Donor Stories
Why Give?
The generosity of our donors has been critical to MetroHealth’s success for nearly two centuries. Learn more about this compassionate community and what drives them to give to The MetroHealth Foundation.
Jessica Chupnick: Champion of Philanthropy
A child’s laughter can brighten even the grayest of days. Jessica Chupnick is one of the lucky ones; she gets to hear children giggling with excitement all the time, even though they may be facing what seem like insurmountable odds.
Honoring Excellence: Dr. J. Daryl Thornton Invested as the Inaugural Mary Elizabeth Connors Professor in Critical Care Research
On March 31, 2026, colleagues, family members and friends gathered in the Alfred F. Connors, Jr., MD Auditorium to celebrate a milestone for both The MetroHealth System (Cleveland, OH) and the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine: the investiture of Daryl Thornton, MD, MPH, as the inaugural Mary Elizabeth Connors Professor in Critical Care Research.
Healing With Purpose: Dr. Meera Kondapaneni and the Future of Heart Care at MetroHealth
For Dr. Meera Kondapaneni, healing is both a calling and a responsibility – a commitment rooted in the values she learned in a small town in South India, where doctors and teachers were the people who shaped community life.
Nourishing Health, Nourishing Hope: Kristen Matlack and the Power of Food as Medicine
For nearly five years, Kristen Matlack, Manager of Social Care Initiatives at the MetroHealth Institute for H.O.P.E.™, has built her career on a simple but profound belief: every person deserves the basic conditions that make good health possible.
Champion of Philanthropy: Mala Singh Inspires Colleagues to Give Back
Mala is of the belief that the more you give, the better, because it comes back to you in some way.
Partnering for Parents: MetroHealth and Project NICU Launch Respite Room
“All the things they thought their pregnancy and birth would be are now different. The Respite Room is another way for parents to know that we really care about them. We’re here to support them and give them as much comfort as we can.”
Champion of Philanthropy: Diane Dunleavy Leads by Example – At Work, On the Course and Across the Community
“I’ve always believed in giving back. I know that at any point it could be me, my family, my friend. It’s important to set an example and lead by example.” – Diane Dunleavy
Matt "Ogre" Whaley: A Legacy of Comfort, Courage and Compassion
Matt Whaley, the owner of Visual Graphics and Sign Company in Mentor, has been delivering far more than stuffed animals to MetroHealth for 36 years. He’s been delivering hope, healing and humanity to children and families navigating the toughest moments of their lives.
Champion of Philanthropy: Camille Garcia, MHA
As Manager of Cancer Center Operations and the BREAST (BRinging Education, Advocacy and Support Together)/Amigas Program, Camille Garcia, MHA, brings both expertise and heart to her work – and to her collaboration with MetroHealth’s Office of Strategic Philanthropy (OSP).
Champion of Philanthropy: Liz Dreben, PhD
In September, Dr. Dreben was named a Champion of Philanthropy, a recognition from the Office of Strategic Philanthropy (OSP) that honors MetroHealth colleagues who go above and beyond to support our mission through giving. Her nomination highlighted not only her generosity but also the deeply personal and meaningful way she gives.