Meet Our Donors

Nick & Lyn Casale

For Nick and Lyn Casale, the reason behind their decision to support St. Francis Hospital is deeply personal. For 48 years, St. Francis Hospital has been diagnosing and healing many members of their immediate family, extended family and friends.

The Casales' relationship with St. Francis Hospital began in 1976 when their son Michael was diagnosed with several congenital heart defects. On January 30, 1977, they were informed that their little baby had to have surgery immediately. The surgery was performed and his heart defects were repaired. He remained in the hospital for another two weeks under the dedicated and loving care of the doctors and nurses. "Often times when we visited him, compassionate nurses would be holding and cuddling him. Thanks to the skilled surgeon and nurses, he is a thriving 48 year old and enjoying life with his own family. As a parent, there is no greater fear than watching your child face a health crisis so early in life - and no greater relief than seeing expert hands guide him through it safely."

In 2008, at only 61 years old, Nick faced the kind of life-threatening cardiac event that forces you to reconsider everything - your health, your priorities, your gratitude. He required quadruple bypass surgery. Once again, thanks to the surgeons and staff at St. Francis, Nick's surgery was successful and he has been doing well since.

"St. Francis Hospital, known as 'The Heart Center,' stands for everything that gave our family a second chance. The compassion, skill, and unwavering focus on cardiac care they provide isn't just medical excellence - it's a lifeline. When you have experienced both your own heart being mended and your child's heart being healed, you understand the stakes in a way that never leaves you. It's not abstract. It's not a cause. It's your life, and your family's future."

That's why we give - to say thank you, to honor the caregivers who make miracles routine, and to make sure other families get the same hope and healing that we did. Our donations support advanced technology, patient-centered care, and the kind of innovation that saves lives before they're even in danger. St. Francis is more than a hospital to us. It's a place where hearts are fixed - and where hope begins."

Giving back through planned giving is the Casales' way of ensuring this legacy continues.