Fred M. Bering, 86, of Redding, has donated a $2 million donation to establish the Fred and Irmi Bering Chair for Laparoscopic Surgery at Danbury Hospital.
In 1938, Bering was 17 and leaving Germany as part of the exodus of Jews fleeing the Nazis. He escaped to America with a few personal belongings, including a note from his father, whom he never saw again.
Bering lost track of the letter during a lifetime of work and marriage until a few years ago when he unearthed it.
Hand-written in German, it simply states, “If you should ever find yourself in a position where you have more than you need for yourself, think of those who are less fortunate.”
“It started me thinking,” said Bering. “Maybe there was something I could do to make a difference. I”™ve always had a special place in my heart for Danbury Hospital and I know there are many people throughout the area who share my feelings. I hope this contribution will benefit the community and assist the hospital in attracting the finest physicians in the country.”
Dr. Laura Choi, medical director of the Center for Weight Loss Surgery at Danbury Hospital, will be the first chair occupant.
Bering met his wife, Irmi Ann, in 1948 and together founded and ran Nursery Plastics out of New York City. The couple divided their time between New York and a house on Candlewood Lake in New Fairfield. They eventually moved to their Connecticut home upon retirement.
Two years ago, Bering”™s wife passed away, and Bering found the note as he prepared to sell his home on Candlewood Lake.
“The timing was perfect,” said Bering, of the decision to establish the endowed chair. “It”™s a way of showing appreciation for the compassionate care my wife and I have received at Danbury Hospital during the years.”
Throughout the years, Bering and his wife relied on many New York and Connecticut hospitals for medical and emergency care.
“But nothing compares with the spirit you find among the nurses and doctors at Danbury Hospital,” said Bering. “The care is superb. All my doctors are associated with Danbury Hospital. It”™s like having a second home.”
As an immigrant who succeeded in his adopted country, Bering is particularly proud the endowed chair will be held by a female surgeon of Asian descent, a sign that women are making inroads in the traditionally male-dominated field.
“It reminds me that we are a country of immigrants who can achieve great things if we work hard,” said Bering.
“You never know where life will take you,” said Bering. “I”™m glad that the good we accomplished during 55 years of marriage will be preserved with this endowment. I”™ve also learned through my father that a man”™s spirit can live on long after he”™s gone.”
