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Robert Mackey loved Ashtabula, being active and being outdoors. His childhood love for sports turned into a lifelong passion. He was often seen jogging near his home in the harbor, golfing, bowling, playing softball or umpiring high school baseball and softball games.

Even after his diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2009, Robert continued his active lifestyle. He exercised daily and enjoyed time outdoors on Lake Erie or at local wineries. Robert was a gregarious and outgoing person who loved talking to friends and strangers alike. During his 13 years of treatment at the ARMC Cancer and Infusion Center he built strong relationships with Dr. Mohammad Varghai and the rest of his care team.

After a long and courageous battle, Robert passed away in November 2022.

Robert Mackey

Robert’s love for his community and the connections he made during his illness led to a generous bequest to the ARMC Cancer and Infusion Center through the ARMC Foundation.

“Every patient is dear and special to our Cancer Center Staff and Robert, due to his pleasant personality, had a special place. Since he started treatment over 14 years ago, he remained positive and appreciative of our team. Even after his passing, he wanted to continue to support the ARMC Cancer and Infusion Center,” said Dr. Varghai, ARMC Cancer and Infusion Center oncologist and hematologist.

Robert’s family worked closely with the ARMC Foundation and Cancer and Infusion Center caregivers to identify projects that would immediately impact every patient who comes into the Center.

The entrance to the ARMC Cancer and Infusion Center entrance was quickly identified as a top priority. There was only one handicapped ramp located at the back of the building. The weekly visit by the mobile PET CT unit blocked access to the ramp for part of the day. The configuration of the doors made it difficult for patients in wheelchairs or with walkers to enter and exit the crowded vestibule.

“Our entrance wasn’t patient-friendly. It was frustrating for patients who often struggled to get into the building. Our caregivers – and even other patients in the waiting area – would have to help a patient get in,” said ARMC President and CEO Leonard Stepp, Jr.

Robert’s gift allowed for significant improvements to be made. Those improvements include the installation of a second handicap ramp on the south side of the building, a new handicap exterior door, and a motion activated sliding door from the vestibule into the lobby.

“These improvements made a difference for our patients immediately. Patients can now enter the building from the handicapped parking area with relative ease,” said Melody Hipps, RN, nurse manager of oncology services at ARMC.

“We are grateful to Robert for his generosity and to his family for helping to identify a project that honors Robert’s memory and improves care for patients and their families,” said Stepp.

“The thought that the ARMC Cancer and Infusion Center and the staff meant so much to Bob that he wanted to leave behind a financial gift to benefit future cancer patients is such a blessing. I think it’s only fitting that after Bob spent so many years in the Cancer Center fighting such an awful disease and the handles on the doors, patients are greeted with a wonderful new hands-free door. Bob would be so proud knowing he was part of it,” said Katharine Lines, LPN, oncology nurse.

Planned giving is a powerful way to make a lasting impact on your community. Planned gifts to the ARMC Foundation support access to quality healthcare close to home. If you are interested in learning more about supporting our mission, contact the ARMC Foundation at (440) 997-6604.

The ARMC Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the hospital, was established as a separate entity in 1994. It is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization established to raise, receive and administer charitable gifts in support of Ashtabula Regional Medical Center. The ARMC Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community and business leaders and residents who are dedicated to ensuring the availability of high-quality healthcare in Ashtabula County.