FEATURE
Heartfelt gift supports
pulmonary fellowship program
at Baylor Dallas
When businessman Pat O’Brien, who founded Rogers-O’Brien
Construction in 1969 with his friend Steve Rogers, was diagnosed
with a life-limiting lung disease called chronic hypersensitivity
pneumonitis, he and his family searched for the best possible care.
After exploring several medical options, Pat decided to get his care
at the Advanced Lung Disease Center at Baylor University Medical
Center at Dallas.
Chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis is one of the causes of pulmonary fibrosis and results in the lungs becoming scarred.
Coughing and shortness of breath are the common symptoms of
this disease. Patients benefit from utilizing a team approach consisting of physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and nutritionists. Pat and his
family found this compassionate expertise
w it h R a nd a l l
“R a ndy ”
Rosenblatt,
M . D.,
chief of
8
pulmonary and critical care medicine at Baylor Dallas.
“From the first time we met Dr. Rosenblatt, it was very obvious that
he was an expert in this field and really took a personal interest in Pat,”
said Pat’s stepson, Preston McAfee, who now heads Rogers-O’Brien
Construction as CEO. “We just had an overall feeling that the whole
team there was doing everything that they possibly could for Pat.”
Despite living with a disease that causes severe shortness of
breath, Pat is holding his own and staying positive. “Dr. Rosenblatt
is the best,” Preston said. “He’s even dropped by to check on Pat
several times at home.
“The value system down at Baylor is just amazing,” Preston said.
“They truly walk the talk of being patient- and care-driven.”
Charity Golf Tournament Supports Training of Fellows
During one of Pat’s doctor’s appointments, a physician in the pulmonary and critical care medicine fellowship program joined them
for part of the visit. After the fellow left the exam room, Dr.
Rosenblatt explained to Pat and his family the value that
fellows bring to both patients and to Baylor.
Pat said, “I really appreciate what
Randy’s doing for me, and I
want to do something for
him.” Shortly thereafter, the
family developed plans to host a
charity golf tournament in support of the pulmonary and critical
care fellowship medicine program.
T he Pat O’Brien Cha rit y
Invitational Golf Tournament, which
took place in the summer of 2015, generated funds from individuals, sponsorships, and a very generous gift from Pat
and his wife, Ginger. Including a substantial anonymous gift, a total of $440,000 has
been raised for the program.