Kids & Family

Beth Israel-Needham Gets Largest Gift to Date for Cancer Center

The new, state-of-the-art Cancer Center and Surgical Pavilion is a three-story, 30,000-square-foot building connected to the main hospital

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital—Needham (BID–Needham) is getting closer to its fundraising goal of $6 million for its world-class Cancer Center and Surgical Pavilion, thanks to its most recent—and most significant— gift by The Trotman Family Charitable Trust. The Cancer Center and Surgical Pavilion, scheduled to open in September 2014, has raised $3.4 million and is still seeking donations to reach its goal.

In recognition of this gift, BID–Needham has planned a dedication of its popular Glover Café, which will be renamed as “The Trotman Family Glover Café” at a ceremony at BID–Needham on June 16, 2014.

The Cancer Center and Surgical Pavilion and the café have special significance to Mrs. Trotman—who was married to Alex Trotman, former Chairman, President, and CEO of the Ford Motor Company—and her family, including daughters Samantha Burman, a member of the Board of Trustees at BID–Needham, and Helen Trotman.  

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“My family has had a special connection to Beth Israel Deaconess for many reasons,” said Trotman. “It’s important for residents in Needham and Metrowest to know that outstanding cancer services will soon be available to them close to home, which is particularly critical for patents who are undergoing treatment and have trouble traveling out of the area.”

According to Trotman, the community aspect of the Cancer Center and Surgical Pavilion and the Glover Café are compelling. “It is comforting that the local community has an inviting place to gather for meals at the Glover Café’,” says Mrs. Trotman.

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Since 1962, the Glover Café has been a favorite local focal point for not only BID–Needham staff and patients but also for community residents who enjoy a friendly place to congregate for good food at a good price.

The café, previously located on the site of the new Cancer Center and Surgical Pavilion, is now on the ground floor of the main hospital.

According to John Fogarty, president and CEO of BID–Needham, “This very generous gift from the Trotman family is the cornerstone of their support to our hospital. We are so grateful for the strong commitment of the family, and I would like to thank our trustee Samantha Burman, daughter of Mrs. Trotman, for her time, energy, and ongoing leadership.”

“We usually like to remain anonymous regarding our charitable support,” said Trotman. “However, this is a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to Alex and pass along an important legacy to my daughters and grandchildren.” 

Trotman has served as a computer programmer in England and as the Director of the Board of a nonprofit agency for disadvantaged school children in Naples, Florida.

She and Alex met outside London and were married in 1963.  They moved to the States in 1969 and bought a home in Weston, Mass., where Mrs. Trotman lives now.  Alex retired from the Ford Motor Company in 1999.

The new, state-of-the-art Cancer Center and Surgical Pavilion is a three-story, 30,000-square-foot building connected to the main hospital. Services will include chemotherapy and radiation therapy in addition to enhanced surgical procedures in the two new operating rooms on the second floor.


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