“Go do it.”
That’s Cyrus Freidheim’s advice to fellow Rush trustees considering a legacy gift — a sentiment backed by his deep philanthropic engagement, including a generous gift from his estate to support Rush’s future.
With more than four decades as a Rush trustee, Cyrus believes in betting on institutions that deliver results. For him and his wife, Mitzi, Rush easily tops that list.
“I’ve supported many organizations over the years, but Rush is different,” Cyrus said. “The leadership, the extraordinary staff, the mission, the impact — it's all there.”
Decades of support
Cyrus’ relationship with Rush began in the early 1980s, when he and Mitzi returned to Chicago after years abroad. Eager to reconnect with the city that raised them, they jumped into community life, with Rush being the first place they turned. Cyrus joined the ֱ Board of Trustees in 1982 and has remained deeply involved ever since.
As the former vice chairman of Booz Allen Hamilton, and CEO of Chiquita Brands and the Chicago Sun-Times, Cyrus brought his business acumen and strategic insight to his board role. He found that Rush mirrored the principles he valued most: innovation, accountability and impact.
“Rush has always stood apart,” he said. “Patient care being front and center and focused research driving better health for all are just the tip of the iceberg. Rush has also been blessed with extraordinary leadership. That includes Dr. Larry Goodman, whose commitment to access and quality care helped transform Rush into a world-renowned leader and get it included in U.S. News & World Report rankings year after year, and Dr. Omar Lateef, whose vision and energy continue to move that work forward. Superb leadership is one of the key things that allows Rush to stay ahead.”
Ensuring a better tomorrow
That commitment to excellence, Cyrus said, is one reason he and Mitzi named Rush among the beneficiaries of their estate. As health care continues to evolve, legacy commitments such as the Freidheims’ help safeguard Rush’s future and ensure valuable resources will be available when they are needed most. They are honored as members of the .
“Legacy gifts are powerful,” Cyrus said. “They ensure institutions like Rush can keep growing, innovating and delivering health care at the highest level in our nation.”
The Freidheims are especially passionate about , which provides no-cost mental health services to veterans, service members and their families.
“Programs like this reflect what Rush really is at its core,” Cyrus said. “They address real gaps in care — and they do it with compassion and dignity.”
Cyrus is also an advocate for Rush’s broader health equity work, which is rooted in providing everyone with access to the resources they need to live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives — no matter where they live.
“An 25-year difference in life expectancy between Chicago’s West Side and the Gold Coast is unacceptable,” he said. “Rush isn’t just acknowledging this gap; they’re working to fix it. And once they do, I hope they share their strategy with the world.”
For Cyrus and Mitzi, philanthropy isn’t just about giving; it’s about building a better tomorrow.
“It’s part of what makes America what it is,” Cyrus said. “There’s no tradition of philanthropy like ours anywhere else in the world. It enables institutions like Rush to continue to excel at the work they do.”
Cyrus’ message to his fellow trustees is simple: “Take that next step. Talk to your financial advisor and the team at Rush about charitable and estate planning. If you believe in Rush’s future — and I know you do — there’s no better way to make your mark.”
