A Heartfelt Gift
The bond between a patient and doctor is key for care. But sometimes, that
relationship becomes a lifelong friendship that goes beyond the exam room.
SUCH WAS THE CASE for Hans and Marie-Claire
Strasser and the late Dr. Raymond Itagaki, a Straub
Medical Center cardiologist.
Recently, Hans celebrated his 80 th birthday. For his
special day, Hans and Marie-Claire showed their
gratitude with a gift to Straub of $100,000 in honor of
their friend, Dr. Itagaki. Their generous gift will support
the renovation and expansion of the Clarence T.C.
Ching Heart Center’s cardiac catheterization labs.
“We are big fans of Straub and are indebted to my
good old friend, Dr. Raymond Itagaki, who helped
me, cared for me and worked on me,” Hans said. “I
miss him very much.”
“The thing I will always remember
about Dr. Itagaki is his patience
and thoroughness,” Marie-Claire
said. “When we sat in his office, Dr.
Itagaki took the time to draw out this
beautiful illustration of a heart to explain how Hans’
heart was currently functioning (pictured below). We
were so appreciative that, even as busy as he was, he
took the time to sit with us, patiently explain everything,
and even sketch a model with multiple colors to help us
understand.”
Dr. Itagaki was a member of the first University of
Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine graduating
class of 1975, practiced cardiology in Hawai‘i for 35
years and was a valued member of the Straub ‘ohana.
Throughout his storied career he touched many lives.
Connie Itagaki, Raymond's widow, is touched by every
gesture. “I am always grateful to hear of
any gift in his memory, but to see a gift so
significant is truly incredible,” Connie said.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT:
“Just the outpouring of everyone who gives
Straub COO Travis Clegg,
makes me feel that he was truly loved,
Hans and Marie-Claire Strasser,
Straub CEO Art Gladstone,
cherished and valued by his patients.”
and cardiologist Dr. Roy Chen.
Dr. Itagaki's heart illustration.
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