Friends makes a difference in the lives of patients and their families through the many programs we support.
Friends Art Project
Using art submitted by patients of American Family Children’s Hospital and their siblings, Friends released the second annual Kids Art Calendar for 2010. The sale proceeds of $9,000 went to support the patient and family fund of American Family Children’s Hospital.
Dare to Dream Gala
During the fourth annual Dare to Dream Gala, world-renowned explorer Peter Hillary shared stories of his adventures summiting Mount Everest. The evening, which included a live and silent auction, raised $415,000 for a sixth operating room at American Family Children's Hospital. Read more about the Gala and view a slideshow from the evening on Flickr.
A Round Fore Friends Golf Outing
Friends’ first annual golf outing was held in July 2009 at Bishops Bay Country Club and raised $10,000 to support the Friends Hospital Services Grants Fund. The second annual outing will be on July 12, 2010. Learn about sponsorship opportunities for the 2010 outing: A Round Fore Friends Sponsorhip Opportunities (pdf)
Helping Out with Treatment and Recovery
A special recliner was purchased for the Mohs Surgery Clinic to help aid recovery and healing for patients after surgical procedures.
An exercise bike was purchased for patients recovering in the Bone Marrow Transplant and Hematology Unit.
A grant to Radiation Oncology was used to fund the Serenity in Scanning program. This program enhances the PET Scan experience and reduces the stress felt by cancer patients.
Wig Fund
Friends distributes approximately 250 wigs each year free of charge to UW Health patients undergoing treatment for cancer or other illnesses. The average cost per wig is $89 and includes supplies and wig styling by a licensed cosmetologist. This program is funded largely by Friends annual activities, as well as direct individual financial donations.
Gifts and Grants
Friends established a grant program at UW Hospital and Clinics and American Family Children’s Hospital to allow staff to apply for grant funding for patient programs not provided through the hospital’s normal operational budget. During our 2009-2010 fiscal year, Friends received 22 grant requests and funded 13, totaling more than $37,000.
These grants included a Wii system for the Burn Unit to help patients maintain range of motion in joints affected by burn injuries, thank you cards to the Organ Procurement Organization for organ recipients to send to donor families, funding for the Stroke Prevention Exercise Program initiative, video equipment to link pediatric inpatients with their classrooms during hospital stays, and a gift to the Ronal McDonals House Charities of Madison to renovate the family bedroom sponsored by Friends when it opened 16 years ago. Checks were awarded to grant recipients at a reception that was held in February. Read more about the Grant Ceremony and view a slideshow of the grant awards ceremony on Flickr.
Derzon Endowment
The Gail and Gordon Derzon Fund was created in 1999 to honor Gordon Derzon's more than 25-year tenure as CEO of UW Hospital and Clinics. The endowment fund assists patients and families in need with expenses associated with long-term illness or hospitalization. Some covered expenses have been for transportation, medical equipment, lodging, food or special needs not covered by other available resources or insurance. During 2008, the fund provided $30,200 to help individual patients and their families. The Friends of UW Hospital and Clinics contributes annually to this fund and asks that you consider making a gift.
