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
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
$50
Makayla Emery
$500
Aleks Leligdowicz And Mark Chandy
$25
Alex Easton
$250
Grace Parraga
$100
Katherine Kasper
$100
Rob Thompson
$100
Krishna Singh
Thanks!
$100
John Mccormick
$100
Lauren Flynn
$100
Rodney Dekoter
$50
Anonymous
$50
Anonymous
$25
Val
Such a loss, for me and, probably, everyone who knew him. Thank you for this initiative.
$144
Lili
Amazing initiative, thank you Deb!
$100
Richard Kim
$10
Anonymous
$500
Michael & Wendy Strong
What a terrific way to remember Rob. I am sure that he is looking down on this and really pleased.
$50
Galina Mironova
$250
Corrie John Van Heeswyk
Thank you for honoring Rob
$500
Geoff Pickering
$100
August Craanen
$25
John-michael Arpino
$250
Jeff And Nikki Brock
What a beautiful way to honour a man who did so much for others.
$62
The Brownrigg Family
$25
Sanda Raulic
$50
Anonymous
$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.
$1,000
Marco And Vania Prado
$50
Angela Cardenas
Thank you, Deb. I’m sure Rob would have been very happy and proud of this initiative.
$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.
$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.
$1,000
Michelle, Julia, Ben And Avery Gros
Thank you for honouring our wonderful husband and dad in such a meaningful way.
$100
Kim Thomaes
What a fantastic tribute to a wonderful man with a brilliant vision. Thank you all so much!!!
$250
Jeffrey Granton
$100
Emily Day
$200
Nancy Schmidt
What an amazing way to honour Rob and his family Michelle, Julia, Ben & Avery!
$200
Danijela & Jelena Jelich
Sounds like Dr. Robert Gros was an amazing man who was respected by many. Beautiful way to honour him.❤️
$25
Carlos Jorge German
$250
Rachel Vistein
$75
Kyle K
$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.
$50
The Fichter’s
$100
Blake Butler
$100
Adam Mcintyre
$100
Tara M
$100
Anonymous
$100
Jodi Dutz
$50
Brooke Kennedy
$200
Stephen Pasternak
$1,000
Davy Cheng
$50
Jody Culham
I didn't know Rob but this is a great initiative.
$50
Aja Hogan-cann
$100
Dawn Bryce
$100
Jennifer Teal
$25
Michelle Kim
$50
Hailey
This is such an amazing initiative.
$100
Chris & Michelle Gratton
$30
Devyn Beattie
$100
Craig Railton
$50
Brittney Cox
$100
Ravi Menon
I miss you Rob
$50
Rebecca Nash
Such a great idea!
$1,000
Rob Hegele
$1,000
Philip Jones
$144
Miguel Pena
$100
Paulina Kowalewska
$50
Anonymous
Great idea.
$100
Rachel Kelly
$10
Anonymous
$100
Caroline O'neil
Thanks Deb for this initiative!!!!
$100
Rhian Touyz
In memory of a great man- Rob
$100
Erin Mulvihill
$25
Roberta Bgeginski
$40
Vanessa Dumeaux
$100
Angela Wilson
$50
Maria Sinacori
Wonderful Initiative!
$100
Alison Allan
$25
Anonymous
Hi Boss, this one's for you <3
$100
Mofei
$100
Kristine Marmai
$200
Hao Yin
$75
Beattie Family
$250
Rob Bartha
$100
Elena Tutunea-fatan
$50
Steve Renaud
$25
Cole P
$100
Ting-yim Lee
$300
