Seven-Figure Philanthropic Investment Helps Shape Next Generation of Pediatric Care at Connecticut Children's

“Her generosity reflects a deep belief in the importance of investing in pediatric care, and her continued leadership will help ensure that Connecticut Children’s can provide close-to-home care for children and families for generations to come," said Shannon Sullivan.

Lagnese was influential in her family’s decision to make a $2.5 million gift from the DeSimone Family Trust in 2023 to name the Jerry and RoseMarie DeSimone Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on the sixth floor of Connecticut Children’s new clinical tower. She also made her first personal $1 million gift in 2023, an investment that supported expanded clinical services at Connecticut Children’s. 

“I have witnessed the incredible skill and compassion of Connecticut Children’s clinical teams for decades,” said Lagnese. “These remarkable individuals save lives every day, and supporting their work is an investment in the future of our communities. Nothing is more valuable than the health and well-being of children, and I believe it is one of the most meaningful investments anyone can make.”

Her newest $1 million commitment increases Lagnese’s support of Connecticut Children’s 100% Campaign, a comprehensive campaign to fuel Connecticut Children’s most ambitious expansion yet with advanced spaces for life-saving care in a new eight-story, state-of-the-art Tower; transformed emergency mental and behavioral healthcare to address the growing pediatric mental health crisis; pioneering research and innovation that’s changing what’s possible in pediatric medicine; and world-class specialty care closer to home for children in the region.