Special to Iredell Free News

The entrances to Iredell Memorial Hospital’s cardiac catheterization labs now look a little different. The walls beside each of the two cath labs, located within the Iredell Heart & Vascular Center, now bear heartfelt plaques honoring Dr. Robert C. Tolle and Toby and Kalman Gordon.

Susan Tolle and Toby Gordon have generously become Naming Donors for the Iredell Health Foundation, donating to name the two labs in honor of their family and late husbands. Tolle and Gordon’s significant contributions will support the Cardiac & Vascular Care Fund for Iredell Health System. The fund supports the purchase of new cardiovascular equipment, provides patient assistance, and expands cardiovascular service offerings for the community.

The long-time friends have not only left an undeniable mark in Statesville through their community volunteer efforts but have now left an everlasting legacy amidst the walls of Iredell Health System’s Heart & Vascular Center.

Tolle and Gordon have been friends for over 30 years and are excited to be leaving this legacy together. They began their lifelong friendship after Tolle relocated to Statesville from Charlotte.

“I met Susan through real estate. She would buy houses and renovate them, and I had the pleasure of selling some of them. I always thought her work was beautiful. Kalman and I got to know Susan and her husband, Bob, and we became friends. Susan does a lot of great things for our community, and we always enjoy spending time together,” said Gordon.

“Toby has always been so dear to me. She’s always had open arms and has been someone who is always there for me,” said Tolle.

When asked what prompted the friends to donate, Tolle says it was a “no-brainer.”

“I talk to Toby frequently, so when I heard about the naming opportunity, she’s the first person I called. She jumped right on it within seconds. We are both so very proud of the work our husbands did and the contributions they made to the community. They were both incredibly honest and true gentlemen,” said Tolle.

“When Susan brought this to my attention, I thought it was a great idea. It truly reflects Kalman’s values, and he would be excited about the impact that the Cardiac & Vascular Care fund has on our community,” said Gordon.

Tolle’s husband, Robert, was a dentist who was known for putting his patients first.

“He had hundreds of patients, and he treated each one like family. If someone needed a place to stay, he would have invited them to our house, no doubt about. He would give the shirt off his back to his patients because he adored them. That will always live on. He deserved this honor,” said Tolle.

In addition to honoring her husband’s legacy of generosity and patient care, Tolle hopes this donation will ultimately save lives. Tolle has dedicated her life to suicide prevention, serving as a field advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Tolle has also served on the Board of Directors for both the Iredell Health Foundation and Iredell Health System and is currently on the Iredell Health System Board of Trustees. Thus, this opportunity to donate to the hospital aligns seamlessly with her endeavors.

For Gordon, this donation is all about giving back to the community that has given so much to her and her family.

“My husband was born and raised in Statesville, and we chose to live here and raise our family here. Many of Kalman’s family members had heart issues, and my family had heart conditions as well. Kalman always wanted to do what was good for the community. His father came here as a young boy, so the Gordon family has been here for a long time. Kalman was raised knowing you give back to the place that’s given so much to you. Kalman would want this, and I do too,” said Gordon.

Gordon too hopes this donation will save lives and benefit the many patients that use the cath lab services. She also hopes it will serve as a testament to her and her family’s love for Statesville.

“We are so lucky to have this healthcare facility in Statesville. Statesville is a wonderful place to live with great resources. There’s no place I’d rather live than here,” she said.

Being a donor to name something at Iredell Health System is a significant contribution to enhancing healthcare services. It offers donors the chance to imprint their legacy by naming specific areas, facilities, or programs, showcasing their generosity and backing. Whether it’s designating a building wing, a patient room, a specialized medical unit, or even a medical equipment program, donors can opt to honor themselves, a cherished individual, or a respected figure.

Furthermore, being a donor to name something at Iredell Health System transcends mere financial assistance. It serves as a heartfelt homage, allowing donors to memorialize the memory of a loved one. By affixing their name to a significant aspect of the healthcare facility, donors honor the legacy of their loved ones.

About Iredell Health Foundation

The Iredell Health Foundation is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization responsible for philanthropy for Iredell Health System. It supports the system’s programs and services through donor-centered fundraising. The Foundation focuses on raising community awareness of specific programs that need funding and provides individuals and organizations hoping to make a difference and leave a legacy the opportunity to support local healthcare needs of their choice. To learn more, or to make a donation, visit www.iredellhealthfoundation.org or call 704-878-4547.