'Transformational Gift' To Honor Beloved Greenwich Hospital Physician

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich Hospital announced Monday that an anonymous supporter plans to recommend a $25 million grant from a Donor Advised Fund to support the new Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich Hospital, honoring longtime oncologist Dr. Dickerman Hollister Jr.

The proposed gift would support the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich Hospital Building Fund, and the hospital invites the community to recognize Hollister’s legacy through additional contributions.

"This is a historic moment for Greenwich Hospital and gives our community an impactful opportunity to play a crucial role in the advancement of comprehensive world-class cancer care locally. This gift, together with the philanthropic support of others, makes possible wider access to clinical research trials and an array of top oncology specialists in a multi-disciplinary facility, close to home," said Greenwich Hospital Board Chair W. Robert Berkley in a news release.

"A gift of this magnitude signals a strong belief in our hospital and vision for oncology care now and in the future. Simultaneously, the grant pays an indelible tribute to one of our community’s most beloved physicians, whose career and dedication touched the lives of countless patients and their families," added Greenwich Hospital President Robert Blenderman.

Hollister retired in 2022 after a four-decade career serving patients in and around Greenwich. He began a solo practice at Greenwich Hospital in 1981 and later served as chief of staff and head of medical oncology.

Hospital officials said his approach to personalized care helped shape the institution’s oncology program. He also contributed to physician practice management and medical informatics initiatives at the hospital.

"Throughout my career it has been my greatest privilege to forge meaningful bonds with my patients and their families," said Hollister. "A diagnosis of cancer is a profound moment in a person’s life. My colleagues and I recognized this, and were dedicated to pursuing every possible option for our patients. I am deeply honored to know that Greenwich Hospital’s commitment to advanced cancer care is permanently woven into the fabric of our future through this gift."

Plans to expand Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich Hospital are intended to bring the expertise and research of Yale Cancer Center to local patients, according to the hospital.

The project includes renovations to the Olive and Thomas J. Watson Pavilion and the Sherman and Gloria H. Cohen Pavilion. The expanded oncology campus is expected to include infusion therapy, a multispecialty clinic, radiation oncology, breast cancer care and an inpatient unit, along with additional medical and surgical oncologists, expanded clinical trials and advanced cancer therapies.

"We are deeply grateful to the many donors whose generosity and leadership is making our shared vision for forward-facing cancer care a reality," said Greenwich Hospital Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer Noël Appel. "I invite the community to be part of this extraordinary moment."

More information about the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich Hospital Building Fund is available by contacting Appel at noel.appel@greenwichhospital.org or 203-863-3861.