St. Joseph's Hospitals Foundation Announces Significant Leadership Gift from Gabrielle Wanek to Name BayCare's Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Clinic

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- St. Joseph's Hospitals Foundation today announced a significant leadership gift from Gabrielle Wanek in support of BayCare's Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Program. The current clinic was named in her honor and will move to a larger clinic space on the St. Joseph's campus within the next year.

Gabrielle was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a condition that required a series of heart surgeries at birth, and monitoring throughout her lifetime. Despite this challenge, she has gone on to become a best-selling author of a fantasy fiction books series called Songs of Ash and Dawn and continues to support congenital heart disease at places like BayCare and Heartworks, among others.

BayCare's Adult Congenital Heart Disease program currently cares for more than 2,000 patients, reflecting the strength of the program and the rapidly expanding population of adults living with congenital heart conditions. BayCare's ACHD program is one of only two comprehensive care centers in Florida accredited by the Adult Congenital Heart Association, helping to serve the ACHD population that is growing by approximately five percent each year.

"I wanted to give back to a place that has given so much to me," notes Gabrielle. "Enabling Dr. Lam to bring on more staff and help more people like myself who need medical management of our hearts to live full and healthy lives is something I am proud to be a part of."

Gabrielle's gift will see the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program move to a new, dedicated clinic on BayCare's St. Joseph's Hospital campus and hire additional staff to compassionately serve more adult patients living with congenital heart conditions. 

"For many of our patients, reaching adulthood is a milestone made possible by decades of progress in congenital heart care. But reaching adulthood is only the beginning of another chapter and Gabrielle's generosity will help us continue building a program that grows with our patients, understands their unique needs, and supports them through every stage of adult life," said Suying D. Lam Barriga, MD.

In the United States, more than one million adults live with congenital heart disease (CHD). While medical advances have allowed children born with congenital heart conditions to live longer, healthier lives, as adults they have fewer options to receive highly specialized care. Follow-up care is incredibly important since adults with congenital heart disease are at increased risk for cardiac problems that arise years after correction and increase in frequency over long periods.

"Gabrielle's visionary support will elevate the services we can offer and comes at the perfect time - as our patient population grows, so does our need to expand the program. We're thrilled to name our clinic after Gabrielle," said Kate Sawa, President of St. Joseph's Hospitals Foundation President and BayCare Chief Philanthropy Officer.

To join St. Joseph's Hospitals Foundation's mission to improve the health of future generations in Tampa Bay, please visit SJHFoundation.org.

About Gabrielle Wanek

Gabrielle Wanek is a best-selling author of the ten-book fantasy fiction series, Songs of Ash and Dawn. Her philanthropic efforts are centered around congenital heart defects (CHD). To learn more about Gabrielle, go to www.songsofashanddawn.com.

About St. Joseph's Hospital

St. Joseph's Hospital, part of the BayCare Health System, is known for advanced medical technology and compassionate care. Its Centers of Excellence include the Heart and Vascular Institute, Cancer Institute, Stroke and Neuroscience Program, Robotic Surgery Program and Emergency/Trauma Department, which provides more emergency care than any other hospital in Tampa Bay. More than 70 specialties are represented among the medical team, including internal medicine, cardiovascular surgery and neurosurgery. St. Joseph's Hospital is designated by the State of Florida as a statutory teaching hospital and a Behavioral Health Teaching Hospital, serving as a primary training site for resident physicians and behavioral health professionals. The hospital was founded in 1934 by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany.

About St. Joseph's Hospitals Foundation

St. Joseph's Hospitals Foundation inspires the community to engage in philanthropic opportunities to invest in the unique brand of care found at St. Joseph's Hospitals. Community support for St. Joseph's reflects the trust and reliance generations of patients and their families have had with us, preserving our rich tradition of compassionate care while fueling innovation and medical excellence. To learn more, please visit SJHFoundation.org.

Media Contact:
Daniel Jason
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SOURCE St. Joseph's Hospitals Foundation