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