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Date: 12/6/2022
SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito visited Mercy Medical Center alongside local leaders to hear updates for the developing Andy Yee Palliative Care Unit. The reflective Dec. 1 press conference also recognized Yee’s lasting impact upon the community by celebrating a new mural in honor of Yee’s commitment.
Yee worked throughout Springfield as a well-known restauranteur, utilizing his company, Bean Restaurant Group, as a platform for supporting the service industry. Along with developing several restaurant concepts, Yee additionally purchased the Student Prince nd the Fort and White Hut. He and business partner Peter Picknelly, the owner of Peter Pan Bus Lines, are credited for saving both businesses from potential closure.
His mantra “the way to everybody’s heart is through their stomach,” served as a guiding principle to his business endeavors.
Yee also prioritized aiding the community. During the coronavirus pandemic, he and Picknelly delivered thousands of meals to Mercy and other organizations.
A sudden cancer diagnosis led to Yee seeking treatment at Mercy’s Sister Caritas Cancer Center. There, he developed a strong relationship with his oncologist, Dr. Philip Glynn, while battling his illness.
Yee died on May 27, 2021.
Following his death, Yee’s wife Sarah Yee approached Mercy about creating a dedicated space for palliative care. The concept quickly received support from Vince Group Inc. President Tony Ravosa, who continues to spearhead fundraising for the project. The development of a new palliative care unit in Yee’s honor was formally announced during a June press conference.
Mercy is developing the Andy Yee Palliative Care Unit on its fifth floor. Glynn and Chief of Critical Care Laurie Loiacono will oversee operation of the care unit once it is completed. The new development is envisioned as a comforting space for end-of-life care patients, as well as patients dealing with chronic illnesses that require pain and symptom management, according to Mercy’s press release.
Mayor Domenic Sarno, state Rep. Joseph Wagner and state Rep. Brian Ashe were also in attendance at the press conference, alongside members of Yee’s family.
Before Baker and Polito’s remarks, Mercy Medical Center President Deborah Bitsoli announced that they will be naming the patient family comfort lounge in the developing care unit in honor of Baker, Polito and their impact in Western Massachusetts.
Baker said he was initially contacted by Ravosa about the “game-changer” development named in Yee’s honor. He viewed the project as an impactful tribute to Yee.
“The lieutenant governor and I obviously felt it was a perfect way, given who Andy was and what he was about, to honor and remember him. When Tony [Ravosa] asked us if we would be willing to contribute to that, it was an easy yes,” said Baker.
Baker also reflected on he and Polito’s lasting friendship with Yee.
“I certainly believe that I am better for having the chance and opportunity to be one of the many planets that circles around in the orbit of Andy Yee … You meet people along the way that you are never going to forget, and Andy was one of those for us,” said Baker.
Polito spoke fondly on Yee’s lasting impact in Western Massachusetts.
“We want to give a little something back in his honor, because we know he touched so many people’s lives and is such a big part of the history, story and character of Western Massachusetts,” said Polito.
Polito also highlighted the potential impact the developing care unit can have.
“When I think about this unit, it’s been so difficult for families going through the pain of seeing loved ones suffer … This is about bringing some joy, comfort and happiness in that very hard place,” said Polito.
Ravosa shared that Baker and Polito each contributed $50,000 to the project. While COVID-19 ramifications have caused some delays, Ravosa remains optimistic about the unit’s ongoing development.
“We’re dealing with a lot of issues dealing with the [coronavirus] pandemic and the economy … it’s been a labor of love, we’re going to get this done,” said Ravosa.
Sarah Yee thanked Baker and Polito for supporting Yee throughout his life, including visiting him while he was in the intensive care unit.
“I want you to know how much he cherished his friendship with the two of you. I know how much you cherished the friendship you had with him,” said Yee to Baker and Polito.
In his remarks, Glynn discussed the arduous battles that many critically ill patients face. He also stressed a critical message about the need for accessible health care services.
“The success of the Andy Yee Palliative Care Unit will depend on community leaders sharing the work, advocating for a health care system that is affordable, that’s successful and that holds contracting agencies accountable,” said Glynn.
Fundraising for the care unit is still ongoing. Readers can learn more at https://give.mercycares.com/andy-yee-palliative-care-unit.