Giving back is deeply rooted in the Stoler family’s way of life—in fact, it may be in their DNA. Since he was young, Barry Stoler watched his parents, Roz and Len, give to organizations and to people in need. Their longstanding generosity not only supported several incredible projects throughout the region (including the transformative Roslyn and Leonard Stoler Center for Advanced Medicine), but it also inspired their family to embrace the same philanthropic spirit.
“My parents have been unbelievable role models my entire life,” says Barry, who works closely with his father as the president of Len Stoler Automotive. “They taught my sister and me about giving back and doing the right thing, and that’s the way I was raised. We live what we speak.”
Barry and his wife, Lisa, have long been philanthropists and advocates of the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center. Barry especially is very active with the cancer center, serving as the chairman of its Board of Advisors—a role that he describes as “an honor.”
He and Lisa made their own substantial gift to the new Stoler Center in recognition of the widespread impact the state-of-the-art facility will have on advancing patient care, research, and discovery—in Maryland and across the world.
“Lisa and I wanted to do what we could for the cancer center because we really believe in it as a great cause,” Barry explains. “Our gift not only provides funding for the bricks and mortar, but it also supports the hospital in its efforts to recruit the best doctors, conduct the best research, and be the best place.”
“Our gift not only provides funding for the bricks and mortar, but it also supports the hospital in its efforts to recruit the best doctors, conduct the best research, and be the best place.”
Their gift also holds a personal significance. In the early 1990s, Barry’s 4-year-old daughter, Lindsay, was diagnosed and successfully treated for cancer at what was then University Hospital, now the University of Maryland Medical Center. Barry says her care was outstanding and hopes their gift will build on UMGCCC’s already exceptional patient experience.
“To watch a loved one experience cancer is traumatizing. You are paralyzed with fear,” Lisa shares. “To have the resources all in one place in this new building will be amazing for these families. It’s a scary time in your life. Anything that can be done to make the process simpler and easier to navigate is well worth it.”
Barry and Lisa also see their gift as a connection to the patients and families at UMGCCC. While they may never meet the people who will one day benefit from their generosity, they stand with them on their road to recovery.
“We are so grateful to help, whether it’s through a philanthropic commitment or the gift of time—both of which are incredibly important and can create positive change for years to come,” Lisa says. “Just knowing that countless lives will be affected in a positive way by something that our family has contributed toward, nothing can make you prouder or feel more inspired to give back.”
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