Hartford, CT- Connecticut Children's has received a $1.5 million gift from Brian and Kimberley Connolly of Vero Beach, Fla. and Groton, Conn., to advance cutting-edge medical simulation training and technology in the hospital's new eight-story clinical tower, set to open in December 2025. In recognition of this generous support, the new medical simulation area in the tower will be named The Brian and Kim Connolly Simulation Suite.

The Connollys' donation will provide vital resources to enhance the hospital's cutting-edge medical training capabilities. The Simulation Suite is a state-of-the-art facility enabling medical teams to rehearse and refine their skills, ensuring that Connecticut Children's provides the highest standard of care for its young patients.

"We are incredibly grateful to Brian and Kim Connolly for their tremendous commitment to the children and families who rely on Connecticut Children's," said Dr. Jim Shmerling, President and CEO, Connecticut Children's. "This gift to name the Simulation Suite will help prepare our medical teams to deliver exceptional care, while advancing pediatric healthcare training for years to come."

Kim Connolly has been elected to serve on the Foundation Board and is a Partner/Executive Vice President for Technology & Data, Mergers & Acquisitions at Smith Brothers Insurance, LLC. Brian was an Electrical Engineer and is now retired. With their support, the Connollys have helped elevate the health system's efforts to expand facilities, upgrade medical technology and enhance the close to home care provided to its young patients.

"Brian and I are honored to support Connecticut Children's and the incredible work they do every day," said Kim Connolly. "We love the idea of using technology to better prepare medical teams to handle the needs of children. We hope this gift will help provide the best tools and resources for the medical teams who care for our children, ensuring that Connecticut Children's continues to lead the way in pediatric care and innovation."

The Simulation Suite will be a critical feature of the new clinical tower's Conference and Education Center. "Simulation is critical in healthcare delivery by providing the space for team members to practice evidence-based medicine, especially for rare occurring situations," said Lori Pelletier, PhD, MBA, Chief Quality and Patient Safety Officer, Connecticut Children's. "Simulation also helps predict and prevent harm prior to the introduction of new processes, equipment, space or treatments so that every patient every day in every location can receive the highest quality and safest care at Connecticut Children's."

About Connecticut Children's
Connecticut Children's is the only health system in Connecticut 100% dedicated to kids. That means high-quality care across more than 30 pediatric specialties in 40+ locations throughout Connecticut, Eastern New York and Western Massachusetts. One team on a mission to improve access to healthcare from before birth and into adulthood. One team pushing the limits with breakthrough research and community partnerships so we can help you focus on what matters most: your family's wellness journey. When you choose Connecticut Children's, you can expect care Beyond Imagination.

Connecticut Children's is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to improve access to health care for all children.