Willie Stargell Foundation surpasses $1 Million in donations to Novant Health Dialysis Center

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Monday afternoon, the Willie Stargell Foundation presented a check to Novant Health in support of the Willie “Pops” Stargell Dialysis Center.  

He donations now total over one-million dollars and have saved thousands a year. 

The foundation donated $128,000 to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center for the Willie “Pops” Stargell Dialysis Center, helping treat patients with kidney failure.  

With this gift, their total donations now exceed more than one-million dollars. 

And so far, this year, nearly 3,000 people have received treatment.  

Nita Greenlief is the nurse manager of the surgical trauma ICU. She says the donations have saved thousands of lives. 

“Over 8,000 lives a year multiplied by 23 years and that’s how many times and how many days that people have been given the opportunity to spend with someone that they love they that might have never had,” Greenlief shared. 

Mark Bizzell began dialysis treatment 9 years ago and is thankful to have a second chance at life.

“I get to go see my grandkids whenever I want to. We travel whenever I want to. We never would’ve gotten any of that if it hadn’t worked out the way it did, and this place had a big part of it,” Bizzell shared. 

His wife, Robin Monroe, stood by him throughout treatment and is happy he’s able to spend time with those he loves most. 

“He wouldn’t have gotten to see those grandbabies that’s a big deal because they’re so special and I am just so thankful he is here to enjoy it,” Monroe said emotionally. 

Greenlief doesn’t usually get to see her patient’s after they leave her care but connected with Bizzell years later. 

“So to get to see him, it feels like a gift, a huge gift that I get to see all the things he gets to do. And know that it’s because of the generous donation of the Stargell foundation, the skill of the physicians and critical care nurses that are at the bedside,” Greenlief said. 

At the check presentation, donors, The Willie Stargell board and numerous Novant Health members were in attendance and recognized.