Greenwich Hospital has announced that an anonymous donor intends to recommend a $25 million grant from their Donor Advised Fund to support the new Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich Hospital. The donation will honor Dr. Dickerman Hollister Jr., a long-serving oncologist who retired in 2022 after more than forty years at the hospital.
The hospital is encouraging community members to contribute to the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich Hospital Building Fund in recognition of Dr. Hollister's service.
“This is a historic moment for Greenwich Hospital and gives our community an impactful opportunity to play a crucial role in the advancement of comprehensive world-class cancer care locally. This gift, together with the philanthropic support of others, makes possible wider access to clinical research trials and an array of top oncology specialists in a multi-disciplinary facility, close to home,” said W. Robert Berkley, Chair of the Greenwich Hospital Board.
“A gift of this magnitude signals a strong belief in our hospital and vision for oncology care now and in the future. Simultaneously, the grant pays an indelible tribute to one of our community’s most beloved physicians, whose career and dedication touched the lives of countless patients and their families,” said Robert Blenderman, President of Greenwich Hospital.
Dr. Hollister began his solo practice at Greenwich Hospital in 1981 and served as both Chief of Staff and Head of Medical Oncology during his tenure. He contributed significantly not only to oncology but also physician practice management and medical informatics within Greenwich healthcare.
“Throughout my career it has been my greatest privilege to forge meaningful bonds with my patients and their families,” said Dr. Hollister. “A diagnosis of cancer is a profound moment in a person’s life. My colleagues and I recognized this, and were dedicated to pursuing every possible option for our patients. I am deeply honored to know that Greenwich Hospital’s commitment to advanced cancer care is permanently woven into the fabric of our future through this gift.”
Plans for expanding Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich include bringing expertise from Yale Cancer Center, known internationally for its academic research, directly into patient care at Greenwich.
Renovations are set for two main pavilions on campus: Olive and Thomas J. Watson Pavilion as well as Sherman and Gloria H. Cohen Pavilion. These updates will allow expanded services such as infusion therapy, radiation oncology, breast cancer care, multispecialty clinics, inpatient units, additional medical staff specializing in oncology, more clinical trial opportunities, and advanced therapies.
“We are deeply grateful to the many donors whose generosity and leadership is making our shared vision for forward-facing cancer care a reality,” said Noël Appel, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Greenwich Hospital. “I invite the community to be part of this extraordinary moment.”
Greenwich Hospital operates as part of Yale New Haven Health system serving lower Fairfield County (Connecticut) and Westchester County (New York). The 206-bed institution partners academically with Yale School of Medicine since its founding in 1903; it provides diverse specialty programs including surgical services alongside diagnostic/wellness initiatives across all medical disciplines while holding Magnet designation from American Nurses Credentialing Center for nursing excellence.
