Grandson’s experience inspires couple to fund two endowments at MUSC
By John Bethel
The Anuszkiewicz family's experience with the Medical University of South Carolina inspired them to make a lasting impact on children's health care. Kim and Paul Anuszkiewicz describe the exceptional level of care and attention MUSC provided to their grandson last year.
Their 4-year-old grandson had struggled with seizures for over a year and a half, and they say his doctors in Georgia did not seem to address the problem or provide a reasonable plan or diagnosis. “Our son and daughter-in-law were just so worried because they didn’t feel like anybody was listening to them,” Kim said.
After being referred to MUSC, the family was seen by Salvatore Rametta, M.D. He spent three hours with them, discussing their concerns and reviewing all medical records. The neurology team’s empathy and dedication left a lasting impression. The Anuszkiewiczs say the team went beyond treating the medical issues; they built trust and provided comfort during a very stressful time. After careful review, Rametta diagnosed their grandson with epilepsy and outlined a detailed treatment plan that has yielded remarkable results.
The Anuszkiewiczs were deeply moved by the exceptional care their grandson received at the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. They say Rametta's thorough examination and compassionate approach provided much-needed relief and hope.
The family’s positive experiences with MUSC didn’t end there. After relocating to the Charleston area with his parents, their grandson faced another health scare when he was diagnosed with fluid on his spine.
This time, Ramin Eskandari, MS, M.D., one of MUSC’s talented neurosurgeons, provided the reassurance and clear communication that the family needed. Paul attended the appointment and recalled how the doctor took the time to explain the situation and the scans.
“Dr. Eskandari got eye-level with our grandson and explained the diagnosis in terms he could understand. He instantly bonded with him,” Paul said. “It was evident that the entire staff cared about the whole person. Our daughter-in-law witnessed the interaction and reiterated that the whole MUSC experience has been magical. Our son and daughter-in-law are eternally grateful for the kindness, knowledge and true compassion they experienced.”
Having moved to South Carolina from Atlanta ten years ago, Kim and Paul were looking for ways to become involved in the community and give back. Their experiences with MUSC indicated they had found a particularly effective way to do that.
This led them to explore MUSC’s facilities, including a tour of the children’s hospital and the Darby Children’s Research Institute. The couple saw firsthand the incredible work being done behind the scenes and were particularly impressed with how research and patient care are seamlessly integrated, creating a comprehensive approach to medicine that few institutions can match.
Moreover, this up-close exposure strengthened their desire to advance MUSC’s work meaningfully. In referring to their decision to include MUSC in their legacy giving plans, Paul stated, “We’ve been very blessed and fortunate, and we were so moved by the work being done by the doctors and staff.”
They have pledged two transformational gifts from their estate. The first will create the Paul and Kimberly Anuszkiewicz Legacy Endowment for the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. The second will create the Kimberly and Paul Anuszkiewicz Visionary Endowment for the MUSC Department of Pediatrics. The Anuszkiewiczs' legacy plan stems from a deep appreciation for the compassionate, family-centered approach of MUSC's medical team. Their gifts will advance research, support staff and enhance patient care in critical areas of children's medicine.
"What we can do with MUSC positively affects everyone in the whole state of South Carolina," Kim notes, highlighting the far-reaching potential of their generosity. Both were impressed by how MUSC guided them through the process of setting up the endowments, simplifying what could be a complicated undertaking. “Even our counsel was amazed at how seamless the MUSC team made it for us,” Paul said.
Through their philanthropy, Kim and Paul are leaving a legacy that ensures others receive the same exceptional level of care that made such a difference for their grandson. Their goal is to continue changing what’s possible for many generations while setting an example for their children and grandchildren about the importance of giving back.
The Anuszkiewicz family's story serves as an inspiring reminder of how personal experiences can motivate individuals to make a difference in their communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change in health care and beyond.
