Jeannette Fultz was known by her loved ones for being independent, active and health-conscious, despite living with a rare brain tumor for nearly 40 years. After she suffered congestive heart failure in 2017, USF Tampa General physicians helped her live more than four more years with a good quality of life.

Now her family is carrying on Jeanette’s legacy by supporting heart research that will help future patients live longer, healthier lives.

Jeannette’s daughters, Jean Gordon and her twin sisters Brenda and Linda, and their families have given $5,000 to establish the Jeanette Fultz Memorial Fund for Cardiovascular Health to support clinical, research and educational initiatives in the Department of Cardiology at USF Health.

At the time of her mother’s heart failure, Jean insisted that the paramedics take her to Tampa General Hospital (TGH) due to its reputation for heart care, even though it wasn’t her local hospital. Jeannette was treated by Drs. Bengt Herweg and Xavier Prida, and after receiving a pacemaker, she remained comatose in intensive care for several weeks. Once again, she proved resilient and eventually recovered.

Jeannette with Jean and Michael Gordon.

“Dr. Prida and Dr. Herweg were both very encouraging to her. Dr. Herweg is very knowledgeable and could answer any questions,” said Gordon. “Dr. Prida has that personality that patients like a lot.”

Following her release from the hospital, she regularly saw Drs. Herweg and Prida for checkups and testing, and had her pacemaker replaced in August 2021.

“As we care for our patients and their families, we want to do our best for them now and in the future,” said Dr. Prida. “Such a thoughtful gift will create impact for generations so that Jeanette Fultz will never be forgotten.”

To make a gift to support cardiovascular research at USF Health in memory of Jeannette Fultz, click here or contact advancehealth@usf.edu to learn more.