When Barbara Hrbek Zucker’s youngest granddaughter arrived needing intensive medical support, the family faced the raw uncertainty of neonatal care. Now, they are turning that experience into infrastructure. The Zucker Family Foundation has pledged $10 million to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, Long Island. This is the largest philanthropic gift in the hospital’s history.
The money isn't just a lump sum dropped on a desk. It’s structured as a matching commitment. Catholic Health is targeting $2.5 million in community donations by the end of 2026. If they hit that mark, the foundation matches it dollar-for-dollar. The goal is $10 million in community support over four years. This model forces the hospital to engage the broader public, not just rely on one wealthy donor.
So, what does the baby actually get? The expansion focuses on the Level III NICU, the only one of its kind on Suffolk County’s South Shore. Justin Lundbye, president of Good Samaritan, says the new unit will feature private patient rooms. Why does that matter? Privacy matters when you’re sleeping in a chair next to a tiny incubator. The redesign also includes dedicated spaces for family counselling and respite. It’s about treating the parents as patients too.
The hospital delivered over 2,500 babies in 2025. Hundreds of those newborns required specialized NICU care. The current setup works, but it’s strained. The new equipment and technology will allow for closer monitoring of complex cases. For families in high-risk pregnancies, this means a specialized team is closer to home. Fewer transfers. Fewer hours in ambulances.
Barbara Hrbek Zucker noted that her granddaughter is now thriving. That outcome is the target for every family walking through these doors. The matching campaign is open to individuals, families, and other donors. If you are in the Long Island area, this is a direct way to fund the beds and equipment that save newborns. Check with Catholic Health for eligible donation channels before the 2026 deadline.