Inova received another huge donation — $20 million — from the Peterson Family Foundation for Inova Life with Cancer and its emergency room expansion in Fairfax.
The Peterson Family Foundation, over the last 30 years, has given Inova more than $50 million. The Petersons run the Fairfax-based Peterson Companies real estate development firm.
“Their generous support has made a significant impact over the past three decades and will continue to impact our community for decades to come,” said Dr. J. Stephen Jones, president and CEO of Inova.
Of the $20 million gift, $15 million will go toward Life with Cancer.
The Peterson family helped create Life with Cancer, which provides educational classes, support groups, wellness programs, and therapeutic and art counseling free of charge. In 1988, the foundation hosted the Lobster Extravaganza for its programs. The annual event has raised more than $20 million.
“We are deeply proud of the tremendous impact that Life with Cancer has had for the community over the past 36 years, and it means so much to our family to be able to support and help ensure its future impact as well,” said Lauren Peterson, president of the Peterson Family Foundation.
$5M for Emergency Room
The Fairfax Emergency Room, the nation’s fourth busiest ER, will get $5 million for its expansion. The expansion will provide more beds, an EmPATH unit for Behavioral Health patients, and a dedicated entrance for pediatric emergencies.
“We felt it was important to support the Inova Fairfax Emergency Room project, given the important role it plays in our entire community’s health,” said Peterson CEO Jon Peterson and Rick Peterson, chairman of the investment board.
In March, Inova received a $10 million planned gift commitment from Win Sheridan, co-founder of Glen Allen-based APEX Systems to help fund the ER’s expansion.
Feature image of Peterson family courtesy Inova Health System
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