Rockville, MD - Laurence (“Larry”) Bensignor and Fern Bensignor, long-time supporters and advocates for Shady Grove Medical Center, have made a significant philanthropic commitment that will have a lasting impact on emergency cardiovascular and interventional care in the region. Inspired by a deeply personal experience that reshaped their lives, the Bensignors have pledged both an immediate major contribution and a deferred estate gift to build out the hospital’s new Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology (CVIR) lab—part of a modern patient tower currently under construction.
This donation represents far more than a financial investment. It is a deeply personal statement of gratitude for the lifesaving medical intervention Larry received in 2016, when he suffered a critical “widowmaker” heart attack. In making this gift, the couple aims to support the continuation of advanced cardiovascular care in a setting designed for speed, precision, and patient comfort.
From Crisis to Commitment
In June 2016, Larry was enjoying a quiet day at home in Potomac when he began to feel unwell. At first, he attributed the discomfort to indigestion, but the symptoms intensified quickly—breaking into a cold sweat, feeling weak, and sensing that something was very wrong. Fern acted immediately, dialing 911.
The paramedics recognized the seriousness of the situation and transported him to Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center. There, interventional cardiologist Dr. Rajeev Patel and a skilled cardiovascular team moved into action. Within minutes, a blocked artery was cleared, a stent was placed, and blood flow was restored. Additional complications required the use of defibrillator paddles to stabilize Larry’s heart rhythm.It was a defining moment for both Larry and Fern—one that shifted their perspective on life, community, and the importance of ensuring that advanced medical resources are available when they are needed most.
A Gift to Strengthen Life-Saving Capabilities
The Bensignors’ dual commitment—combining an immediate contribution with a planned estate gift—will directly support the hospital’s new CVIR catheterization lab. This advanced unit will feature three fully equipped procedure rooms designed to handle time-critical emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes.Modern CVIR labs integrate imaging technology with interventional tools, allowing physicians to diagnose and treat vascular emergencies without delay. The addition of this facility will improve the hospital’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively, providing patients with the best possible chance for recovery.
A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Larry and Fern have been active members of the Shady Grove Medical Center community for years. Larry has served as Chair of the hospital’s Foundation and currently leads its Philanthropy Committee. Fern has been equally engaged, offering her expertise and energy to support community outreach, fundraising initiatives, and awareness-building efforts.Their leadership is rooted in a belief that giving back is not only a financial act but also a personal responsibility. Through board service, event participation, and advocacy, they have worked to strengthen the connection between the hospital and the community it serves.
Transforming the Patient Experience
The CVIR lab is just one part of a much larger transformation at Shady Grove Medical Center. The new patient tower, currently under construction, will add over 150,000 square feet of clinical space. Designed with patient-centered care in mind, the expansion will bring emergency facilities closer to specialized treatment areas, allowing faster transfers, greater privacy, and improved coordination between departments.The tower will also reflect advancements in hospital design—incorporating natural light, sound-reducing materials, and layouts that promote both patient healing and staff efficiency. While the technology inside is critical, the human experience remains at the forefront.
Philanthropy as a Catalyst for Innovation
Major gifts like the Bensignors’ serve as catalysts for healthcare innovation. In today’s rapidly evolving medical landscape, philanthropic contributions allow hospitals to adopt new technologies faster, train specialists in emerging procedures, and invest in infrastructure that may otherwise take years to fund through traditional channels.This commitment also demonstrates how private citizens can play a role in shaping the healthcare resources available to their communities. By supporting a facility that treated them in a time of personal crisis, the Bensignors are ensuring that future patients have access to the same level of expert care—delivered with speed and precision—when seconds count.
The Broader Impact of Cardiovascular and Interventional Care
Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Immediate access to specialized care—especially for conditions like heart attacks and strokes—can make the difference between life, long-term disability, or death. Interventional radiology techniques, such as those performed in CVIR labs, have advanced dramatically over the past two decades.Today’s procedures are often minimally invasive, allowing for faster recovery times, reduced hospital stays, and improved patient outcomes. Having these capabilities in a regional hospital ensures that critical care can begin immediately, without the need to transfer patients to distant facilities.
A Story Meant to Inspire
While Larry and Fern’s gift is substantial in scale, its meaning is rooted in something simple yet profound: gratitude. They hope that by sharing their journey—from medical emergency to philanthropic action—others will be inspired to reflect on how they might contribute to causes that have touched their own lives.Philanthropy takes many forms. Some may offer financial gifts; others may volunteer their time, advocate for public health initiatives, or help raise awareness of critical needs in their communities. Each effort, large or small, contributes to the collective strength of a community’s healthcare system.
About Larry and Fern Bensignor
Larry and Fern are dedicated community leaders and philanthropists committed to advancing healthcare, education, and civic engagement. Their long-standing relationship with Shady Grove Medical Center reflects their belief in the power of gratitude, service, and lasting impact.To learn more about their story and initiatives, visit www.larrybensignor.com.
Media Contact
Company Name: The Larry Bensignor Newsletter
Contact Person: Media Relations
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: www.larrybensignor.com