As a member of CHEST leadership for years, Bob De Marco, MD, FCCP, ruminated over new, exciting ways to increase support of the philanthropic efforts of the American College of Chest Physicians.
Dr. Robert De Marco
Dr. De Marco knows all too well that the percentage of CHEST members who donate to support CHEST’s philanthropic initiatives is – in a word - underwhelming. For those who are involved, they do so greatly and with their whole selves, but Dr. De Marco believed more could be done.
In the months leading up to the CHEST Annual Meeting 2022 in Nashville, Dr. De Marco discussed fundraising with CHEST staff and was already thinking ahead to CHEST 2023 in Hawai’i.
“That’s when it hit me – we could leverage Hawai’i to get donations and to expose people to CHEST philanthropy,” said Dr. De Marco. “Hawai’i is a dream destination, and that might be the exact motivation it would take to get that first donation from someone.”
Having a good idea is one thing, but making sure it happens requires individual commitment. Dr. DeMarco personally pledged to cover the cost of first-class airfare for two to Hawai’i, hotel accommodations, and registration to CHEST 2023 in Honolulu. For a minimum donation of $250 to CHEST between September and the end of 2022, each donor would be entered into a drawing for a chance to win this dream trip.
“I thought to myself, who wouldn’t want this prize?” said Dr. De Marco.
“You get to go to paradise for free – with a guest – and attend a top tier educational conference. Knowing your entry supported an organization as deserving as CHEST is the cherry on top,” he added.
In launching the Hawai’i trip fundraiser before and during CHEST 2022, attendees from around the world were introduced to CHEST’s philanthropic efforts and its mission to champion lung health. Over $180,000 was donated during this time period, in no small part because of the Hawai’i travel reward.
“I’m happy to say that the fundraiser did a lot better than I expected, and I was elated to see all of the new donors,” said Dr. De Marco.
“It’s my hope that those first-time donors continue their support for all that we do to provide grants – community, research, and diversity – and support CHEST initiatives that impact patient care and change lives.”
During CHEST 2022, Dr. De Marco and other donors reflected on the organization’s philanthropic accomplishments and impact over the past decades.
Former grant recipients were invited to celebrate with donors and speak to what they were able to accomplish because of the support they received.
The celebration also introduced new CHEST initiatives, the First 5 Minutes® program and Bridging Specialties™: Timely Diagnosis for ILD. The former improves patient care through strengthened patient/clinician relationships, and the latter aims to eliminate gaps in diagnosing complex lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis.
To all who donated to CHEST in 2022, Dr. De Marco said, “A sincere thank you to each and every one of you for helping us fulfill our mission. To the first-time donors, hopefully this will inspire you and your friends to be an active part of the CHEST family.”
And, to the winner of the trip, Dr. De Marco said, “A sincere congratulations and I hope you enjoy beautiful Hawai’i and your time at the meeting.”
Those who are interested in getting involved and supporting the philanthropic work of CHEST can contact chestphilanthropy@chestnet.org.
Out of the 150+ donors who gave $250 or more to CHEST between September 2022 and the end of 2022, longtime friend of CHEST, Noah Dorsky, was the recipient of two first-class tickets to Hawai’i, hotel accommodations, and registration to CHEST 2023 in Honolulu.
Noah donated specifically to the Mark J. Rosen, MD, Master FCCP Endowment in honor of his late friend, Dr. Mark J. Rosen, who served as CHEST President from 2006 to 2007 and died in 2019.
"Mark was a remarkable doctor and valued life-long friend,” Noah said. “My continued support for CHEST is my way of honoring his memory and how much he meant to me and others."
Dr. Rosen’s distinguished career in pulmonary and critical care medicine spanned more than 4 decades, marked by his deep commitments to medical education and patient care. Before serving as President, Dr. Rosen served on the CHEST Board of Regents for many years. He held positions as Chair or member on numerous CHEST committees, including Education, Nominations, Membership, Marketing, and Finance.
Following his passing, Dr. Rosen’s wife, Ilene, stayed engaged with CHEST by creating the endowment in his name and attending the CHEST Annual Meeting every year to award the Rosen Cup to the winners of the annual CHEST Challenge.
Congratulations, Noah, and thank you for your faithful giving to support the work of CHEST.