Largest donation in health system’s history to expand elder care, improve patient experience and strengthen access to healthcare across Cape Cod
HYANNIS, Mass. — Cynthia G. and John F. Fish have pledged $20 million to Cape Cod Healthcare, marking the largest charitable gift in the health system’s history and providing a major boost to healthcare services for Cape Cod residents and visitors.
The landmark donation, announced Monday by the Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation, will fund new initiatives focused on elder care, patient care improvements and expanded healthcare access throughout the region. In recognition of the contribution, the Cape Cod Hospital campus will be renamed the Cynthia G. and John F. Fish Campus at Cape Cod Hospital.
The gift comes as Cape Cod Healthcare continues to address the needs of one of the nation’s oldest populations, while serving both year-round residents and the millions of visitors who travel to the Cape annually.
“Cape Cod Healthcare has been there for our family during some of life’s most important moments, and we know countless other families throughout the Cape with similar stories,” said Cynthia G. Fish. “The care, compassion and dedication of its physicians, nurses and staff make an extraordinary difference in people’s lives every day. We are incredibly proud to support their mission and important work.”
John F. Fish, chairman and CEO of Suffolk, said the donation reflects both the couple’s personal connection to Cape Cod Hospital and their commitment to ensuring high-quality healthcare remains available in the region for generations to come.
“For many years, Cape Cod Hospital has been part of the fabric of this special community while providing exceptional care to residents and visitors alike,” Fish said. “This incredible healthcare institution has also touched our own family in meaningful ways, which makes this gift especially personal for both Cyndy and me.”
He added, “We are honored and privileged to support Cape Cod Healthcare’s mission to deliver the highest-quality, accessible health services on Cape Cod today and for many generations to come.”
Cape Cod Healthcare President and CEO Michael K. Lauf described the pledge as transformative for the organization and the communities it serves.
“The generosity of the Fishes represents a partnership that shares in the vision of Cape Cod Healthcare to provide top-tier medicine and an exceptional care experience for those we serve in our unique region,” Lauf said. “This impactful donation will further our unwavering commitment to expanding access to the highest-quality care for our community and visitors.”
Lauf noted that a significant portion of the investment will support programs and services for older adults, a growing priority in Barnstable County, which has one of the oldest populations in the United States.
“As Barnstable County has one of the nation’s oldest populations, it will also strengthen our ability to deliver specialized care and services for our older patients,” he said. “It is truly a transformational gift that will enable us to continue to provide lifesaving treatment, identify and meet the needs of our community, and enhance the well-being of all on Cape Cod by providing leading-edge tertiary services, close to home.”
The donation represents the latest philanthropic investment by the Fish family, whose charitable work has focused heavily on healthcare, education, research and community development.
John Fish is one of New England’s most prominent business leaders, having built Suffolk into one of the nation’s largest privately held construction companies with more than $10 billion in annual revenue. Beyond Suffolk, he has held leadership positions with major healthcare, education and business organizations, including serving as chair of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and vice chair of the Mass General Brigham Executive Committee.
Cynthia Fish has dedicated decades to nonprofit leadership and philanthropy, serving on numerous boards and supporting causes ranging from education and environmental stewardship to Alzheimer’s research and healthcare advancement.
For Cape Cod Healthcare, the historic pledge arrives at a critical time as healthcare systems nationwide face rising costs, increasing demand for specialized services and growing pressure to improve patient access and experience.
Officials said the investment will help ensure the region’s largest healthcare provider can continue expanding services while advancing its mission of delivering high-quality, accessible care close to home.
With more than 600 providers, 5,000 employees and 250 volunteers, Cape Cod Healthcare operates two acute-care hospitals, a Level III trauma center, home health and hospice services, urgent care centers, skilled nursing facilities and a broad network of primary and specialty care practices serving Cape Cod.
The $20 million pledge establishes a new benchmark for philanthropic support of healthcare on Cape Cod and is expected to have a lasting impact on the region’s healthcare landscape for years to come.
