Dr. Michael Arsenian, a cardiologist and intensivist at Addison Gilbert Hospital, has provided lifesaving care to Cape Ann residents and visitors for since 1989. His service has saved many lives. He is known to go above and beyond the care and interest that he takes in his patients and their recoveries.
In 2017, State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester) established the Rev. J.J. Healy Service Award in honor of Reverend Jeremiah J. Healy, P.R., to the individual who best epitomizes the social Gospel of Matthew:
When I was hungry did you feed me; thirsty, did you give me drink; naked, did you clothe me; homeless, did you give me shelter; imprisoned, did you visit me; and dead, did you mourn me? (Paraphrase of Matthew 25: 34-35).
Rev. Healy was a highly regarded priest at St. Ann’s Church in Gloucester, Massachusetts, from his arrival in 1871 until his death in 1910. During his life, Healy served the Cape Ann community by living the social gospel. Healy built St. Ann’s church, school, rectory and convent. By undertaking these construction projects, he offered employment to the Irish, who found “they need not apply” for other employment. He also established a fund at City Hall for the Poor, and constructed and dedicated the non-sectarian, non-denominational Gloucester Free Library. Finally, he remains one of the single largest contributors to the Addison Gilbert Hospital in inflation-adjusted dollars for the free care of the poor.
“I know that many on Cape Ann credit the talented staff at Addison Gilbert for treating them and ultimately, saving their lives,” said Frances Ferrante, Co-chair of the Hearts for Health Luncheon. “Like many others, I know that without the attention of Dr. Arsenian and the Emergency staff, I would not be here today. I am happy to see that Dr. Arsenian will be honored at this event.”
The Hearts for Health Fundraiser is an annual event co-hosted by Frances Ferrante and Jane Fonzo. Ferrante and Fonzo started the event last year to benefit services provided by Addison Gilbert Hospital. All contributions from the luncheon are made to the Addison Gilbert Society, founded by Robert and Jan Crandall to benefit Addison Gilbert Hospital.
Proceeds from the “Hearts for Health Women’s Valentine’s Day Luncheon” will help the hospital meet the generous $200,000 challenge offered by the Crandalls, which seeks 20 supporters who will commit to an annual gift of $10,000 or more for five years. Last year’s event contributed over $20,000 to the Addison Gilbert Society. Ferrante and Fonzo hope that the annual event will raise over $20,000 in each of the next five years.
Jane Fonzo said, “’The Hearts for Health Fundraiser’ is a way that everyone can contribute to the generous match challenge issued by Robert and Jan Crandall. It’s a way for women and ‘honorary men’ to attend and to make a smaller contribution to a larger goal.”
The Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 from 11:30am to 1:00pm at the Gloucester House. For more information about the luncheon and to RSVP, please call Frances Ferrante at (978) 281-2104 or Deb Sacco at Addison Gilbert Hospital at (978)283-4000. Attendance for the luncheon is $100.
For those who are unable to attend and would still like to contribute, contributions can be made to the Addison Gilbert Society, c/o Hearts for Health, 11 ½ Proctor Street, Gloucester, MA 01930. All contributions in any amount will be accepted in honor of Dr. Michael Arsenian.