The $100,000 gift supports current challenge grant to bring innovative robotic surgical equipment to SWFL
Sept. 26, 2025 – After learning about the recent challenge grant Lee Health Cancer Institute was awarded by the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, local philanthropist John Conboy was inspired to make a $100,000 gift to support The Edison, a breakthrough noninvasive robotic system for treating cancerous tumors. Conboy is a longtime donor of Lee Health supporting mental health care through Kids’ Minds Matter.
“As someone living with cancer, I understand what it’s like to search for the best treatment. That’s why I felt compelled to help meet the challenge match for The Edison,” said Conboy. “I appreciate that this technology goes straight to the source of the problem, treating the cancer directly without harming other parts of the body. Supporting innovations like this gives me hope for the future of care and for others who are walking the same journey.”
Conboy’s gift will assist in Lee Health Foundation meeting the Schulze Family Foundation’s $380,000 challenge grant to support the purchase of The Edison robotic system for Lee Health Cancer Institute. The challenge grant will only be awarded if the community fully meets the goal – dollar for dollar. This grant is an opportunity to continue transforming cancer care in Southwest Florida, giving patients access to the most advanced liver cancer care available close to home.
The Edison, developed by Histosonics, is a robotic system that uses high-amplitude, short wavelength ultrasound pulses converging precisely at the same point and space to destroy cancer cells. It is FDA-approved for treating liver tumors, but ongoing research and clinical trials are investigating its potential applications for other conditions, such as kidney tumors and pancreatic cancer. The addition strengthens Lee Health’s growing robotics program, which features advanced systems across cancer, orthopedic, urologic and spine care.
For more information about supporting exceptional, compassionate care at Lee Health Cancer Institute, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or email Patti.Chlipala@LeeHealth.org. To make a donation to help meet the challenge, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/Edison.
About Lee Health Foundation
Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic support on behalf of community-focused nonprofit Lee Health to establish, expand, and enhance lifesaving and preventive programs in Southwest Florida. Contributions to the Foundation benefit all five Lee Health hospitals, including Golisano Children’s Hospital and the future Lee Health Fort Myers campus, as well as key service areas such as Lee Health Cancer Institute, Lee Health Coconut Point, Lee Health Heart Institute, Community Health Clinics, Lee Health Musculoskeletal Institute, Golisano Children’s Health Center in Naples and the Pediatric Specialty Clinic in Port Charlotte. In the past year, the Foundation provided more than $27 million in funding to enhance patient care throughout the region. Please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org or call 239-343-6950 for more information about the role of Lee Health philanthropy in Southwest Florida.
