TRAVERSE CITY -- Dan Edson was cross-country skiing when he noticed something amiss.
He finished that ski race, but after experiencing other troubles he decided to check with a doctor. Edson learned he had a defective aortic valve and underwent surgery to correct the problem.
That was about five years ago. He recovered and continues to ski and bicycle, but the experience at Munson Medical Center made an impression.
Today, Munson is expected to announce a $1 million gift from Edson and wife Debbie, of Traverse City. The money will be used to help relocate a non-invasive cardiology unit to Munson's heart center.
"They gave me a new valve and a second chance at life," said Edson, 58. "I've actually been through the program and had the occasion to use these services that are included in this non-invasive cardiology unit."
He knows what it's like to travel from one area of the hospital to another and knows it could be more efficient. Non-invasive cardiology conducts echocardiograms, electrocardiograms and other heart tests and requires a trip from the heart center to the other side of the hospital.
Munson wants to raise $500,000 more to move the unit and also will use its capital dollars to complete the project, estimated to cost $2.3 million. The current unit is "under-sized," said Ed Ness, Munson Medical Center President and CEO.
He called the Edsons' gift "very generous" and said it helps complete the hospital's vision for its heart center. The donation is among the three largest gifts received by the Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation.
"We've been fortunate throughout the years that our community has been very supportive," Ness said.
Edson co-founded locally based American Proficiency Institute. The business checks the accuracy of medical laboratory tests and started from a living room in the early 1990s. Edson worked at Munson as a medical technology intern in 1972 and 1973. He later worked nights at the hospital's microbiology lab as his business grew.
The Edsons thought for a couple of years about a "legacy" donation that would help people, and they have supported other Munson projects. Edson hopes additional donors will be encouraged to give to the project to meet the remaining fundraising goal.
"In doing something like this, it gives the opportunity to help so many other people. Not just now, but in the future," Edson said.
The non-invasive cardiology unit will move into a space currently shelled in but empty. Construction could begin next year if fundraising goes well, Ness said.
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