$3.5 million gift from Joanie and Tom Adler bolsters bereavement programs at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s
A $3.5 million gift from Joanie and Tom Adler will build upon their support of bereavement services at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s. The contribution is recognized with the naming of the Joanie and Tom Adler Bereavement Programs.
“Joanie and Tom recognize the importance of supporting families through the unimaginable loss of a child,” said Cliff A. Megerian, MD, FACS, UH CEO and Jane and Henry Meyer Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair. “With their support, UH is ensuring excellence in our expanded perinatal loss and bereavement programs.”
The idea for a bereavement program took root nearly 20 years ago when the Adlers experienced a great family tragedy – their Boston-based son and daughter-in-law delivered their first child “still” at nine months.
“In that moment, we were devastated, and the grief was overwhelming,” Joanie said. “The absence of a support program was stunning and, for years, we wished more had been done for our family. We decided we could be the change and through our support of bereavement programs at UH, we hope to help others facing such inexplicable loss.”
In 2021, the Adlers established the Joanie and Tom Adler Endowed Director of Bereavement Programs to facilitate comprehensive grief support for families suffering the loss of a pregnancy, infant or child. Their new gift will allow for an additional staff member and expanded support offerings.
“Grief is unpredictable and manifests differently each day for each person,” said Allison Remy, MSSA, LISW, who was recruited in 2022 as the inaugural Adler Endowed Director. “It can be hard to know what you need or where to turn. A big part of my job is to take the guesswork out and be a resource for families as they navigate their grief. I am endlessly grateful to Joanie and Tom for their purposeful support of this critical and necessary work.”
Active community leaders, the Adlers are passionate supporters of many nonprofits, including UH. Joanie Adler has long served organizations dedicated to infants and children, including the UH MacDonald’s Women’s Health Leadership Council. Tom Adler is a trustee emeritus of University Hospitals and serves on the UH Orthopedic Leadership Council.
“When you grieve the loss of a child, you can’t help but imagine who they might have been, the life they might have lived,” said Tom. “Those of us who remain have to find a way forward. If this program can be light in that darkness for even one person, it will be worth it.”