Gift Establishes First Endowed Position at UH Geauga

Jennie and Fred Bemberg moved to Geauga County in the late 1970s and, over the years have watched UH Geauga Medical Center , a campus of UH Regional Hospitals, grow and expand its services. When Jennie needed to continue her cancer treatment, she was able to stay close to home, thanks to the care offered at UH Seidman Cancer Center at UH Geauga.

Jennie’s oncologist was Judah Friedman, MD, Director, UH Seidman Cancer Center at UH Geauga, Geneva and Conneaut medical centers. In recognition of the outstanding patient care Jennie received, the Bemberg’s provided the lead gift to establish the first endowed position at UH Geauga — the Frederick W. and Jennie Bemberg Master Clinician in Medical Oncology – with Dr. Friedman as the inaugural appointee. Matching support from the Dr. Donald J. and Ruth W. Goodman Philanthropic Fund of the Cleveland Foundation was also utilized.

Dr. Friedman plans to use the funding to expand access to clinical trials for patients in Geauga County, specifically around immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is the process of using the body’s own immune system to prevent and treat disease. He also hopes to bring UH Connor Whole Health services such as massage and acupuncture to cancer patients at UH Geauga as part of their treatment protocol.

Endowed positions provide permanent, annual support to University Hospitals and they support groundbreaking clinical trials, educational opportunities and the latest, cutting-edge treatments. Establishing an endowment supports UH during a donor’s lifetime and for generations to come, ensuring your generosity will forever be a guiding force in our success.

To establish an endowment fund, please contact the Director of Gift Planning, Patricia Fries, at patricia.fries@UHhospitals.org.