An estate gift at the Community Foundation, for Hospicare, created the Tapan Mitra Fund and Endowment Fund for Palliative Care.
Cornell University professor Tapan Mitra, a leading economic theorist, died of cancer in February. At the time of his passing, his care was coordinated by Hospicare. Dr. Mitra's passion for the community and for education drove him to make significant philanthropic gifts, both during and after his life. In 2016, Dr. Mitra established endowments to offer prizes for economics students at Cornell and the University of Rochester, and to the Finger Lakes Land Trust establishing the Tapan Mitra Preserve at the Community Foundation.
"Palliative care can make a world of difference for patients and their families, and the research backs that up. Hospicare is launching a major effort to expand and grow our popular program, ensuring that all who can benefit from palliative care know where to turn. We are immensely grateful for this transformational gift and the opportunity to partner with an incredible family to make a significant difference in our community." said Kim De Rosa, Hospicare, Executive Director.
His nephew, Aveek Majumdar, "He would have been heartened that part of his legacy will allow others in the community to benefit from the organization's further expansion to palliative care services."
"Dr. Mitra's charitable gift to support strong partnerships and to publicize the benefits of palliative care will provide comfort and compassionate care to many people well into the future. We are proud to offer this leadership opportunity for Hospicare, and are especially grateful to our donor who makes it possible for local quality of care programs to thrive," said George Ferrari, Community Foundation CEO. "These planned gifts become a meaningful force in local philanthropy."
The Tapan Mitra Fund for Palliative Care will provide the financial resources to cultivate strong partnerships with the region's medical communities, and to provide Hospicare's service area (Tompkins and Cortland Counties) with education and information about the benefits of palliative care and its interdisciplinary approach. Interest earnings from the Tapan Mitra Endowment for Palliative Care will provide funds in perpetuity for outreach and marketing efforts.
A deep appreciation and thanks to Dr. Mitra and to his family!
