About Our Campaign
The Dr. Robert Gros HeartSafe Fund
Honouring a Life. Creating a Legacy. Saving Lives.
On April 27, 2026, Dr. Robert Gros passed away after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 58. Rob was a devoted husband, loving father, valued colleague, trusted mentor, loyal friend, and someone people naturally turned to for advice, encouragement, or simply a warm conversation.
Throughout his career at the Robarts Research Institute and Western University, Rob dedicated his life to advancing cardiovascular research. Supported by numerous granting agencies and research partners, his groundbreaking work advanced our understanding of heart health and contributed to discoveries that continue to improve and save lives today. His exceptional leadership and contributions to cardiovascular research were recognized with numerous honours, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal, awarded through the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
While Rob's scientific accomplishments were remarkable, those who knew him remember something even greater: his kindness. Rob is consistently described as generous, humble, compassionate, and always willing to help. His infectious smile, quick wit, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Above all, Rob was a devoted husband to Michelle and a proud father to Julia, Ben, and Avery. His legacy lives on not only through his research but through the countless lives he touched.
To honour Rob's life and legacy, we are launching The Dr. Robert Gros HeartSafe Fund.
Our goal is to install publicly accessible SaveStation Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) across Western University. These emergency response stations will serve as a lasting tribute to Rob while helping protect students, staff, faculty, visitors, and the broader community.
A sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere. When it does, every second counts. An AED can mean the difference between life and death, and every minute without defibrillation significantly reduces the chance of survival.
Our fundraising goal is $19,899, which will fund an outdoor SaveStation at Western Alumni Stadium, the highest-priority location identified by Campus Safety & Emergency Services. Any additional funds raised will support three more SaveStations at the Robarts Research Institute (indoor and outdoor) and Animal Care & Veterinary Services, further strengthening emergency preparedness across campus.
Rob's family have been involved throughout the planning of this initiative and believes it reflects both Rob's lifelong commitment to cardiovascular research and the compassion, generosity, and service that defined his life.
We hope to complete this campaign and unveil the first SaveStation on September 23, 2026 - what would have been Rob's 59th birthday. We can think of no more meaningful way to celebrate his life than by creating a legacy with the potential to save lives for generations to come.
Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to making Western University a safer place while honouring an extraordinary husband, father, scientist, mentor, colleague, and friend.
Please join us in celebrating Rob's remarkable legacy. Together, we can honour a life dedicated to improving heart health - and help save the next one.
With gratitude,
Deborah, Angela and Caroline
My Updates
THANK YOU!!!
We did it, and then some! Thanks to your incredible generosity and support, we not only met our fundraising target for The Dr. Robert Gros HeartSafe Fund, but we also surpassed our goal in just three weeks. That kind of momentum is a real testament to the love and respect so many people feel for Rob.
Every donation, share, and encouraging message helped make this possible. Your support will have a real, lasting impact, helping us build a safer, more heart-safe community on campus at Western.
On behalf of everyone involved, thank you for believing in this cause and for showing what’s possible when people come together. We appreciate you more than words can say!
With heartfelt gratitude,
Deborah, Angela and Caroline.
Campaign Update: We’re So Close — Let’s Finish What We Started! We are just $3,260 away!
It’s been two weeks since we launched The Dr. Robert Gros HeartSafe Fund, and we are so grateful for the support you’ve shown. Thanks to your generosity, we’re just $3,260 away from reaching our $24,585 goal.
From the start, our vision has been to install an outdoor SaveStation AED tower at Alumni Stadium and both an indoor and outdoor AED at Robarts Research Institute. Robarts was a place Dr. Gros cared deeply about — a space where he spent many years advancing research and mentoring others. Installing AEDs here is especially meaningful for all of us who knew how much this place meant to him.
We’re also excited to be adding a fourth AED at Animal Care & Veterinary Services (ACVS), where Dr. Gros most recently served as Executive Director.
Your donations are making all of this possible. Every gift, share, and word of encouragement brings us closer to ensuring these life-saving devices are available across our campus community.
https://crowdfunding.savestation.ca/fundraisers/deborahandersen
We’re almost there. If you haven’t had a chance to donate
or share the campaign, now is the perfect time to help us reach the finish
line.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Deborah, Angela & Caroline
Campaign Update: Your Support Is Growing This Legacy
When we launched The Dr. Robert Gros HeartSafe Fund, our goal was to install an outdoor SaveStation AED tower at Alumni Stadium, our highest-priority location, where it can have the greatest impact. We also planned to install an indoor and outdoor AED at Robarts Research Institute, a place that held special meaning for Dr. Gros and where his legacy continues to inspire.
Because of your incredible generosity, we are well on our way to achieving that vision. Your support has created an opportunity to do even more.
We are excited to announce that we are expanding the initiative to include a fourth AED at Animal Care & Veterinary Services (ACVS), where Dr. Gros proudly served as Executive Director from 2022 to 2026.
To make this possible, we have increased our fundraising goal to $24,585.38, reflecting the full cost of purchasing, installing, and implementing all four AEDs.
This expansion means that even more members of our Western community will have access to life-saving equipment when every second counts. More importantly, it extends Dr. Gros' commitment to caring for others and creates an even greater legacy in his honour.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has donated, shared our campaign, and encouraged others to get involved. Your generosity has already made an extraordinary impact, and with your continued support, we can bring this expanded vision to life.
Thank you for helping us build a lasting legacy that will save lives for years to come.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Deborah, Angela & Caroline
Campaign Update: Over Halfway There in Just 72 Hours! ❤️
We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support shown over the past few days.
In just 72 hours, together we have raised $10,313 toward our goal of $19,899 to establish the Dr. Rob Gros HeartSafe Fund SaveStation at Western Alumni Stadium.
Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared our campaign, and helped spread the word. Your generosity is a beautiful reflection of the impact Rob had on so many lives. ❤️
While we’re thrilled by this incredible start, we’re not there yet. We still have $9,586 to raise to reach our initial goal and ensure these SaveStations become a reality.
If you’ve already donated, THANK YOU! One of the most meaningful ways you can continue to help is by sharing this campaign with your family, friends, colleagues, and networks. Every share expands our reach, and every donation large or small brings us closer to creating a lasting tribute to Rob.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Deborah, Angela & Caroline
Thank you to my Sponsors
$1,000
Rob Hegele
$500
Geoff Pickering
$50
Shawn Davis
$100
Rachel Kelly
$1,000
Philip Jones
$100
Rob Thompson
$250
Rob Bartha
$20
Salim Rocha
$50
Maria Sinacori
Wonderful Initiative!
$50
Angela Cardenas
Thank you, Deb. I’m sure Rob would have been very happy and proud of this initiative.
$100
Craig Railton
$10
Anonymous
$100
Nicole Emery
Such a wonderful tribute to Rob.
$50
Angrla
$150
Joshua Samsoondar
Very sad to learn of this. Working with Dr. Gros was always a joy.
$250
Grace Parraga
$250
Nong
$50
Rebecca Nash
Such a great idea!
$200
Danijela & Jelena Jelich
Sounds like Dr. Robert Gros was an amazing man who was respected by many. Beautiful way to honour him.❤️
$50
Steve Renaud
$50
Anonymous
$50
Hailey
This is such an amazing initiative.
$50
Martin Duennwald
$25
Anonymous
$100
Tom Drysdale
A great way to remember Rob! I recall many nice conversations on teaching, the heart, and life in general.
$250
Christopher Ellis
Thank you for organizing this fundraising campaign to honour Rob.
$200
Hao Yin
$50
Anonymous
$50
Annie Morin
$100
Chris Harding
$250
Angelique Berg
Thank you for contacting me. Honoured to have known Rob, his love for his family, and the way he brightened every day, always. Adieu, Boss.
$100
Krishna Singh
Thanks!
$100
Cheryle Seguin
$100
Peter Chidiac
Rob was one of a kind. Happy to contribute to this and keep his memory alive.
$50
Rylee Brownrigg
$250
Anonymous
$100
Emily Day
$1,000
Marco And Vania Prado
$100
Paulina Kowalewska
$50
Aja Hogan-cann
$65
Deborah Andersen
I hope you're smiling down on this initiative in your memory. Deb
$50
Dawn T
Wonderful cause. Wonderful man!
$100
Mofei
$25
Anonymous
$100
Elena Tutunea-fatan
$50
Anonymous
$50
Rachel Drummond
$50
Mary Ann Pm
Wonderful initiative in memory of Rob.
$100
Wataru Inoue
$50
Makayla Emery
$100
Ting-yim Lee
$25
John-michael Arpino
$200
Elizabeth Finger
$200
Stephen Ferguson
$100
Ang
$25
Anonymous
$40
Vanessa Dumeaux
$75
Beattie Family
$25
Eric Vandeven
$1,000
Mansoor Husain
I am obviously hearing about this very late and am simply heartbroken. Rob was my first ever post-doctoral trainee and he set the standard. Beyond, his exemplary love of science, he was a kind, supportive and wonderful colleague and friend. My deepest condolences.
$100
Eric Van Der Veer
Rob was a kind and caring (fellow Dutchie) who I loved working together at Robarts with for 7 years. He will always be in my heart!
$100
Susan Tyler And Matthew Fox
$100
Ravi Menon
I miss you Rob
$250
Stephen Dukacz
What a great tribute to Rob
$100
Adam Mcintyre
$100
John Mccormick
$100
Erin Mulvihill
$25
Carlos Jorge German
$100
Anonymous
$250
Steve Gryn
$100
Steven Kerfoot
$50
Pam Nixon
It was an honor to work with Rob at ACVS, my fellow Dutchie :)
$25
Anonymous
My deepest condolences to the family, loved ones and colleagues for Rob’s loss. I am still reeling from the news. I met him at Robart’s back in 2003 and I always remember him as the nicest person and a great researcher.
$100
Caroline O'neil
Thanks Deb for this initiative!!!!
$25
Anonymous
Very good cause!
$144
Miguel Pena
$250
Dave Muir
$50
Galina Mironova
$100
Jodi Dutz
$25
Anonymous
$25
Alex Easton
$500
Ross Feldman
$100
Dawn Bryce
$300
Doris Lambert
$100
Mike And Angela Brodie
$50
Anonymous
$25
Anonymous
$100
Sharlene Ruiz
In memory of Rob who made a lasting impact professionally and personally ❤️
$250
Jane Rylett
$50
Brooke Kennedy
$50
Anonymous
$100
Tom Appleton
$50
Mike Andersen
$50
Cindy Richardson
$100
Gregory Dekaban
I have known and worked with Rob Gros since he was a graduate student. I miss seeing him and talking with him as he frequently passed by my lab.
$10
Robin Konzelman
I remember working with Rob while working at Robarts Research Institute and again working at Schulich at Western University. I am so sad to hear this news, but am more than happy to be able to contribute to such a great initiative.
$50
Anonymous
Great idea.
$100
Rommel Tirona
$100
Chris & Michelle Gratton
$200
Jane And Jim Koropatnick
Rob was superb scientist and wonderful colleague. He is missed by so many. Thank you for all your help and the laughs, Rob.
$100
Anonymous
$50
Anonymous
$100
Catherine Petersen
$25
Meg Rook
$200
Nancy Schmidt
What an amazing way to honour Rob and his family Michelle, Julia, Ben & Avery!
$50
Kevin Bulmer
$100
Crystal Mclellan
$100
Kristine Marmai
$50
Anonymous
$325
Matthew Mailing Centre - University Hospital
What a great initiative and legacy in honour of Rob. With respect and fondness, the Matthew Mailing Centre Team
$100
Lauren Flynn
$50
Shelley Hyde
$144
Lili
Amazing initiative, thank you Deb!
$100
Marc Servant
J'ai appris récemment le décès de Robert et je suis encore sous le choc. Je garde le souvenir des moments très agréables lors de nos multiples congrès. Repose en paix mon ami.
$100
Angela Wilson
$25
Rachel Lackie
$100
Rhian Touyz
In memory of a great man- Rob
$100
Jennifer Teal
$50
Ilda Moniz
$250
Kathryn Volkening
$50
Brittney Cox
$100
August Craanen
$250
Karen Judson
$25
Tania Chinfatt
Thank you!
$100
Alison Allan
$100
Katherine Kasper
$75
Kyle K
$250
Tim Bussey And Lisa Saksida
$100
Anonymous
$500
Melanie Cutler And Les Toth
$62
The Brownrigg Family
$250
Donald Maurice
Please thank Caroline for informing me of this tribute to Rob.
$25
Anonymous
$500
Aleks Leligdowicz And Mark Chandy
$1,000
Michelle, Julia, Ben And Avery Gros
Thank you for honouring our wonderful husband and dad in such a meaningful way.
$30
Devyn Beattie
$10
Anonymous
$100
Amy Burke
$50
David Carter
$100
Rodney Dekoter
$20
Kelly Mcmahon
Hope this helps!!
$50
Jody Culham
I didn't know Rob but this is a great initiative.
$100
Kim Thomaes
What a fantastic tribute to a wonderful man with a brilliant vision. Thank you all so much!!!
$25
Anonymous
$50
Anonymous
$25
Roberta Bgeginski
$200
Barb & Dennis Dean And Family
$250
Jeff And Nikki Brock
What a beautiful way to honour a man who did so much for others.
$50
A. Tilgner
$500
Michael Boffa & Marlys Koschinsky
Happy to donate to this great cause in honour of Rob.
$100
Benda Gallaway
$100
Maria Drangova
$10
Anonymous
$25
Michelle Kim
$1,000
Davy Cheng
$200
Stephen Pasternak
$50
Josh Tam
$50
The Fichter’s
$25
Anonymous
Hi Boss, this one's for you <3
$500
Michael & Wendy Strong
What a terrific way to remember Rob. I am sure that he is looking down on this and really pleased.
$100
Brad Urquhart
$25
Sydney Snider
$10
Yicheng Gu
$250
Michael Rieder
$25
Anonymous
$250
Corrie John Van Heeswyk
Thank you for honoring Rob
$50
Sonya Hui
$25
Sanda Raulic
$100
Tara M
$1,000
Department Of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine
$100
Anonymous
$25
Cole P
$250
Rachel Vistein
$250
Jeffrey Granton
$20
Anonymous
$10
Xin Zhao
$100
Blake Butler
$50
Shelley Balderston
$100
Jue Fan
$100
Richard Kim
$50
B. W.
Proud of you. Rob would be too. Thank you in advance for future lives you’ll potentially help save.
$25
Val
Such a loss, for me and, probably, everyone who knew him. Thank you for this initiative.
$60
