“Peter and Eliza’s unwavering support of our frontline workers, our patients, and our mission gave us strength and hope when we needed it most. On behalf of our entire community, I thank them from the bottom of our hearts.”
—BETSY NABEL, MD

“There’s no false drama in describing COVID-19 as a threat to our way of life and our lives,” said Peter Palandjian, speaking at a virtual Access Brigham Health event on June 3 to more than 1,000 other close supporters of Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

As the host of the event, Palandjian embraced the opportunity to talk with Brigham experts about COVID-19 and the impact the virus has had on everyday life for families and communities. Before the event concluded, Palandjian made the surprise announcement that he and his wife, Eliza Dushku Palandjian, were committing $1 million to help the Brigham’s COVID-19 response efforts in whatever way would help the most.

“The Brigham’s mission is as important as it has ever been, and the hospital is doing vital work to understand COVID-19 and serve us,” says Palandjian. “Right now, Brigham and Women’s is like any business, school, church, or other organization—its resources are being strained and it needs support. I would ask anyone to reach deep and help the hospital get through this time, because we need them.”

In addition to their remarkable pledge of support, the Palandjians donated 150,000 N95 masks to the Brigham in April, when the hospital was experiencing the highest surges of COVID-19 cases. It was the largest personal gift of personal protective equipment to the Brigham.

At the time, the Palandjians’ primary care physician, Charles Morris, MD, MPH, was serving as the coleader of the Brigham’s Incident Command Response. Facing the worst crisis he has ever seen in his 21 years at the Brigham, Morris says the hospital community demonstrated an equally unprecedented level of unity and commitment to providing exceptional care, no matter what.

“Truly, the Brigham would not be able to do what we do without the incredible generosity of people like Peter and Eliza,” says Morris. “It is a privilege to be entrusted with their health and with their faith in our efforts to confront and manage this disease.”

Brigham President Betsy Nabel, MD, says, “Peter and Eliza’s unwavering support of our frontline workers, our patients, and our mission gave us strength and hope when we needed it most. On behalf of our entire community, I thank them from the bottom of our hearts.”