“My dad died at an early age of heart disease,” says Tom May. “So when I had three kids of my own, I wanted to be sure I lived long enough to put them through college.”

Now 67 and a grandfather, May is thankful for the care he has received from Mark Creager, MD, director of vascular medicine at the Heart & Vascular Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

“Mark’s been more than a doctor; he’s been a friend,” says May. “During past 30-plus years, we’ve chatted about what is cutting-edge, what I should be aware of in terms of prevention.”

May has avoided his father’s cardiac issues, and Creager continues to oversee May’s cardiovascular care, “He makes time to look at my charts and discuss any concerns, and responds right away to my phone calls if I have a medical question,” May says. “It’s unique in this day. The Brigham is like part of my family.”

To honor Creager and help his nationally renowned fellowship program, May and his wife, Donna, made a gift to establish the Donna and Tom May Fellowship Fund in Vascular Medicine at BWH.

“This generous gift from Tom and Donna is truly visionary,” says Creager, who, in addition to his work at BWH, is president-elect of the American Heart Association. “Their foresight in strengthening our fellowship program will help ensure the Brigham continues to produce outstanding vascular medicine specialists for years to come.”

May concurs. “It was so impressive to hear what these young fellows are working on, and how they’re making a difference in the world,” he says. “Science must continue to move ahead with breakthroughs and technology, and one of the most limiting factors to that progress is obviously money. It’s exciting to invest in the future of the institution.”

“I appreciate the great care that has kept me healthy, and hope the good work of the vascular medicine team will help many others, too,” says May.