ST. LOUIS - Larry Dallas, a man whose generosity has helped hundreds of children with heart problems throughout the region, died on Tuesday afternoon after a long illness. He was 92.
Dallas leaves an important legacy at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center. The significant contributions of Larry Dallas enabled the hospital to open the Dorothy and Larry Dallas Heart Center in 2009. Larry Dallas worked with the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation to fund the center in memory of his wife, Dorothy Hennessy Dallas, who died in 2002.
“The Dallas family’s incredible generosity has given the priceless gifts of health and hope to the patients and families that we serve,” said Sherlyn Hailstone, president of SSM Cardinal Glennon. “We were so honored to know Larry, and we’re proud of the legacy that he and his wife established.”
More than 23,000 visits and procedures happen each year in the Dallas Heart Center. Technology such as fetal echocardiography and advanced 3D heart imaging allow doctors to provide the highest level of heart care to the young patients at SSM Cardinal Glennon.
"The equipment in the Dallas Heart Center has enabled our doctors to do advanced testing to diagnose heart problems at a very early age and even before birth,” said Dr. Kenneth Schowengerdt, director of Cardiology at SSM Cardinal Glennon. “Being able to identify and treat these serious heart issues early significantly enhances the health and quality of life of our patients.”
Although Larry and Dorothy Dallas did not have children of their own, they deeply loved children. When the couple considered what to do with their estate, they decided on a pediatric heart center to help children with serious illnesses.
“We’d like to help sick children who sometimes don’t have a chance in the world,” Larry Dallas said prior to the opening of the Dallas Heart Center. “There are many children in Cardinal Glennon, and many of them are in serious trouble. They need help. It would be an honor to help Cardinal Glennon help children in Dorothy’s name. The gift will honor the love of my dear wife and her big heart for children. This will give some kids a chance. I will know that we’ve made a difference.”
A funeral mass for Larry Dallas will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church.
For media inquires, contact:
Ashley Wiehle
Communciations Specialist
SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center
314-577-5693 (office)
314-294-2416 (pager)
ashley_wiehle@ssmhc.com