Inspired by the remarkable care she received at Weill Cornell Medicine following a car accident three years ago, Sophie Lasry is deeply grateful to the medical professionals who saved her life. To honor these extraordinary doctors and nurses, and to help other patients, she and her husband, Alex Swieca, recently made a generous first-time gift to Weill Cornell Medicine.
The $1 million gift will launch a new support program for trauma patients like her. Led by a social worker, the program will provide counseling and psychosocial support to patients during and after their hospitalization. Additionally, the gift will help fund women’s health initiatives in brain and metabolic health and will contribute to the completion of Weill Cornell Medicine’s new Midtown Clinical Care Center at 575 Lexington Avenue.
“This gift is personal,” says Ms. Lasry, who was five months pregnant with her son Jacob when the New York City taxi she was riding in was involved in an accident. With expert treatment at Weill Cornell Medicine, Jacob survived the serious crash and recently celebrated his third birthday. “Recovering from a bad injury can be long, painful and emotionally traumatizing; it certainly was for me.
“I want other trauma patients to have the resources they need to feel they are not alone in their journey, that there are people who care about them even after they leave the hospital.”
Community has been a vital source of strength for Ms. Lasry, anchored by the love she shares for her husband and their four children — daughters Noa and Maya and sons Moise and Jacob.
Just as important, Ms. Lasry was inspired by the nurses and staff who stood by her, motivating her when she felt she couldn’t take another step.
“The nurses meant so much to me,” Ms. Lasry says. “They treated me with warmth and humanity, and it made an enormous difference.”
She is grateful to Dr. Rahul Sharma, chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, and Dr. Robert Winchell, chief of the Division of Trauma, Burns, Acute and Critical Care at Weill Cornell Medicine.
As a mother of daughters, Ms. Lasry is also a keen advocate of women’s health. She recently joined the Executive Committee of Weill Cornell Medicine’s Women’s Health Council, led by Board of Fellows member and family friend Ellen Davis.
“I’m so thrilled that Sophie, a remarkable woman, is now part of the Women’s Health Council and the Weill Cornell Medicine family, Ms. Davis says. “Her gift will make a powerful impact on Weill Cornell Medicine’s commitment to providing the finest care to all patients.”
Raised in a family that has always prized charitable giving, Ms. Lasry believes deeply in supporting organizations that effect change in their communities. Weill Cornell Medicine is one such organization.
“Nothing matters more than health,” says Ms. Lasry. “I feel truly blessed for the extraordinary care at Weill Cornell Medicine, which gave me hope and a path to recovery.”
