NRI Doctor couple gives $1 million for hospice

Florida, March 10: Dr. Ravindran cardiologist and his wife Ambika Palaniyandi have donated $1 million to the Wuesthoff Health System Foundation's campaign for a free-standing hospice in Brevard County.

Wuesthoff Chief Executive Officer and President Emil Miller said, "It certainly takes our capital-campaign goal very much within reach, to a $1.7 million total when we incorporate the $1 million gift." Palaniyandis' donation is $1,000,001, based on a philosophy in India: give what you can afford, and then a little more.

Donations $1 million from individuals to local projects are not unheard of in Brevard, the amount indicates a significant personal sense of community spirit.

The 12,000-square-foot hospice, when built, will be called the Dr. Jey Pillai Center for Hospice Care and will include the Brevard Hospice Grief Center. Pillai, a psychiatrist in North Carolina, was hit by a car while jogging with his dog on March 10, 2003. He died two days later. He was the founder of the Pillai Neuro-Psychiatric Center in Gastonia, N.C. Ambika Palaniyandi said the family's donation to the Wuesthoff Foundation was a way to give to the community and also honor Pillai.

"There is a critical need in our community for this hospice facility, and our family is honored to be part of making it a reality," she said. "It warms our spirits to honor a family member who was loved and respected by everyone he knew."

  • Dr. Palaniyandi is president and owner of Space Coast Cardiology Consultants Inc. in Port St. John.
  • Medical Group: Space Coast Cardiology Consultants- 7139 N U.S. Hwy 1, Port St. John, FL 32927; 1027 S. Florida Avenue, Rockledge, FL 32955

    Hospital Privileges:
  • Wuesthoff Hospital, Parrish Medical Center, Cape Canaveral Hospital
  • Board Certifications: American Board of Internal Medicine - Cardiovascular Diseases, Interventional Cardiology
  • Medical School: University of Juarez -Chihuahua, Mexico - 1989
  • Residency: St. Francis Medical Center
  • Fellowships: Deborah Heart and Lung Center
  • Medical Memberships: American College of Cardiology

Dr. Ravindran B. Palaniyandi and his wife are hailing from Tamil Nadu moved to Brevard in 1989 and, since has donated to various community causes and charities.