Discovery Society: Lisa Freeman

When Lisa Freeman’s father, Jerry Levey, was involved in a roadside car accident decades ago, he spent some time in intensive care at VCU Health in Richmond.    

His family was by his side, but they weren’t alone.  

Renowned MCV and VCU Health physician Harry F. Young, M.D., already knew Mr. Levey as a patient and visited him every other day to check on his progress and, more importantly, his and the family’s well-being.  

That personal care left an indelible mark on the Levey family, and it’s why Freeman remains a steadfast supporter of VCU Health and the many physicians, staff and others who she says go above and beyond to offer superior patient care. 

“From then on, a bond was formed and my mother and father were extraordinarily grateful to Dr. Young and VCU,” Freeman said. “They became increasingly aware of the research that was being done and the importance of having a place like VCU in Richmond.” 

Freeman explained that her father had several surgeries in his life, some performed by Dr. Young. Her mother, Ruby Levey, also benefitted from Dr. Young’s care. 

Freeman said her parents lived simply but as that patient-physician relationship with Dr. Young intensified, they wanted to show their gratitude.  

“My parents wanted to make sure that Dr. Young and VCU knew how much they appreciated the care and TLC that had been shown to them,” she said. “Dr. Young made it very clear that the greatest gift they could give would be through the MCV Foundation, and they started to support VCU Health in that way.” 

When her parents both passed in 2014, Freeman said she and her sister, Carolyn Winks, saw there were only a few organizations that rose to the importance of their parents’ charitable giving. 

“The MCV Foundation remains among the top,” she said. 

Freeman continues to give because she’s learned so much about the health system as a patient herself. She’s also seen the impact from VCU’S partnerships within the community through organizations like The Doorways, a hospitality house near the MCV Campus that serves, primarily, patients of VCU Health and their families. 

“VCU is a safety net hospital, and it serves everyone, even those who have nowhere else to go,” she said. “That impact is tremendous, and I can’t think of a better way to honor my parents and make sure that care continues.”  

If you are interested in learning more about the MCV Foundation Discovery Society or ways to support VCU Health, please contact Brian Thomas, MCV Foundation interim president and CEO.