When Hope and Spirit Come Alive

Courage comes in many forms. We see much of it at Froedtert, and sometimes the challenges people face are overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. In late August of 2004, we took time to celebrate the spirit and courage of five Froedtert patients at the Hope and Spirit Awards. When the Hope and Spirit Awards campaign was announced in the spring (2004) we received more than one hundred nominations. Every application honored a champion, and selecting only five award-winners was a challenge.

The winners of this year’s awards are not only incredible individuals, but they represent thousands who have faced great difficulties in their personal lives. With the help of the care team at Froedtert, they have overcome unimaginable challenges. We often say that Froedtert is a place “Where Incredible Things Happen. Every Day.” It might be more accurate to say that we are a place where incredible people happen every day. You see, it is our patients, their families and our caregivers who truly overwhelm and awe us with the hope and spirit, determination and passion, courage and endurance they display every single day.

The support we receive from generous friends helps Froedtert make a difference. During the past year gifts to the Friends of Froedtert Hospital Foundation purchased new technology for the Cancer Center. It paid for comprehensive patient information programs and provided free prostate screening to local men. Support for clinical research was received for several specialty areas, and generous gifts helped sustain the spiritual aspects of healing provided by the Chaplaincy Service. We also have achieved national attention through our Six Sigma program, which is focused on reducing medical errors and improving cost effectiveness. Strong business and community support ignited this year’s efforts.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation made its first contributions ever to Palliative Care programs this summer. We were honored to receive a two-year grant, thanks to the superb program established by Dr. David Weissman and the Froedtert team that works with him.

Another area of overwhelming success is the Clinical Fellows initiative. We now have two named fellows, and many others who receive partial support thanks to the generosity of our friends. Clinical Fellowships encourage creativity and achievement. They drive improvements in our ability to understand, diagnose, treat and conquered illnesses and injuries. As an added benefit, they help us recruit the “best and the brightest” minds in the country to Milwaukee and Froedtert Hospital to conduct research and provide patient care. Proceeds from the Hope & Spirit awards bolstered this effort.

There are many areas where more help is needed: the Emergency/Trauma Center — the only Level I Center in the region; the new Froedtert Birth Center; the Stroke Clinic; the Diabetes program; Transplant programs; Organ Donor Awareness; and a variety of educational programs for community members and hospital staff, all need additional help, as do the vital areas noted above. We deeply appreciate all who are recognized in this report for your vision, commitment and friendship. If you are one of the many who have benefited by the gifts of others through the care and services provided at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, please join us in extending our heartfelt appreciation. Your contributions help us make a difference.

Geneva B. Johnson,
Chair of the Board