Honoring Women Leading for Life: Celebrating the Women Behind the Giving at LifeBridge Health

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A collage of donor images overlaid with a blue gradient, LifeBridge Health logo, Leading for Life logo, and statement reading "Women Who Are Leading for Life | Giving for our families, our communities, and our future."

We honor the powerful legacy of women who are Leading for Life at LifeBridge Health—visionary donors, advocates and changemakers who are investing in the health and well-being of our families, our communities and our future.

 

These extraordinary women have dedicated their time, resources and leadership to ensure that LifeBridge Health can continue delivering compassionate, cutting-edge care for generations to come. Today, we proudly recognize their impact and celebrate the way they continue to shape our health system and our world.

 

Ellen W.P. Wasserman

A lifelong advocate and trailblazer, Ellen W.P. Wasserman is the largest individual donor in the history of LifeBridge Health. A former social worker who recently celebrated her 102nd birthday, Ellen has championed pediatric care at Sinai Hospital. Her recent $10 million endowment to fund scholarships for students at the George Washington University Regional Medical Campus at Sinai Hospital is a powerful investment in the future of healthcare—and a lasting legacy of love and service.

 

Sandra Berman

A true advocate for brain and spine health, Sandra “Sandy” Berman is the driving force behind the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute. Her support has helped foster collaborative clinical research between LifeBridge Health and neurology experts nationwide. Through her leadership and generosity, Sandy is advancing treatment and innovation for patients with complex neurological conditions.

 

Phyllis Friedman

In partnership with her husband Louis, Phyllis Friedman is the leading benefactor of Sinai’s Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Each year, Phyllis supports advanced clinical training for up to 20 front-line therapists and nurses at the Sinai Rehabilitation Center. Her commitment ensures that our caregivers continue to provide the highest quality, evidence-based care.

 

Roslyn Stoler

From the Stoler Tower at Sinai Hospital to breast health programs at Carroll Hospital, Roslyn “Roz” Stoler has been a generous and passionate supporter of LifeBridge Health’s mission. With her husband Len, Roz has backed numerous projects and events, including every LifeBridge Health Gala since 2002, showing up year after year to support health and healing across our region.

 

Shirley Scholder and Dorothy Fox

This remarkable mother-daughter duo has helped shape LifeBridge Health’s commitment to care and compassion for over 60 years. In the 1960s, Dorothy and her husband Louis built the Jill Fox Meditation Room at Sinai Hospital, offering a place of peace for families. Decades later, Shirley became the lead benefactor of the Jill Fox Center for Hope, a powerful hub for violence prevention and intervention.

 

Annette Cooper

A steadfast supporter for more than 30 years, Annette Cooper—alongside her husband Joe—has uplifted nearly every corner of LifeBridge Health, from Sinai Hospital to Center for Hope. Annette also brought her insight and leadership to the Levindale Board, making her a true partner in building a better, healthier future for all.

 

Brenda Weil Mandel

Brenda Weil Mandel’s leadership and philanthropy has touched every level of LifeBridge Health. A longtime board member and generous benefactor, Brenda has been especially impactful in pediatric and surgical care. Her support of the Herman & Walter Samuelson Children’s Hospital at Sinai and the Weil Mandel Division of Ambulatory Surgery honors her parents’ legacy and strengthens care for generations to come.

 

Ronnie Footlick

A true pioneer, Ronnie Footlick was the first woman to chair the LifeBridge Health Board and only the second to lead the Sinai Hospital Board. With over two decades of leadership, Ronnie has also chaired the Sinai Auxiliary and co-chaired the LifeBridge Health Gala—twice! Ronnie has instilled the importance of philanthropy in the next generations, as her daughters continue this legacy of leadership and service.

 

Terri Lyons

For 20 years, Terri Lyons has been a steadfast supporter of Carroll Hospital, BridgingLife and the overall health of her community. Shortly after becoming co-owner of Tipco Technologies, Terri helped transform it into a nationally recognized business—all while continuing to invest in local healthcare. Now serving her eighth year on the Carroll Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees, Terri brings passion and purpose to everything she does. When she’s not leading, she enjoys the beach, golf and time with her son, Zachary.  

 

Margie Pitrone, DDS

Margie Pitrone’s goal is simple but powerful: to help her community and be part of the solution. Carroll Hospital is honored to be part of that mission. In addition to her generous philanthropic support, Margie recently joined the Carroll Hospital Foundation Board of Trustees. A successful business owner in Carroll County, Margie also finds joy as a wife, mother and new grandmother. Away from her orthodontic practice, she is an avid beekeeper producing honey under her label, BEYOND SWEET.  

 

Frances “Kay” Pitts, MSN, RN, CRNM

Known as “a nurse’s nurse,” Kay Pitts has spent her life championing nurses and women’s health. Inspired by the generosity of an anonymous benefactor during her own nursing education, Kay has spent nearly 30 years paying it forward at Carroll Hospital. She recently named the Frances Kay Pitts MSN, RN, CRNM Center for Nursing Leadership and has made transformative investments in the Emergency Department and The Family Birthplace.

 

Terry Smack

Entrepreneur. Philanthropist. Mom. Friend. Terry Smack has touched nearly every corner of her community with her generosity—and Carroll Hospital is no exception. Through the Studio YOU Fund, Terry ensures that patients facing significant challenges can overcome financial barriers to essential treatments and self-care resources. Her deep understanding of how mental and emotional well-being affect recovery has made a lasting difference in the lives of so many.  

 

These women embody the spirit of Leading for Life—visionary donors whose impact will be felt for generations. Their generosity, leadership and unwavering belief in community health inspire us every day. We offer our deepest gratitude to these women who give so generously of themselves. You are the heartbeat of LifeBridge Health.