We are fortunate to have passionate employees who stand behind our mission to provide specialized care to as many patients as possible. Almost 15 years ago, Fleury Yelvington, UF Health Development director of operations, was grateful to find that exceptional care at UF Health. Her experience inspired a recent donation to help lay the foundation for the new UF Health Heart & Vascular Hospital and UF Health Neuromedicine Hospital.

When Yelvington’s mother suffered a hemorrhagic stroke — triggered by a ruptured aneurysm in the brain — she was treated by Arthur Day, M.D., former UF College of Medicine neurosurgery co-chair and residency program director and Eblen Eminent Scholar in Cerebrovascular Surgery. Following an eight-hour surgery involving two aneurysm clippings, Yelvington’s mother’s life was saved. Today, she enjoys a busy, productive and happy life.

Throughout her mother’s treatment and lengthy hospitalization, Yelvington said William Friedman, M.D., UF College of Medicine neurosurgery chair, and Melvin Greer, M.D., former UF College of Medicine neurology chair, personally checked on her family. This level of personalized care had a powerful impact on Yelvington — reminding her of the devotion individuals can develop for an organization’s mission.

In honor of the exceptional care her mother received, as well as the many patients in need of treatment, Yelvington and her husband, Barry Solomon, M.D., donated $100,000 to support the UF Health Heart & Vascular Hospital and UF Health Neuromedicine Hospital.

“Even if this had turned out differently and my mother had experienced a poor clinical outcome, my family’s feelings about the experience would be the same. My gesture to the physicians, nurses and staff would be the same,” Yelvington said. “I have been thanked profusely for my donation, which is not necessary. I am the one who is thankful.” N&N