SMARTCare Program from the American College of
Cardiology that provides physicians with a unique set of
tools such as individualized patient cardiac risk profiles
and electronic databases. 

Clinical trials and studies are a cornerstone of the Research
Institute’s mission. “Many studies are multi-center or multi-
national and it is important to participate to ensure they
are applicable to members of our diverse community,” said
Karan Munuswamy, M.D., who practices at Holy Cross, is
part of the research team and a member of the hospital’s
community leadership council. “When you are part of a
clinical trial you gain expertise that you bring into the
community and this attracts some of the best and brightest
physicians.”

In many ways, the late automotive pioneer Jim Moran put
Holy Cross on its present course nearly 10 years ago when
with his wife, Jan, and the privately held automotive
company he founded, JM Family Enterprises, Inc., created
the $26 million Moran Challenge to assist in the
development of the Jim Moran Heart and Vascular
Research Institute. 

Jim and Jan Moran had previously donated $1 million for
a cardiovascular intensive care unit after Jim’s lifesaving
open-heart surgery at Holy Cross in 1988. In 2000, they
contributed $6 million along with JM Family to construct
the Jim Moran Heart and Vascular Center, followed in
2006 by the Moran Challenge which matches $1 for every
$1.60 that is contributed.

“My husband could have chosen anywhere in the world for
his cardiovascular care, but selected Holy Cross for his
treatment,” said Jan Moran. “He felt strongly that everyone
in the community should receive the same level of
exceptional, compassionate care. He would be very proud

of the dedicated team of doctors and researchers who are
working hard every day to develop cardiovascular
treatments that will help save lives - maybe your life or the
life of someone you love.” 

Now the community is rallying together to bring the
challenge to the $26 million finish line.

Stephen G. Mehallis, president and CEO of the Harry T.
Mangurian, Jr. Foundation, is a member of the community
leadership council which is focusing on closing out the
challenge. “I’ve listened to the doctors as they shared their
vision and this will get Holy Cross to the next level as we
combat the number one killer, heart disease.”

Phil Smith, president and CEO of the Phil Smith Automotive
Group, understands the importance of Jim Moran’s lasting
legacy in Fort Lauderdale.

“Having state-of-the art medicine in our neighborhood
combined with research advancements is a gem for us,”
Smith said. “Jim Moran was so generous and was a
tremendous influence on
others who have given to
the community and made it
what it is today. Let’s act
now and ensure that we
will have a leading center
right here.”

To learn more about the
Moran Challenge and
how to participate, call
(954) 229-8562 or visit
holy-cross.com.  

I

Jan Moran and John Johnson announce the $26 million Moran Challenge, 2006/05/01

The Landings & Bay Colony

21

Jim Moran presents a donation to the

Chicago Heart Association, 1950/02/12