Positivity in ActionBronson Health Foundation impact Report

As we reflect on our accomplishments over the past year, we are humbled by the incredible generosity of our wonderful friends and neighbors. Thanks to your support, Bronson Health Foundation raised $2.6 million dollars to fund programs, projects and services across our healthcare system in 2015.

In our second annual report, we highlight stories that showcase the positive impact donors are making in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek and Paw Paw. From the creation of new funds and the purchase of new equipment, to expanding our child life program to Bronson Battle Creek, it is our privilege to show how your gifts are making a lasting difference.

The Bronson Health Foundation is grateful for the generosity of our community as we work together to benefit Bronson patients and families and improve the overall health of people in southwest and southcentral Michigan.

The healing power of kindness is present in every gift. It is our privilege to pass it on.

Sincerely,

Dennis DeHaanBoard ChairpersonBronson Health Foundation

Terry MorrowVice President of Development andCommunity Health, Bronson HealthcareExecutive Director, Bronson Health Foundation

The Bronson Health Foundation’s story

is best told through the people we

reach: our donors, our patients and our

employees. Each and every one provides

a window into the true impact of giving.

Andy Hemker remembers being rushed by helicopter from the town of Bronson to Bronson Methodist Hospital’s Level 1 Trauma Center in May of 2015. For a few fleeting moments, he saw his 4-year-old son Wyatt being wheeled into the hospital on a stretcher beside him. The father and son had just suffered severe burns after a gas tank exploded on the small earthmover they were using at their new home. Andy remembers exactly what was going through his mind. “My biggest fear was Wyatt not surviving.”

It wasn’t until a week later when Andy woke up again in the trauma care unit that he learned his son was still alive. Wyatt was in pediatric intensive care at Bronson Children’s Hospital. In the first few weeks, Bronson

surgeons performed numerous skin grafts on both the fatherand son. Since then, both Wyatt and Andy have undergone extensive rehabilitation.

Andy describes the level of care they received as awesome. “I know before we even got to the hospital, they had two teams ready. It is a caring group of people.”

The Bronson Health Foundation’s newly created Trauma and Emergency Fund is designed to ensure the highest level of care for patients like Andy and Wyatt. The Children’s Hospital Fund assures pediatric and child life specialists are available for children, close to home.

The Hemker family still visits Bronson every week for Wyatt’s rehab, as he and the Bronson team work to continue the healing. “The overall care has been great,” says Andy. “It’s more than just a hospital.”

Hand in Hand

When Timothy Mihelich’s mom, Esther, was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, he took her to an appointment with Dr. Nadeem Mirza, medical director for Bronson Neurobehavioral Health. Timothy quickly saw the compassion Dr. Mirza has not just for his patients, but for their caregivers too. “I can see he cares. When I go to appointments with my mom he always asks how I’m doing too,” says Timothy.

As it became evident Esther’s disease was progressing, she spent three weeks at Bronson LakeView Neurobehavioral Health Inpatient Unit for medical and neurological evaluation. The team there not only determines the best treatment for patients, but they also look out for their family members. “We provide unique services to patients and families,” says Dr. Mirza. “The patient is identified as having the disease, yet the whole family suffers from it.” In 2015, the Alzheimer’s

and Dementia Fund was created through the Foundation to help enhance resources and education for families like the Mihelichs and to support dementia research.

Eight years after their first meeting, Timothy still brings his mom to see Dr. Mirza for her appointments. He says Dr. Mirza’s concern has never wavered. “I usually don’t want to be around doctors, but I look forward to seeing Dr. Mirza,” says Timothy. “Sometimes as a caregiver of someone with dementia, you can feel all alone. Dr. Mirza understands that.”

A Journey together

For John and Jan Shedd, being engaged community members is an important part of everyday life. As small business owners in Albion, they give back in many ways to enhance the way of life for their family and their neighbors. Part of that philanthropic giving includes Bronson Children’s Hospital (BCH), where the Shedds made the first gift to establish the Children’s Hospital Fund.

The very personal link between the Shedds and BCH began in April of 2011, when their twin grandsons, Dylan and Dyce, were born eight weeks prematurely. The tiny babies spent nearly six weeks at Bronson’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where they received vital medical care that would allow them to grow. “The experience was top-notch,” says John. “There was a high level of care and concern throughout.”

Five years since the Shedd’s grandsons were born, they remain committed to making sure other families will have the same opportunities to see their children grow. They have generously supported room improvements, a new pediatric transport vehicle and the annual Bronson Children’s Hospital 5k Run and Walk.

In 2015, the Shedds were the first donors to support the Foundation’s current fundraising project to install a camera system in the NICU. NicView cameras will allow parents and families to see live video of their hospitalized newborns from any location, giving them some

peace of mind when they are unable to be by their baby’s bedside. The Shedds know this will make a difference for families still facing a

challenge ahead. “Just because our kids aren’t there, there is still a need. We are fortunate to be able to continue to help out.”

A clear view

Bronson’s Greatest Needs

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Treatment Fund

Bronson at Home Hospice Services Fund

Bronson Commons Fund

Bronson Veterans Fund

Bronson Battle Creek – Cancer Care Medication Fund

Bronson Battle Creek – Cancer Care Special Needs Fund

Bronson Battle Creek – CardioPulmonary Rehab Fund

Bronson Battle Creek – Employee in Crisis Fund

Bronson Battle Creek – Little Angel Rest Fund

Bronson Battle Creek – Mammogram Fund

Bronson Battle Creek – Patients in Need Fund

Bronson Battle Creek – Sexual Assault Services

Cancer Treatment Endowment

Child Life Fund

Children’s Hospital Fund

Bronson Health Foundation Funds and EndowmentsDiMarino Healing Through Culture Endowment

Employee in Crisis Fund

Heart and Vascular Fund

Margaret H. Varney Endowment

Margaret H. Varney Scholarship Endowment

Mothers’ Milk Bank Fund

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Fund

Pastoral Care Endowment

Patients in Need Fund

Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fund

Pediatric Specialists Endowment

Radiology Fund

Robert S. Doud Arts in Healthcare Fund

Robert A. Fabi Neurosciences Fund

Starbuck Guardianship Endowment

Trauma and Emergency Services Fund

Heather Brown-Rocho of Battle Creek started getting mammograms at age 32 because of certain risk factors. But in 2015, money was tight for her family, and she knew she couldn’t afford her annual screening. Through the help of the Bronson Battle Creek – Mammogram Fund, Heather was able to get her initial mammogram, plus follow-up tests. She was so relieved, she made a trip back to the office specifically to say “thank you” to those who helped make sure her visit was covered. Heather now has insurance and hopes she can one day give to the fund to help others who need it.

Bronson Children’sHospital 5k Run & Walk

Participants Total Raised

1,800 $131,000

Courtney Simpson is one of hundreds of Bronson team members who generously give to the Little Help, Big Difference employee giving campaign. The money raised is used to support Foundation programs, including the Employee in Crisis Fund. Courtney knows that by giving he’s supporting patients, families and fellow co-workers. The way Courtney sees it, “no matter how much or how little you are able to contribute, if we all work towards a positive goal anything can be accomplished.”

2015 FundraisingToTal amounT raised

$2,160,000number of GifTs

13,834number of donors

3,162

Little Help, Big DifferenceCampaign

Our system-wide employee giving campaign brought out the

generosity and caring spirit of Bronson’s workforce.

Total Raised

$153,000

Good Neighbor Campaign

New and returning donors generously supported our annual

community appeal, increasing donations by nearly 20%

over the previous year.

Total Raised

$135,166

CampaiGn spoTliGhTs

35% increase over 2014

2015 Distributions Total: $1,252,300

Bronson Commons$115,000

Children’s Health$284,111

Community Health, Pastoral Care,and various additional areas

$226,297

Heart and Vascular Services$203,343

Sexual Assault Services$78,427

Women’s Health$67,514

Employee Educational Scholarships

$57,000

Bronson at Home Hospice$56,825

Cancer Care$48,106

Employees in Crisis$41,487

Healing Arts$22,678

Patient Support$51,512

In 2015, the Mothers’ Milk Bank Memorial Tree was installed in Bronson Methodist Hospital’s North Campus. This tree, made with clay and ceramic, is a stunning art piece engraved with the names of 130 babies who have passed away. While the babies’ mothers grieved their own losses, they selflessly donated their breast milk so premature and sick babies could receive this valuable gift. Thanks to donors to the Foundation, this tree now stands to honor those precious babies and their moms.

Bronson Battle Creek

Cancer Care Medication Fund

179 290

patients prescriptions assisted filled

2015 direCT impaCT spoTliGhTs

9195,786

7,028

13,500

Interactions with a pediatric art therapist

Interactions with a pediatric and neonatal music therapist

Interactions withchild life specialistsin surgery, radiology and emergency

Interactions withchild life specialistsin Peds/PICU and NICU

Cancer Care Special Needs Fund

36 231

gas cards round trip taxi rides

117 105

mobility assists with transport trips dietary supplies

Children’s Hospital Fund

Bronson Children’s hospital

Inpatients in 2015

648 3,294

Neonatal Pediatrics/ Intensive Care Pediatric Intensive Unit (NICU) Care Unit (PICU)

When Corey La Gro was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, he was determined to beat it. “It’s not going to get me,” Corey remembers thinking as he went through chemotherapy and radiation at the Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center. Six months later, doctors declared him in remission. Corey knew even though his treatment had ended, there were others just starting the fight. He wanted to help.

As part of the Feldpausch family and the Feldpausch Foundation, Corey, his mom and other family members decided they could make a difference. The annual Feldpausch Foundation Golf Outing was launched to help raise money for the Bronson Battle Creek – Cancer Care Medication Fund. During the last eight years, it has raised more than $166,000 to help cover medical expenses for cancer patients in need.

In 2015, the Feldpausch Foundation expanded its support to children’s health by making a contribution to the Bronson Health Foundation’s Children’s Hospital Fund. The money went specifically to bring a child life specialist to the emergency department at Bronson Battle Creek.

The specialist helps bring comfort, distraction and education to young patients during treatment.

“Supporting the Bronson Health Foundation is a way to ensure everyone in the community has access to the best possible healthcare,” says Corey. “It’s right in line with the Feldpausch Foundation’s mission to make our area a safe, enriching and healthy place.”

Family of Giving

From transporting patients to knitting hats, Bronson Battle Creek volunteers work selflessly to serve patients and their families. More than 400 volunteers donate nearly 50,000 hours a year in many areas of the hospital. All proceeds from the volunteer-run gift shop are also given to support services for patients.

The volunteers generously extend compassion to their community as dedicated donors to the Bronson Health Foundation. “Every year our goal is to meet the greatest needs of people in the Battle Creek area,” explains Annette Zalner, president of Bronson Battle Creek volunteers.

In 2015, the volunteers raised money to support 3-D echocardiographic equipment through the Foundation’s Heart and Vascular Fund. This

technology produces advanced images of the heart, which helps better diagnose and treat patients with heart problems. They also committed to help Bronson purchase an ambulance designed for transporting infants and children from nine counties throughout southwest Michigan to Bronson Children’s Hospital.

Annette says by giving, the volunteers know they’ll be getting much more in return. “There’s nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.”

caring community

Giving societiesThe Bronson Health Foundation Giving Societies are a way to honor our generous donors. The giving societies currently live online at bronsonfoundation.com/donors. Please visit our website for a complete list of donors.

Good Neighbor Annual Giving SocietyThe Good Neighbor Annual Giving Society honors all donors who make a gift to the Bronson Health Foundation throughout the previous calendar year.Friends: Donors who give any amount annually to support Bronson up to $999.Guardians: Donors who give between $1,000 – $4,999 annually to support Bronson.Champions: Donors who give between $5,000 – $9,999 annually to support Bronson.President’s Circle: Honors individual, corporate and foundation donors who have made cumulative gifts in a fiscal year of $10,000 or more. Donors in this group help fund specific capital projects and/or provide unrestricted funds to serve the greatest needs of the patients.

Lifetime Giving SocietyThe Lifetime Giving Society recognizes individual, corporate and foundation donors who have made cumulative gifts at the levels listed below.The Partners Society: Donors who have given between $100,000 – $249,999 to support Bronson.The Leaders Society: Donors who have given between $250,000 – $499,999 to support Bronson.The Founders Society: Donors who have given between $500,000 – $999,999 to support Bronson.The 1901 Society: Donors who have given $1,000,000 or more to support Bronson.

Margaret Varney Legacy SocietyThe Margaret Varney Legacy Society recognizes individual donors who provide a lasting legacy to advance the mission of Bronson Healthcare at any level. This includes bequests and life income gifts.

Little Help, Big Difference Employee Giving CircleEmployees who give to the annual employee giving campaign at any level are recognized in the Little Help, Big Difference Employee Giving Circle.

2016 Board of Directors

Dennis DeHaan, Chair Community Leader

Von Washington, Jr., Vice Chair Executive Director, The Kalamazoo Promise

Michele Marquardt, Esq., Immediate Past Chair Founding Member, DeMent and Marquardt, P.L.C.

Gary Kushner, Treasurer President and CEO, Kushner & Company

Rick Chambers, Director Owner and President, Rick Chambers & Associates

William DeNooyer, Director President, DeNooyer Chevrolet

Kristine Gibson, MD, Director Assistant Dean for Clinical Applications, WMU Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine

Katharine Werme Hermsen, Director Director of Agent Development, Jaqua Realtors, Inc.

Ben Ipema, Director Managing Director, Level Data

Judy Jolliffe, Director Community Leader

Mahesh Karamchandani, MD, Director Physician, Bronson Center for Colon & Rectal Diseases

Corey La Gro, Director Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.

Carole Harroun Ritcey, Director President, B. L. Harroun & Son, Inc.

Frank J. Sardone President and CEO, Bronson Healthcare

Kenneth L. Taft Executive Vice Present and COO, Bronson Healthcare

Geoffrey A. Wardwell, MD, Director Retired Physician

Joshua T. Weiner, Director CEO, The Meyer C. Weiner Company

Rachel Worgess, Director Community Leader

Staff

Terry Morrow Vice President of Development and Community Health, Bronson Healthcare Executive Director, Bronson Health Foundation

Liz Semaan System Director of Development

Carmen Foljahn Development Coordinator

Theresa Hazard Executive Assistant

Christopher Moffat Major Gifts Officer

Heather Oestrike Major Gifts Officer

About Bronson Health Foundation

Established in 1983, Bronson Health Foundation was created as a means for the generosity and kindness of the community to connect with Bronson Healthcare and support its healing mission.

The healing power of kindness is present in every gift.It is our privilege to pass it on.

301 John St., Box CKalamazoo, MI 49007-9988

(269) 341-8100healthfoundation@bronsonhg.org

bronsonfoundation.com

Health Foundation

SP16

81, 6

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300 North Ave.Battle Creek, MI 49017