Skip to Main Content Skip to Main Content
800 Meadows Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486 | 561.955.7100
Boca Raton Regional Hospital
  • Find a Doctor
    • Services
      • Patients & Visitors
        • About
          • Volunteer
            • Contact
              • Call Today Call Today
              • Email Us
              • Search
              • Our Map
              • Menu
                Home
                covid-19 BRRH BHSF
                Find a Doctor
                Services
                Donate
                Patients & Visitors
                Urgent Care
                Community
                About
                Volunteer
                Contact
                For Employees
                Healthcare Professionals
                Careers
                Continuing Education
                Secure Portal
                Locations
                cyber knife
                Video Center
                Newsroom
                Privacy Policy
                Site Map
              Search
              Search
              • Accepted Insurance
              • Advance Directives
              • Affiliated Practices and Practitioners
              • Financial Assistance
              • BRRH Collection Policy
              • Food & Nutrition
              • Gift Shop
              • Healthcare Equality
              • International Patient Services
              • Maps & Directions
              • Medical Records
              • New Medicare Card FAQ
              • Nondiscrimination Rights Notice for Patients
              • Notice of Privacy Practices
              • Online Bill Pay
              • Online Imaging Pre-registration
              • Online Maternity Pre-registration
              • Online Scheduling Request
              • Patient Belongings and Valuables
              • Patient's Rights
              • Patient Connect
              • Patient Handbook
              • Phone Directory
              • Public Notice
              • Rockwell Suites
              • Shabbat Room
              • Transparency in Healthcare
              • Urgent Care
              • Visiting Hours
              • Awards & Recognitions
              • Board of Directors
              • Community Health Needs Assessment
              • Executive Leadership
              • Making Rounds Magazine
              • Media Inquiries
              • Newsroom
              • Privacy Practices
              • Public Reporting
              • Volunteering
              Home / Newsroom / 2017 / January / Boca Raton Regional Hospital Celebrates 50th Anniversary

              Boca Raton Regional Hospital Celebrates 50th Anniversary

              January 23, 2017
              From Tragedy to Triumph, the Miracle on Meadows Road

              BOCA RATON, FL – January 23, 2017 – Boca Raton Regional Hospital announces the celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2017. Born out of tragedy, the Hospital opened its doors in 1967.

              On April 21, 1962, Gloria and Robert Drummond’s two children – Debra Ann and James Randall – were poisoned by a neighbor boy. By the time they reached the nearest hospital, some 30 minutes away, doctors were unable to save their lives. The Drummonds, Boca Raton residents, vowed to never let this lack of a local hospital result in the loss of other lives and pulled together fellow residents and set out to establish a hospital in the city.

              Thus began a saga that would culminate in what came to be known as the “Miracle on Meadows Road” – Boca Raton Community Hospital.

              Gloria’s steadfast commitment and leadership resulted in the formation of the Debbie-Rand Memorial Service League, named in memory of her deceased children. Over a span of five years, an original group of 18 would grow to over 700 members, whose fundraising raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through a variety of projects and special events ranging from charity balls to the establishment of a thrift shoppe.

              These efforts generated the seed money for the building of the new hospital. When Boca Raton Community Hospital opened on July 17, 1967, the League was ready to provide volunteers and to continue to raise funds to support Hospital initiatives.

              “Here we are, today, charged with the responsibility of ‘keeping the promise.’ To preserve and protect Gloria Drummond’s legacy, and carry it into the future with the drive and passion she bequeathed to us,” said Edmund Nasralla, President of the Debbie-Rand Memorial Service League, which now numbers in excess of 1,200 volunteers. “Gloria’s unwavering commitment allowed us to build a Hospital that not only lived up to but exceeded her highest expectations.”

              Throughout the 1970’s, Boca Raton Community Hospital grew from 104 beds at its opening to a nine floor, 394-bed hospital. As the community continued to expand, so did the Hospital. In 1984, a 25,000 square-foot facility was acquired. Named the Debbie-Rand Memorial Pavilion, this would soon be the home of the Women’s Center in 1990.

              In 1992, the Lynn Regional Cancer Center began seeing patients, and in 1993 the Hospital’s new maternity wing opened. The maternity unit would later be named Toppel Family Place in 2007.

              In 1999, Davis Therapy Centers, the rehabilitation arm of the Hospital, was established.

              Through the generosity of community members, the Hospital continued to expand its services to meet the needs of Boca Raton. In September 2006, the Christine E. Lynn Heart Institute was created, thus making it the first open-heart program started in Palm Beach County in over 22 years. The Hospital’s Christine E. Lynn Heart & Vascular Institute has been named twice as one of the Top Hospitals with Great Cardiovascular Programs by Becker’s Hospital Review.

              The Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at the Harvey & Phyllis Sandler Pavilion was created in 2008 and is one of the largest cancer programs in the state of Florida. The award-winning $73 million, 98,000 square-foot facility houses the Hospital’s imaging, radiation, chemotherapy, cancer support services and clinical research, as well as the Morgan Pressel Center for Genetics. In 2013, Becker’s Hospital Review also recognized the Lynn Cancer Institute as one of the 100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Oncology Programs.

              In 2010, Boca Raton Community Hospital changed its name to Boca Raton Regional Hospital to more aptly convey its growing capabilities as an advanced, academic tertiary medical center and its broadening geographical service area.

              In 2011, Boca Regional enhanced and expanded the Hospital’s Emergency Department through the Wold Family Center for Emergency Medicine.

              In 2012, Boca Regional received a $25 million grant, then the largest, single philanthropic gift in the institution’s history, from the Marcus Foundation and Bernie Marcus, former CEO of The Home Depot, and his wife, Billi. The Marcus Neuroscience Institute at the Schmidt Family Pavilion was built on the Hospital’s main campus. The facility opened in January 2015 and serves as a new, state-of-the-art nexus of care for neurologic and neurosurgical patients and has transformed the landscape of clinical capabilities available in the region.

              In July 2015, the Hospital’s new Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute opened. The Institute provides women in South Florida with a continuum of care that addresses a woman’s unique medical needs. The strikingly beautiful, 46,000 square-foot facility offers the expertise of renowned clinicians, the most advanced imaging technology in the region and a myriad of holistic and educational programs, as well as support groups. “The unrelenting commitment from our community is rooted in the origins of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. The Hospital and its subsequent growth were made possible through the largesse of our generous donors,” said Mark Larkin, President of Boca Regional’s Foundation. “As you walk through our campus, this longstanding tradition of philanthropy is readily evident.”

              The Hospital’s clinical expertise, technology and unique programs such as oncology, cardiovascular disease and surgery, minimally invasive surgery, orthopedics, women’s health, emergency medicine and the neurosciences have garnered national recognition for its quality of care. The Hospital also serves as the primary teaching site for Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine Internal Medicine and General Surgery Residency Programs.

              “The creation of Boca Raton Regional Hospital is a testament to the perseverance and commitment of the residents in our community. An idea, supported by friends and neighbors, has enabled the growth of a renowned academic medical center in the heart of our city,” said Boca Raton Mayor Susan Haynie. “Fifty years in the making and the hospital is still growing and innovating, saving and enriching the lives of our residents. We are so proud of the accomplishments of Boca Raton Regional Hospital and look forward to its continued success.”

              Recognized for excellence by such sources as U.S. News & World Report as a top ranked regional hospital, National Research Corporation as a Consumer Choice Award recipient for high quality and image and Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. for the most “Top Docs” in Palm Beach County, Boca Raton Regional Hospital – the “Miracle on Meadows Road” – has transformed itself from a capable community hospital into an institution in the vanguard of medicine today.

              “What Gloria Drummond envisioned over five decades ago when she began her quest to establish a hospital in Boca Raton has become a magnificent reality,” said Jerry Fedele, President and CEO of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “The promise she made galvanized a city then…and motivates and drives our doctors, employees, volunteers and philanthropists today.”

              The 50th anniversary celebration kicked off with Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s 55th Annual Ball on January 21, 2017. The Hospital’s will celebrate its official birthday on July 17, 2017.

              Contact:
              Alexandra Schilling, 561.955.4706
              Communications Specialist
              aschilling@brrh.com

              Categories

              • News
              Previous Next
              Subpage Banner Image

              Recent Posts

              • Bob Sheetz and Debbie Lindstrom Make Second Leadership Gift in Support of Boca Regional's Keeping the Promise Capital Campaign
              • The Sands Family Foundation and Constellation Brands Donate a Second $1 Million Gift In Support of Boca Regional's Keeping the Promise Capital Campaign
              • Jonathan and Laura Beinner Make $1 Million Gift to Boca Raton's Keeping the Promise Capital Campaign
              • Ken and Maggie Rosenberg Contribute $1 Million to Boca Raton Regional Hospital's Keeping the Promise Capital Campaign
              • Marla Schaefer and Steve Weishoff Make $1 Million Gift to Boca Raton Regional Hospital's Keeping the Promise Capital Campaign
              • Martin F. Greenberg Family Foundation Contributes $1 Million to Boca Raton's Keeping the Promise Capital Campaign
              • Dr. Robyn Moncrief and Alex Gellman Make $2 Million Gift to Boca Raton's Keeping the Promise Capital Campaign
              • Bernstein Family Foundation Makes $1 Million Gift to Boca Raton's Keeping the Promise Capital Campaign

              Categories

              • About (77)
              • Blog (82)
              • Cancer Institute (43)
              • Colo-Rectal Surgery (2)
              • Featured (31)
              • Heart Institute (11)
              • Neuroscience Institute (37)
              • News (114)
              • Orthopedic Institute (7)
              • Physical Rehabilitation Institute (5)
              • Press Release (57)
              • Women's Institute (19)

              Archives

              • 2022 (8)
              • October (1)
              • August (1)
              • May (2)
              • April (1)
              • March (1)
              • February (1)
              • January (1)
              • 2021 (31)
              • November (1)
              • October (1)
              • September (1)
              • August (4)
              • July (3)
              • June (5)
              • April (2)
              • March (6)
              • February (1)
              • January (7)
              • 2020 (19)
              • December (3)
              • November (3)
              • October (2)
              • September (1)
              • July (2)
              • June (2)
              • May (1)
              • March (1)
              • February (3)
              • January (1)
              • 2019 (21)
              • December (1)
              • November (1)
              • September (2)
              • July (2)
              • June (2)
              • May (3)
              • April (4)
              • March (1)
              • February (2)
              • January (3)
              • 2018 (36)
              • December (3)
              • November (2)
              • October (3)
              • September (1)
              • August (4)
              • July (3)
              • June (4)
              • May (5)
              • April (4)
              • March (1)
              • February (4)
              • January (2)
              • 2017 (24)
              • December (1)
              • October (1)
              • September (1)
              • August (6)
              • June (1)
              • May (7)
              • April (4)
              • March (1)
              • February (1)
              • January (1)
              • 2016 (18)
              • November (4)
              • September (1)
              • August (2)
              • July (2)
              • May (6)
              • February (2)
              • January (1)
              • 2015 (24)
              • December (3)
              • November (1)
              • September (1)
              • August (4)
              • July (4)
              • June (1)
              • May (3)
              • April (1)
              • March (1)
              • February (2)
              • January (3)
              • 2014 (31)
              • December (3)
              • November (3)
              • October (5)
              • September (2)
              • August (3)
              • July (2)
              • June (1)
              • May (3)
              • April (1)
              • March (1)
              • February (3)
              • January (4)
              • About
              • Find a Doctor
              • Volunteering
              • Online Bill Pay
              • Contact Us
              • For Healthcare Professionals
              • Patient Financial Assistance
              • Privacy Policy
              • Foundation
              • Media Contacts
              Boca Raton Regional Hospital
              Boca Raton Regional Hospital Boca Raton Regional Hospital
              Boca Raton Hospital
              800 Meadows Road Boca Raton, FL 33486 View Map [+]
              561.955.7100 http://brrhcom.scorpiontechnology.com/
              SITE MAP

              ABOUT

              • Awards & Recognitions
              • Board of Trustees
              • Community Health Needs Assessment
              • Executive Leadership
              • Making Rounds Magazine
              • Newsroom
              • Privacy Practices

              CERNER

              • Cerner Training

              COMMUNITY

              • Classes & Events
              • Giving Back
              • Foundation

              VOLUNTEERS

              • Alert Media Sign Up
              • Debbie-Rand Memorial Service League Newsletter
              • D-RMSL Thrift Shoppe
              • Teenage Volunteers
              • Training
              • Training Guide
              • Training Videos
              • Volunteer Portal

              OUR LOCATIONS


                PATIENTS & VISITORS

                • Information on UnitedHealthcare Contract
                • Accepted Insurance
                • Advance Directives
                • Financial Assistance
                • Food & Nutrition
                • Gift Shop
                • International Patient Services
                • Maps & Directions
                • Medical Records
                • Patient Bill of Rights
                • Patient Connect
                • Patient Handbook
                • Phone Directory
                • Rockwell Suites
                • Shabbat Room

              HIGHLIGHTED SERVICES

              • Cancer Institute
              • Heart Institute
              • Neuroscience Institute
              • Orthopedic Institute
              • Women's Institute
              • BocaCare Physician Network
              • Colo-Rectal Surgery
              • Diabetes Education
              • Emergency Medicine
              • Gastroenterology
              • Home Health
              • Imaging
              • Maternity Care
              • Nephrology
              • Nuclear Medicine
              • Outpatient Center
              • Nutrition Counseling
              • Pulmonary Medicine
              • Radiation Oncology
              • Rehabilitation Services
              • Research
              • Support Groups & Classes
              • Surgery
              • Urgent Care
              • Urology

              Careers at Boca Raton Regional Hospital


                FOR EMPLOYEES

                • Bargain Book
                • BR Downloads
                • Employee Email
                • HealthStream Learning Center
                • Standards of Excellence

              HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

              • Credentialing Verification
              • Medical Library
              • Medical Staff Scholarship
              • Physician Liaison Program
              • Types of Activites
              Quick Links
              Powered by Scorpion Healthcare| Copyright © 2025