November 1, 2023
Pictured Above: Roger and Margie Gelfenbien with their family.
When Roger Gelfenbien first met Dr. Jeffrey Cohen as a patient two decades ago, the doctor’s reputation had already proceeded him.
“I learned about Dr. Cohen from a friend before we even met him,” shares Margie Gelfenbien, Roger’s wife. “He had a great reputation as a medical provider and when my husband had health issues, Dr. Cohen’s bedside manner was wonderful. Ever since that first appointment, he’s been our good friend.”
It was their longstanding friendship and Dr. Cohen’s impact on the community that convinced the Gelfenbiens to make a significant philanthropic investment in Hartford Hospital by creating The Gelfenbien Family Fund in Honor of Jeffrey Cohen, MD. The fund will benefit areas of Hartford Hospital’s Colon and Rectal Surgery Department—including program development, innovation, education, and priority capital projects.
“Dr. Cohen has taken care of hundreds and hundreds of people,” shares Roger. “He does a great job for the hospital and my wife and I thought it was time to recognize him for everything he’s done for our community.”
The Gelfenbiens have showcased a strong philanthropic commitment to the Hartford region—where they were both born, raised, and built a family together. It stems from a belief in helping others and supporting institutions on which the community heavily relies, notably Hartford Hospital.
“We have had great service and made wonderful friendships at Hartford Hospital,” shares Margie “I have great faith in the hospital and its doctors, they really go the extra mile for their patients.”
The Gelfenbien Family have been longtime champions of Hartford Hospital, having provided gifts to benefit several areas of the institution—including the Tallwood Urology and Kidney Institute, the Institute of Living’s Young Adult Services Medical Track, and scholarships for Hartford Hospital nurses pursuing higher education and career advancement opportunities.
“The Gelfenbien family has been incredibly generous with both their time and their financial support of Hartford Hospital, as well as a number of Institutes in Hartford HealthCare, shares Dr. Jeffrey L. Cohen, EVP, Chief Clinical Operating Officer, Hartford HealthCare. “Through multiple generations within their family, Roger and Margie have led by example and created a culture for giving back to the community. On a personal level, I am so appreciative of our deep and rich relationship, and feel incredibly fortunate to be an integral part of their lives and that of their family.”
“Roger and Margie have been great friends to Hartford Hospital and the creation of their latest fund is a wonderful way to pay tribute to Dr. Cohen’s amazing career and his dedication to his patients and colleagues,” said Lynn B. Rossini, VP of Philanthropy at Hartford Hospital. “Our hospital’s leadership, clinical, and philanthropy teams are grateful for their steadfast support, which has benefited many areas of the hospital that are critical to our mission and the community we serve.”
If you are interested in contributing to The Gelfenbien Family Fund in Honor of Jeffrey Cohen, MD, or creating your own fund in honor of a caregiver, loved one, or someone from your community, please contact a member of our Hartford Hospital Philanthropy Team.