CHICAGO, IL – February 11, 2026 – Chicago philanthropist Neil G. Bluhm and the Bluhm Family Foundation are underscoring their commitment to life-saving heart care with a $50 million gift to the Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute (BCVI). The gift builds on two decades of generosity from Bluhm, bringing his total gifts to BCVI to $135 million. The additional funds will expand access to cardiac care and bolster what is consistently ranked among the top 10 heart programs in the nation and among the top 20 cardiac surgery centers in the world. 

“My main goal has always been to ensure that anyone who needs world-class heart care can get it,” said Bluhm. “We made this possible 20 years ago in downtown Chicago and built on that when we expanded care into the suburbs. It has been one of my greatest honors to watch this program touch so many lives and I’m humbled to continue supporting this mission.”

World-class care for all

Since Bluhm’s initial gift to establish BCVI in 2005, the institute has treated hundreds of thousands of patients and saved countless lives across Chicago and beyond. Subsequent contributions helped advance health equity by extending top-tier care throughout the region, closer to where people live and work. Bluhm’s generosity has supported research, recruited physicians, and established programs like the Center for Artificial Intelligence and the Bluhm Heart Hospital at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

This latest $50 million gift will support the following initiatives:

• Further expand access to heart care by bringing new technologies and innovative therapies to Northwestern Medicine’s nine-hospital health network
• Increase the footprint of Bluhm Heart Hospital with more procedural space
• Support new research and clinical trials
• Develop breakthrough innovations for leading-edge advances in cardiovascular medicine
• Support fellowships to train the next generation of physician talent
• Recruit world-class physician leaders

“Generous contributions from the Bluhm Family have continuously fueled our commitment to saving lives and putting patients first,” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “By investing in the future of cardiac medicine, BCVI will continue to stand as a beacon of hope for patients all over the world and for generations to come.”

Building on better medicine

Because of Bluhm’s philanthropy, BCVI has sustained explosive growth since its inception. The institute went from treating 1,000 patients in its inaugural year to more than 48,000 new patients in 2025. Today, the institute spans 18 locations throughout the greater Chicago area and employs 2,400 clinicians. A team of more than 186 specialized cardiologists, cardiac and vascular surgeons take on some of the toughest cases that other health systems are forced to turn away. To date, BCVI has achieved milestones such as:

• Ranked among the top 10 cardiology, heart and vascular programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for the last 10 years
• Among the top 20 hospitals in the world for cardiac surgery as ranked by Newsweek
• Seventh ranked patient-preferred hospital in the nation for heart care
• Among the top 15 hospitals in the nation for heart attack survival
• 900% cardiac surgery growth since 2005
• 96% patient satisfaction
• Treated patients from at least 40 countries and all 50 states
• 3,100 cardiac and vascular manuscripts published over the last three years
• $100 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health since 2020

“As we conclude the celebration of BCVI’s first 20 years, this extraordinary gift ensures we are not only honoring our past, but shaping the next 20 years of cardiovascular care,” said Patrick M. McCarthy, MD, executive director of Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. “This commitment keeps Northwestern Medicine at the forefront of cardiovascular medicine, empowering us to deliver superior outcomes for patients today and into the future.”

Thanks to Bluhm’s unwavering support, BCVI can continue making strides in the fight against heart disease by making care more accessible, supporting clinical talent, advancing infrastructure, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cardiac medicine. 

For more information about cardiovascular treatments at Northwestern Medicine, visit nm.org/heart.

PALOS HEIGHTS, Ill – For millions of women, uterine fibroids are more than a medical issue – the condition can cause heavy bleeding, chronic pain and interfere with work, relationships, and quality of life. At Northwestern Medicine, a minimally invasive procedure called transcervical fibroid ablation (TFA) is helping patients find relief – without the need for major surgery.

 Cayce McConnell, 46, was exhausted from enduring heavy, painful periods each month.

“It got to the point where I needed iron infusions and was missing work at times, and it was disruptive,” McConnell said.

 The Frankfort nurse practitioner went to see her doctor, who recommended an ultrasound. McConnell was diagnosed with uterine fibroids, which wasn’t a big surprise.

 “I do have a strong family history. A lot of my aunts, almost all of them, have had uterine fibroids, and almost all of them have had a hysterectomy,” McConnell said.

 Understanding uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are the most common type of abnormal growth in a woman’s uterus.

The estrogen-dependent tumors impact as many as 80% of people with a uterus during their reproductive years, from teens all the way through menopause.

 “Uterine fibroids affect millions of women per year. They can cause abnormal bleeding, fertility problems and pelvic pain,” said Alexander Lin, MD, OB/GYN, medical director for women’s health at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital.

Heavy menstrual periods or prolonged menstrual periods are the two most common symptoms.

“In addition to heavy or prolonged bleeding, fibroids can cause other symptoms. As fibroids grow, they can cause pressure on the bladder because they'll make the uterus enlarge and push on the bladder. Fibroids can also push on the intestines. Fibroids can also cause bloating and pain,” said Dr. Lin.

Exploring treatment options

To find relief from their uterine fibroids, several of McConnell’s aunts chose to undergo a hysterectomy, a surgical procedure to remove a woman’s uterus.

A busy mom of two teenagers, McConnell was hoping to avoid major surgery, if possible.

 To better understand her treatment options, she made an appointment to see Dr. Lin at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital.

“It was when I met Dr. Lin that he told me about a new option that targets and gets right to the root of the problem, the fibroids,” McConnell said.

Transcervical fibroid ablation

The new treatment option is called transcervical fibroid ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to destroy the fibroids without incisions.

“Transcervical fibroid ablation (TFA) uses a type of energy called RF energy, or radio frequency energy. We can think of it as a form of electrical energy, which then heats the fibroid tumors, which are proteins, and helps break them down,” Dr. Lin said.

During the outpatient procedure, Dr. Lin uses new technology that combines intrauterine ultrasound with radiofrequency to target and shrink fibroids. There are no incisions, which means there is virtually no recovery time and patients can feel relief from the symptoms in as little as three months.

“Approximately 90% of patients who have symptoms with bleeding or pain will get very good relief following the fibroid ablation treatment. Recovery is very rapid. The patients usually don't have much pain at all. Typically, the following day, they're already back to work and functioning normally,” Dr. Lin said.

Finding relief from uterine fibroids

Cayce McConnell chose to have the TFA procedure performed at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, the first facility to offer the procedure in Chicago’s south suburbs. 

“I was in and out. I was in the room for maybe an hour or two, and then in recovery for an hour and went home the same day. I actually went to work two days later, so it was great,” McConnell said.

Within a month, McConnell noticed significant relief from the period symptoms she had experienced previously. Her periods are now lighter, less painful and not disrupting her life. She is sharing her experience with friends and family members, who were unaware there is a treatment for uterine fibroids that doesn’t involve major surgery.

“Almost everyone in my family was like, ‘How did you hear about that? How did you do that and not get an incision and not have to be cut or have a hysterectomy?’ McConnell said. “I’m happy to share it with anyone, because it was great for me.”

Treating uterine fibroids at Northwestern Medicine

Northwestern Medicine offers a range of treatment options for uterine fibroids. Our minimally invasive gynecologic experts offer telehealth visits after imaging, to review the results with patients and develop a treatment plan.  

In addition to Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, Northwestern Medicine offers TFA at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago and at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital in the northern suburbs.  For more information, please visit www.nm.org.

CHICAGO, IL – February 14, 2025 – Over the past two decades, the Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute (BCVI) has become a global destination for life-saving therapies, breakthrough procedures, and research that has transformed cardiovascular care. Founded on Valentine’s Day in 2005, BCVI was created with a generous gift from local philanthropist Neil G. Bluhm who wanted to help Northwestern Medicine meet the growing need for world-class cardiovascular care in Chicago and beyond. 

“I felt it would be important to the city that we have a great heart hospital instead of a situation where the wealthy were traveling elsewhere and everybody else was not getting great treatment,” said Bluhm. 

 After 20 years, with hundreds of thousands of patients treated and countless lives saved, Northwestern Medicine physicians, nurses, staff and patients will celebrate BCVI’s 20^thanniversary on February 14 during American Heart Month. 

 Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death, but breakthrough discoveries and new technologies are dramatically lowering that burden. To date, the BCVI team of more than 186 specialized cardiologists, cardiac and vascular surgeons have accomplished milestones such as:  

• Ranked among the top 10 cardiology, heart, and vascular programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for the last nine years
• Ranked among the top 20 hospitals in the world for cardiac surgery with over 900% growth in procedures since BCVI began
• Treated patients from at least 27 countries and all 50 states
• Seventh ranked patient-preferred hospital in the nation for heart care
• 95% patient satisfaction in 2024 
• Best heart failure survival in the nation
• Among the top 15 hospitals in the nation for heart attack survival
• First in the world to implant the Impella BTR heart pump
• Among the first in the nation to offer pulsed field ablation to treat atrial fibrillation  
• Secured $100 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health since 2020 
• Recruited more than 40 top-talent physicians over the last three years
• Home to three American Heart Association (AHA) Presidents
• A record six AHA Strategically Funded Research Networks totaling $25 million
• Home to three of the most highly cited scientific authors, top 1% in the world 

“This anniversary is a tremendous milestone for the Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute and underscores our commitment to our patients and the communities we serve,” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “Our steadfast commitment to grow and expand access to world-class heart care throughout the Chicagoland area has been and will always be a driving force for Northwestern Medicine.”

A gift from the heart 

In the early 2000’s, Bluhm was treated at Northwestern Memorial Hospital for heart issues. On February 14, 2005, he generously donated a $10 million gift, and the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute was born. The gift facilitated the recruitment of renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Patrick M. McCarthy, MD, a world leader in cardiac surgery, with the goal of building a world-class heart and vascular program accessible to all Chicagoans. 

 Along with several other gifts over the years, in February 2022, Bluhm and the Bluhm Family Charitable Foundation announced a $45 million gift to establish the Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Heart Hospital at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The gift expands cardiac care capacity and addresses health equity by supporting under-resourced Chicago communities, including the soon-to-open Northwestern Medicine Bronzeville Outpatient Care Center. 

 “The transformation has been stunning. From a relatively small program we grew into a powerhouse with BCVI facilities across the region and growing every year. Mr. Bluhm’s generous gift allowed us to hire and train the best doctors and teams of care providers and rapidly adopt transformative new technologies and procedures,” said Dr. McCarthy, who is now the executive director of BCVI. 

Expanding care and saving more lives 

BCVI’s rapid growth can be attributed to its ability to recruit and train top-tier talent. Douglas Johnston, MD, surgical director of BCVI and chief of cardiac surgery, has been the force behind the recent meteoric rise of the cardiac surgery program. Since joining BCVI in 2022, Dr. Johnston has grown the program by a staggering 42%. BCVI performs about 2,750 cardiac surgeries per year, compared to 250 cases 20 years ago, and BCVI performs one of the highest volumes of surgical and transcatheter heart valve procedures in the country.

 “We’ve seen exceptional growth at our downtown campus and in our regional programs. Waiting for an appointment is one of the most frustrating things for a heart patient with a new diagnosis, and our goal is to decrease wait times and improve access for all patients,” said Dr. Johnston. 

 BCVI’s success has allowed the program to treat more patients and stimulate job growth in the Chicago area. In 2005, the institute had 300 employees and treated 1,000 new patients annually. Today, BCVI has 2,400 employees and treats 48,000 new patients each year.

 Anchored in downtown Chicago, BCVI has expanded across all Northwestern Medicine locations and is now integrated into nine Northwestern Medicine hospitals. This makes it possible for patients to receive most cardiovascular care in locations close to home, only traveling downtown for highly complex procedures. 

 “The landscape for heart failure treatment has transformed remarkably over the last two decades, offering patients more options and more hope than ever before. We have achieved the best heart failure survival rates in the U.S. for two consecutive years. This success is rooted in a highly integrated system of care, where patients receive state-of-the-art treatment close to home. We are now expanding this model across our network to ensure excellence in care for all our regional programs,” said Jane Wilcox, MD, associate chief of cardiology at BCVI.

 Taking the future to heart 

Through its partnership with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, BCVI researchers are pushing the boundaries of cardiovascular treatments through ongoing clinical trials. Their discoveries drive advancements that lead to better therapies, minimally invasive procedures, quicker recovery times, and improved patient outcomes. 

• BCVI helped introduce a non-surgical valve replacement procedure for the sickest patients with aortic stenosis. 
• BCVI helped accelerate FDA approval for new technology to replace a leaky tricuspid valve through a catheter. 
• Clinical investigators helped secure FDA approval for blockbuster medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Jardiance. 
• The BCVI Clinical Trials Unit has more than 10,000 research study participants enrolled in 100 ongoing clinical trials.
• 3,100 cardiac and vascular manuscripts published over the last three years.
• Twelve national principal investigators represented in clinical trials.

 “Every breakthrough or technological advance began with a question, often at the bedside. From that curiosity spawns research and via research discovery ensues. It is the steady arc of relentless research that fuels best patient outcomes and we in the BCVI are on the leading edge of scientific discovery,” said Clyde W. Yancy, MD, MSc, chief of cardiology at BCVI and vice dean of health equity at Feinberg School of Medicine.

 Leveraging their advancements over the past 20 years, BCVI leaders are making strides towards innovations that will improve patient lives for generations to come, including: 

• The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) such as machine learning to identify patients with advanced heart failure and patients at risk of developing atrial fibrillation and heart disease
• Combating a sonographer shortage by using an algorithm to automate measurements on echocardiograms
• Studying whether using a smartwatch to monitor atrial fibrillation could alleviate lifelong reliance on blood thinners 
• Engineering human heart tissue to better understand a range of cardiovascular conditions 

 “When we started this journey 20 years ago, the iPhone hadn’t been invented, and today we use artificial intelligence to read all electrocardiograms. Replacing heart valves without surgery was science fiction, and now it is everyday practice. Thanks to Mr. Bluhm, and the talented team we have built, the next 20 years should be just as transformative as the last 20 years,” said Dr. McCarthy.

 For more information on BCVI and cardiovascular treatments, visit NM.org/heart. 

GENEVA, IL — October 21, 2024 —  Northwestern Medicine is teaming up with Lombard-based Valqari to test drone deliveries on the campus of Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. The pilot-project is the first step in determining the feasibility of using drone technology for safe and efficient deliveries of specimens and medical supplies. Northwestern Medicine Delnor is among the first hospitals in the United States to trial drones for inter-site deliveries.

Lab testing capabilities vary across Northwestern Medicine’s campuses and often require blood samples to be sent to different lab locations. These deliveries affect turnaround time for results and can delay care.

“Traditionally, this type of delivery has been done through hired courier services or clinicians walking the specimens across the campus on a set schedule,” said Sylvester Dazzo, vice president of administration at Northwestern Medicine. “If proven feasible, drone delivery has the potential to create an on-demand option that doesn’t require staff to walk across campus, keeping our caregivers doing what they do best – providing world-class patient care.”   

The drones currently fly between Delnor Hospital’s south entrance and the cancer center across the street from two drone stations. It flies over the grass lawn and walkways and crosses the street and sidewalks when no people or cars are nearby. While the drone flies entirely on its own, a pilot is nearby to supervise the drone flight.

"We have a significant number of patients who require same-day blood product transfusions who have benefited from the service the drone is providing,” said Megha Shah, RN, oncology infusion charge nurse at the Delnor Cancer Center.  “It allows us to obtain our blood products outside our scheduled courier times - significantly reducing wait times for patients.”

Operations of the drone are overseen by Valqari, a recognized leader in drone deliveries headquartered just down the street from Delnor’s Geneva campus. Every morning before drone flights commence, Valqari’s team secures Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to fly for the day. No patient information is visible to the flight team at any point during the delivery process. The drones are not equipped with cameras.

“When ready for transport, hospital staff makes an on-demand delivery request with Valqari’s app notifying the flight team of an inbound package,” explained Ryan Walsh, CEO and founder of Valqari. “The package is placed in a designated locker on the nearest Valqari DronePort and is then loaded onto an elevator that attaches the package to the drone. The drone ensures the airspace is clear before taking off then flies to the designated landing station to drop it off. An FAA-certified Part 107 pilot is within line of sight that can take over the controls at all times to ensure we are always meeting the current FAA requirements."

Without drones, most deliveries on the Delnor campus are made during four scheduled courier trips each day. For an on-demand delivery, staff walk the items out of the building and across the street something that occurs 40+ times per month.

"Prior to the drones, nursing staff walked back and forth between the cancer center and hospital sometimes several times per day,” said Kristen Goldsmith, RN, oncology infusion nurse at the Delnor Cancer Center. “Having the drones make deliveries helps because it keeps me at the chairside with my patients. In the cancer center, treatment decisions are based on bloodwork, so with this on-demand option, we are able to expedite care, and the quicker turnaround time takes some stress off our patients who are anxiously awaiting their results."

Current FAA guidelines require drones to operate within a line of sight, have 20 ft radius of open space around it, and to remain on the Delnor campus. Drones cannot operate within the city of Chicago or within five miles of an airport. However, drone regulations are expected to expand in 2025 opening the opportunity to further the use of drone deliveries to other sites in the Northwestern Medicine Health Network.

“If this project continues to validate drones as a safe and quick delivery option, we’ll explore where else in the health system drones may be beneficial,” said Dazzo. “We are particularly interested in how drones can potentially improve treatment times at our rural locations by providing a fast, efficient delivery option where one doesn’t currently exist.”

For Valqari, partnerships like the one with Northwestern Medicine present an opportunity to develop and refine solutions that drive innovation and efficiency in the field of drone deliveries.

"We are grateful to be able to work towards our company mission, which is to use our technology to improve people's lives,” said Walsh. “Getting the opportunity to do that alongside such an amazing company as Northwestern Medicine to be able to improve patient treatment times is a big step in our mission. Our collective efforts are instrumental in shaping the future of drone delivery, ensuring that this transformative technology evolves to meet the demands of a dynamic landscape.”

Northwestern Medicine is committed to rapidly finding, evaluating and activating internal and external innovative solutions for challenges affecting patients and care teams today and to optimize future care delivery. The Northwestern Medicine Mansueto Innovation Institute connects innovators and collaborators to an extensive network of leaders with expertise in medicine, innovation, data, business and more within Northwestern Medicine and across the healthcare industry. To learn more, visit the Mansueto Innovation Institute website.

GENEVA, IL — September 16, 2024 —  Northwestern Medicine has named Emily Jakacki as President of Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, a 159-bed community hospital serving the Kane County area. Jakacki brings more than 16 years of healthcare experience, most recently serving as vice president of operations at Advocate Aurora Health.

“With her wealth of operational and strategic leadership experience, Emily is well-suited to lead Delnor Hospital in its continued pursuit to deliver top-decile care and an exceptional patient experience,” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “Under Emily’s leadership, Delnor will build upon its long legacy of providing world-class care at the highest levels of safety, quality and patient engagement to the communities we serve.”

Prior to joining Northwestern Medicine, Jakacki held a regional leadership role at Advocate, overseeing ambulatory and service lines across three hospitals, managing more than 900 physicians and clinicians and leading key areas such as cancer, neurosciences, and cardiology. She also held leadership positions at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where she led service lines in cancer, neurosciences, orthopedics, cardiology, and more.

“I am excited to join Northwestern Medicine and honored to lead a hospital with such a strong connection to the community,” said Jakacki. “Delnor’s dedication to providing exceptional healthcare is inspiring and I look forward to building on this foundation. Together, we will continue to deliver high-quality, compassionate care, innovate and grow Delnor’s reputation as a destination for clinical excellence in Kane County.”

Originally from the Detroit area, Jakacki earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. She played lacrosse all four years at Penn, a sport near and dear to her heart which she continues to coach today.  She and her husband, Tom, have lived in Chicago for more than 20 years and have three daughters. In her spare time, Jakacki enjoys traveling, and spending time outdoors with her family.

Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital provides comprehensive services in cancer care, cardiology, orthopaedics, neurosciences, metabolic health, women’s health and primary care. Delnor is a leader in clinical excellence, boasting a 5-Star Rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a Fifth Magnet® Recognition for nursing excellence, and Blue Distinction® Center + honors for Maternity Care and Bariatric Surgery.