For Scott Paris, the decision to give back is deeply personal. During battles with multiple cancers, he experienced firsthand the expertise, compassion and unwavering dedication of his care team at the DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery at the Miller School of Medicine. The exceptional care continues to draw him from Palm Beach County to Miami.
A defining moment came when Paris had a complication several days after surgery and his physician, Dao Nguyen, M.D., answered his phone call at 1 a.m. — an act Paris credits with saving his life. That moment transformed gratitude into action, reinforcing his belief that giving is both a responsibility and a privilege.
As a result, a transformational philanthropic gift from Paris and his wife, Nereida, will strengthen the future of thoracic surgery research, education and patient care at the Miller School. The Parises have made a significant planned gift through a bequest, which will ensure support for research and clinical care for generations to come.
“We are fortunate to live near a leading NCI-designated cancer center that attracts extraordinary talent,” Paris said. “I am grateful for the care I have received and wanted to invest in Dr. Nguyen’s work while honoring his legacy.”
“Endowed support of this kind is essential. It sustains innovation, empowers clinician-scientists and strengthens education.”
Most of their bequest will support the Dr. Dao Nguyen Research and Education Fund within DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, with plans to establish one or more endowed chairs. The gift will also expand research, support multi-institutional clinical trials and fund hands-on simulation training for thoracic surgery fellows.
“Endowed support of this kind is essential,” said Dr. Nguyen, the Sylvester Thoracic Cancers Group co-leader, professor in the DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, and the B. and Donald Carlin Endowed Chair for Thoracic Surgical Oncology. “It sustains innovation, empowers clinician-scientists and strengthens education.”
The gift will also support the work of Jashodeep Datta, M.D., co-leader of the Gastrointestinal Site Disease Group at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the DiMare Family Endowed Chair in Immunotherapy and associate professor of surgery.
Through their giving, the Parises are ensuring that the care that changed one life will continue to transform many — advancing hope, healing and innovation for patients and their families.
“Their gift reflects trust in our mission to improve outcomes for patients facing complex thoracic procedures and cancer care,” Dr. Nguyen said.
If you would like to explore how you can create your legacy and make a lasting impact, contact Heather Hackett, senior director of estate and gift planning, at [email protected].
