Million Dollar Bequest Intention Supports Baystate Health

SPRINGFIELD — The Baystate Health Foundation has received a $1 million bequest from Paul Cohen, Planned Furniture Promotions co-founder and chief financial officer, to support the greatest needs of Baystate Health.

“Paul’s generosity and foresight provides us the benefit of having funding to support innovation and advancement for the future of healthcare,” said Dr. Mark Keroack, president and CEO of Baystate Health. “This gift will impact the next generation served by Baystate Health and help to support the longevity of quality healthcare in this region.”

Born in Springfield, Cohen and his late wife, Harriet, were deeply engaged within their communities throughout their lives. A committed philanthropist now residing in Simsbury, Conn., he continues to travel to Baystate Medical Center for his care. As a grateful patient over the years, he has also donated funds to support multiple clinical areas, including pain management, gastroenterology research and education, and heart and vascular care.

Cohen noted that having convenient access to quality care is important. “Having lived through many different ailments, no one can appreciate the advancements in medicine more than myself. With the high caliber of Baystate Health, there’s no need to go beyond Springfield for ongoing health maintenance and for specialized expertise.”

Cohen’s most recent gift honors Dr. John Bedford, a Baystate Health internal-medicine specialist who served as his primary-care physician for more than 20 years. The gift will be recognized with the naming after Cohen of a heart and vascular care patient floor at Baystate Medical Center, with a special nod to Bedford, who helped connect Cohen with vascular surgeon Dr. Marc Norris when he experienced vascular difficulties in 2019.

“Being recognized by Paul is truly an honor,” Bedford said. “He is an uncommonly generous individual who is committed to using his success to help advance quality healthcare in our area.”

To learn how to support te Baystate Health Foundation through legacy giving, visit planmygift.baystatehealth.org.