A Debt of Gratitude, Paid Forward

Nearly 3,000 miles from Manhattan—and more than 50 years after her initial hospital stay—Edyth Wagner-Roop sat down with her attorneys in Santa Barbara, California, determined to repay a debt.

Then in her seventies, Mrs. Wagner-Roop fondly remembered the exceptional care and compassion she received as a patient at the New York Orthopaedic Hospital (now Columbia Orthopedics) in the mid-1930s. More than three decades later, her estate fulfilled her long-held wish, donating over $1 million to Columbia Orthopedics.

The debt she wished to repay was not financial, but one of gratitude. In her will, Mrs. Wagner-Roop expressed her deep appreciation for the medical care that had restored her health, crediting it with enabling a long, productive life—and with putting her in the position to give back. Her sole request was simply that her gift benefit future patients and helped ensure they receive the same compassionate care she had experienced.

Columbia Orthopedics honored her wishes, investing the generous gift across several key research initiatives, including the Clinical Research Fund, Endowed Clinical Research Fund, and the Shoulder & Elbow Fellowship Fund.

A Legacy of Research and Compassion

Columbia Orthopedics remains at the forefront of orthopedic innovation, driving discoveries that improve recovery, restore mobility, and enhance quality of life. Physician-scientists lead pioneering studies exploring new surgical techniques, regenerative therapies, and rehabilitation methods—advancing care through collaboration between researchers and clinicians. This commitment extends to training and outcomes research designed to shape the next generation of orthopedic excellence.

Edyth Wagner-Roop’s generous legacy stands as a reminder of the enduring power of gratitude and the lifelong impact of compassionate care.

To contribute to Columbia Orthopedics’ research funds, visit bit.ly/CUOrthoGiving.