Plans Announced for Madonna Ptak Alzheimer’s Research Center

 

As Wilbur “Wil” Ptak strolled into the Ptak Lobby at Morton Plant Hospital on Christmas Eve, he mused, “Sometimes I almost feel like I know everyone here,” while our team members all wished him happy holidays as they passed by.

 

The friendliness and compassion of our team members that morning reinforced to Mr. Ptak that he had truly given the perfect Christmas gift this season: A $2 million donation to the Morton Plant Mease Foundation to establish the Madonna Ptak Alzheimer’s Research Center.

 

Named in loving honor of his wife of 66 years, the Madonna Ptak Alzheimer’s Research Center aims to improve the care of patients with Alzheimer’s and other memory loss conditions.

 

Housed in the Ptak Orthopaedic & Neuroscience Pavilion, this new research center will offer the latest medication options, research trial opportunities through alliances with major universities, informational publications, national programmatic support, database development, direct patient care, as well as patient and family support services.

 

Wil Ptak’s desire to name the Alzheimer’s Research Center in his wife’s name has always been the inspiration behind the couple’s philanthropic generosity. “Donna has always played a large role in each of our gifts and takes great pride in what we have done here,” explains Mr. Ptak. “In fact, as I think about it, she probably prompted my initial giving to Morton Plant Mease.”

 

Wil and Madonna have always shared a warm heart for giving back to their community. As just one example, before relocating to Clearwater in the late 70’s, the Ptaks lived in Middleburgh Heights, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. While there, Madonna volunteered for over 25 years with the Red Cross – often times taking a bus and two street cars to get there several times a week.

 

To recognize Wil and Madonna’s impact on our hospitals and community, Morton Plant Mease Foundation awarded them the Golden Flame of Philanthropy – the Foundation’s highest honor. The purpose of the Golden Flame of Philanthropy award is to honor individuals whose community contributions have demonstrated exceptional commitment to Morton Plant Mease Health Care’s mission, vision and values.

 

Leaving Morton Plant Hospital on Christmas Eve, he admitted to Phil Beauchamp, President and CEO of Morton Plant Mease Health Care, “Since I made this ultimate gift, folks keep telling me I look and sound different – with a lilt in my step and voice”, said Ptak.

 

“Wil and Madonna Ptak are very special members of the Morton Plant Mease family,” said Phil Beauchamp. “As I often like to tell Mr. Ptak – where there is a Wil, there is a way!”