Donor Stories
The Tom and Wilma Panos Cardiac Surgery and Cardiac Regeneration Research Laboratory
Tom and Wilma Panos are generous supporters of the University of Utah Division of Cardiothoriacic Surgery and the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. The Panos' were forward thinkers and wanted to ensure that their donations furthered the progression of life. Upon their passing, it was important to Tom and Wilma that their hard earned money would be used in helping many people.
Wilma and Tom felt a very close connection with the University of Utah Cardiology Department, in particular, as Cardiology Disease has affected all of Wilma's family.
In the end, Cardiovascular Disease took both Wilma and Tom. Since the Panos family has struggled with Cancer and Cardiovascular issues they entrusted their estate to their nephew, John Lampros and Wilma's sister, Frances Ricketts. Frances and John plan to continue the legacy of Tom and Wilma Panos in furthering research in Cardiology and Cancer research.
On Wednesday May 19, 2010 a ribbon cutting was held for the Tom and Wilma Panos Cardiac Surgery and Cardiac Regeneration Research Laboratory at the University of Utah. Dr. David A. Bull, who was also the primary Cardiologist responsible for Tom and Wilma, is the Chief in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery.
The Panos family has a strong interest in the research being done in the University of Utah Health Sciences Center and the family hopes that this new laboratory will play a significant part in finding new ways to generate new heart valves and heart muscles.
John and Frances are also looking forward to the next step in the Panos legacy- working with Huntsman Cancer Foundation with a donation to further cancer research.
To learn more about leaving a legacy click here.
By Tawnja Carballo Health Sciences Development