extending his life. Prior to Ken's passing in December 2019 and Patricia's passing in January 2020, the couple made plans to show their appreciation with a gift to UH.
“Ken strongly believed in the positive impact philanthropy can have on a community and his motto was: ‘When we leave this world, the only thing we take with us is what we leave behind,’” shared Robert Bux, a board member of The Ken Cleveland Foundation. “Through the Foundation, Ken and his wife, Patricia, were able to support a variety of community efforts over the years, but a gift in honor of Dr. Mendpara was always of particular importance to them."
Leaving a Legacy
The Patricia and Kenneth I. Cleveland Master Clinician in Hematology Oncology was established earlier this year with Dr. Mendpara as the inaugural appointee.
“I am extremely fortunate to be a physician and do good for those that come to me for care,” said Dr. Mendpara, whose three-decade career has been distinguished by his extensive knowledge and compassion. “My goal is to ensure that a patient is comfortable with me and their health care environment. I want them to know this is a partnership; they are the captain of their ship and I am there with them to act as a guide. Together, we can fight our common enemy – cancer."
“I am grateful to Ken and Patricia for their thoughtful generosity which will allow me to do even more for my patients here in Medina County,” said Dr. Mendpara.