Golisano Children's Hospital. PROVIDED

Lee Health has received a $10 million gift from visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist and dedicated healthcare advocate, B. Thomas “Tom” Golisano, to support Golisano Children’s Hospital and pediatric services in Southwest Florida. This generous investment will advance innovative programs, enhance patient care and ensure access to exceptional pediatric healthcare for families in the region.

“Tom Golisano’s generous gift empowers us to expand and enhance pediatric care in ways that truly make a difference,” said Chris Simoneau, Chief Development, Marketing and Communication Officer. “Unrestricted gifts like this are rare and provide the flexibility to meet the evolving needs of a growing population. It’s a powerful example of how our community comes together to ensure children receive the care they need, close to home.”

This gift continues Golisano’s legacy of impact on children’s health in Southwest Florida. Golisano is the largest donor to Lee Health, and this $10 million contribution is second only to his historic $20 million gift in 2012, which helped fund the construction of Golisano Children’s Hospital. Within a year of his initial gift, the community matched his donation, enabling the 2017 opening of the seven-story, now 135-bed facility. Half of the hospital’s $200 million construction cost was funded through philanthropy.

Since opening, Golisano Children’s Hospital has provided critical care for the tiniest of infants to the sickest of children and young adults in the region. The hospital has become a cornerstone of pediatric healthcare, offering life-changing programs and services, from innovative technologies to specialized treatments for complex conditions.

This latest $10 million unrestricted gift will empower Golisano Children’s Hospital to expand its programs, grow its facilities, increase access to care, invest in new technologies, and develop cutting-edge services to enhance pediatric care. These advancements ensure that families in Southwest Florida continue to have access to the healthcare they need without leaving the region.

The Golisano Children’s Hospital team is dedicated to honoring this extraordinary gift by continuing to provide compassionate, exceptional care that reflects the Lee Health mission for the community it serves.

For more information about Golisano Children’s Hospital and opportunities to support its mission, visit GiveGolisano.org.

About Golisano Children’s Hospital

Golisano Children’s Hospital, a nationally recognized facility for safety and quality care, is one of five acute care hospitals within Lee Health. Established in 1994, Golisano is the only designated children’s hospital in Southwest Florida, with more than 500,000 visits a year, serving patients from six surrounding counties. Ranked as a Top Children’s Hospital by Leapfrog, a Solution for Patient Safety network hospital, an Asthma Friendly Hospital and a certified center for children with Autism, Golisano offers more than 30 specialty pediatric services in various locations across Southwest Florida. Lee Health opened the current hospital building in May 2017 which includes 135-beds and comprehensive neonatal and pediatric services. For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.

About Lee Health Foundation

Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic dollars on behalf of private nonprofit Lee Health to establish, expand and enhance innovative, lifesaving and preventative programs. The Foundation provides financial support for all five Lee Health hospitals including Golisano Children’s Hospital and Lee Health Fort Myers, opening late 2027, as well as many service areas including Lee Health Cancer Institute, Lee Health Coconut Point, Lee Health Heart Institute, Lee Health Hospital at Home, Lee Health Musculoskeletal Institute, and Community Health Clinics. Over the last year, the Foundation has distributed more than $27 million to support Lee Health’s mission. Please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call 239-343-6950 for more information about the role of Lee Health philanthropy in Southwest Florida.