Riverview Health Foundation receives $1.6M gift from Thomas P. Sheehan Trust

Riverview Health Foundation announces a transformative $1.6 million gift from the estate of Tom and Soni Sheehan through the Thomas P. Sheehan Trust in support of the expansion and renovation of the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Riverview Health’s Noblesville hospital.

This generous commitment represents the largest single gift in the Foundation’s 50-year history and provides vital support to complete the Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation project, expanding access to comprehensive rehabilitative care for patients throughout Central Indiana.

Tom and Soni Sheehan were steadfast supporters of Riverview Health Foundation for more than two decades. Tom served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors for several years, including as Board Chair from 2004 to 2006. The Sheehan family’s philanthropic impact at Riverview Health also includes support for the Women’s Pavilion and the creation of the Sheehan Chapel.

“Noblesville, Hamilton County, and central Indiana have been blessed by the extraordinary generosity of Tom and Soni Sheehan,” said Megan Wiles, Vice President of Foundation and Community Affairs for Riverview Health. “Their commitment to this community and to improving the lives of families and children has left a lasting legacy. We are deeply grateful for this historic gift, which will benefit patients and caregivers for generations to come.”

Their daughter, Tracey Sheehan, said the gift reflects her parents’ lifelong values.

“Mom and Dad were kind and selfless individuals who believed deeply in helping others,” said Sheehan. “As patients of Riverview Health, they experienced firsthand the exceptional care provided by the physicians and healthcare team. Supporting organizations that serve families and children in this community was always important to them.”

Click here to watch this short video to see how Tom shared his passion for helping others and his lasting connection to the Riverview Health Foundation.

Healthcare leaders say the gift will have a meaningful and lasting impact on patient care.

“Riverview Health is proud to provide personalized, compassionate care to every patient,” said Dr. Norman Mindrebo, Riverview Health orthopedic physician and member of the Riverview Health Foundation Board of Directors. “Because of the Sheehans’ generosity, hundreds of patients will benefit from an expanded and modernized Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit.”

Dr. Mindrebo added, “My wife, Peggy, and I were honored to make the lead gift to this campaign, and Tom liked to joke that if we hadn’t stepped forward, he would have. Our families share a belief in giving back, and through this remarkable gift, the Sheehan family is making a profound difference in the lives of so many.”

As the only CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accredited facility in Hamilton County, the unit has served the community for more than 30 years and plays a critical role in helping patients safely transition from hospital care back to daily life. The $1.6 million gift from the Thomas P. Sheehan Trust will significantly enhance Riverview Health’s ability to serve patients by supporting modernized spaces, advanced equipment, and program enhancements that promote recovery, independence, and improved outcomes.

This transformational investment ensures that residents of Hamilton County and the surrounding region have continued access to high-quality, specialized rehabilitation services close to home. For more information on how to support the Foundation and Riverview Health, visit riverview.org/foundation50.