Story of resilience, gratitude, and a dedication

 


Story  of resilience, gratitude, and a dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others

The story of Russ and Kathy Van Cleve is one of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and a deep commitment to healthcare and community service.

Background and Careers

Russ and Kathy Van Cleve come from families that valued a strong work ethic. Russ began his career in banking, while Kathy started hers in investment real estate. They eventually established a successful private homebuilding and land development company in Newport Beach, California

Health Challenges and Mayo Clinic

In 2006, Russ faced a significant health challenge when he began experiencing troubling symptoms that no local hospital could diagnose. On the advice of his local hospital's chief of staff, he was referred to the Mayo Clinic, where he was examined by gastroenterologist Kenneth K. Wang, M.D. The diagnosis was cancer of the esophagus, but thanks to early detection and innovative treatment at Mayo Clinic, Russ underwent endoscopic resection, a procedure that preserved his esophagus and maintained his quality of life. This experience marked the beginning of their deep appreciation for the Mayo Clinic



Philanthropy

Grateful for the care they received, Russ and Kathy Van Cleve decided to give back through philanthropy. They established the Van Cleve Cardiac Regenerative Medicine Program at the Mayo Clinic in 2014, with the ambitious goal of transforming heart disease treatment from "treatment" to "cure." This program is part of their broader vision to see Mayo Clinic become the regenerative medicine center of the world


In addition to their work in cardiac regenerative medicine, the Van Cleves also established a named professorship and the Russ and Kathy Van Cleve Endowed Fund in Gastroenterology Research Honoring Kenneth K. Wang, M.D., in recognition of the care Russ received from Dr. Wang

Community Impact

Their philanthropic efforts are driven by a desire to have the greatest impact for the most number of people. Russ and Kathy believe in the importance of timing and the need to start giving back as soon as possible, rather than waiting until later in life. They have referred many friends to Mayo Clinic and continue to advocate for the high-quality, coordinated care provided by the institution

Personal Commitment

Russ and Kathy's commitment to philanthropy is not just financial; it is also deeply personal. They continue to have their medical care at Mayo Clinic and are involved in various charitable initiatives, reflecting their gratitude and vision for a healthier future. Their story is one of resilience, gratitude, and a dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others




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