Page 6 - Ochsner Philanthropy Magazine - Issue 2

Donor Spotlight
Giving the Gift of Care
Grateful donors help establish the state-of-the-art Frank A. Riddick Jr., MD, Ochsner Diabetes Institute
Nearly 10 percent of the U.S. popu- lation has diabetes, and the inci- dence of this chronic disease continues
to rise at alarming rates. With Loui- siana ranking second in the nation in mortality from diabetes-related causes, Ochsner has made diabetes prevention, treatment and education among its most urgent priorities.
Now, with a generous gift of $1 million from brothers Frank and Charles Godchaux of Abbeville, La., to establish the Frank A. Riddick Jr., MD, Ochsner Diabetes Institute, Ochsner will become the preeminent site for
diabetes health care, clinical research and education in the Gulf South.
The gift, which honors Dr. Frank A. Riddick Jr., Ochsner CEO emeritus, is a way for the Godchaux brothers to give back to the health system that has cared for their families for decades. Charles
is still deeply moved when he remem- bers the compassionate care that Alton Ochsner, MD, provided for Charles’ late wife. When she was ill, he recalls, “Dr. Ochsner put his wing around me, which left a lifelong impression.”
After Charles’ wife passed away, Dr. Riddick looked after him, guiding
the distinguished career of frank a. riddick jr., md
Dr. Riddick, CEO emeritus of the Ochsner Health System, has ded- icated his professional career to serving Ochsner. His positions have included head of the section of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, medical director and CEO of the Ochsner Clinic, and CEO of the Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation. In the course of his 26-year management career, the much-honored Dr. Riddick oversaw the growth of Ochsner into a leading health care system that offers comprehensive services to a broad-based population. Ochsner is proud to recognize Dr. Riddick and his contributions with the establishment of an Institute in his name.
his health care. “I have such high re- gard for Frank,” Charles says, “and I am lucky to have him in my life. So when
I realized that Ochsner did not have a diabetes institute, I thought we should start one, with Frank as the honoree.”
empowering care
The Institute will build upon the world- class diabetes care that Ochsner has long offered its patients. It will feature the latest technology and diagnostic
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Daymon Gardner