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Meriter Foundation
Faces of Philanthropy

Every day you see the faces of philanthropy in action at Meriter. Not only do these actions reinforce Meriter's commitment to an exceptional patient experience, they also inspire others inside and outside the organization to give.

There are many inspirational ways people help make great things happen. Each of these Works of Wonder tells a unique story about how Meriter touched that person's life.

We hope you enjoy meeting a few of the people who have helped to make a difference at Meriter. If you are inspired to help make a difference in our community, please visit our Making a Gift section.

Proud of the Care We Provide - Agnes Conduah

A native of Ghana, Agnes Conduah began her Meriter career working near the infants and families in our Birthing Center, where she loved being around the “little babies.” Her desire to help others moved Agnes to provide a gift to Meriter Foundation for its Newborn Intensive Care Unit and Unrestricted Funds.

Her giving will continue after she retires. That’s because Agnes has asked her sons to make sure they continue sending an annual gift to Meriter Foundation.

Inspiration: "I am so proud of the care that we provide at Meriter. When I come to work each day, a feeling of happiness comes over me."

Agnes Conduah, Meriter Environmental Services Employee since 1998

Funding Camaraderie and Lectures For 23 Years - The Family, Friends, Patients, and Colleagues of Dr. Alex Iams

Alexander M. Iams, MD, was one of the earliest board-certified pediatricians to practice in Madison. Upon his passing in 1984, family, colleagues and friends established the Alexander M. Iams Lectureship on Pediatric Practice Memorial Fund through Meriter Foundation. The series continues to attract attendees from the Madison-area pediatric community, family practitioners, internists, nursing staff and public health professionals.

Dr. Iams' son Jay, a physician in Ohio, fondly recalls going on rounds with his father: "We always started at Madison General, and then stopped at the other area hospitals. He cherished his relationships with colleagues at each of these institutions."

Inspiration: "The lecture series has fulfilled our family's wishes for a fitting tribute to my dad - supporting medical education and promoting camaraderie among the pediatric community," says Dr. Jay Iams. "Our family was touched by the warmth of the Madison medical community and we decided to create an annual lecture aimed at bringing community and academic pediatricians together."

It Is So Much Fun to Give - Dr. A.D. and Phyllis Anderson

The Andersons' desire to support Meriter's mission and community programs has led them to donate to a variety of Meriter causes, among them Patient and Resident Care funds, the Terri and Carla Potter Fund for Nursing Excellence and the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry program.

"We give to organizations that have touched our lives."

Inspiration: "We have had a wonderful life and have been fortunate in so many ways. We feel we ought to share what we have and enjoy seeing the impact of our gifts. When you see how much a gift is appreciated, it is like Christmas morning."

Dr. Anderson was Chief of Staff at Madison General and a member of Meriter Foundation Board of Directors when Madison General and Methodist Hospitals merged.

She Found a Special Way to Share in Success - Kathleen Cox

Meriter provides financial recognition to employees, through a program called Sharing in Success, for helping the hospital achieve established goals in areas such as customer satisfaction and patient safety.

Kathleen Cox was not expecting the "Sharing" financial reward when it first appeared on her paycheck, but was grateful to receive it. She turned around did some sharing of her own - donating the reward to Meriter's new Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a program that became near and dear to her after she heard, first-hand, of the struggles that families face during that trying time.

Inspiration: "It's important to give back when you can, because you never know when you may be the person who needs help. My children and I always support our community; we love to volunteer any way we can to make this a better place for everyone."

Kathleen Cox, Meriter Food and Nutrition Department employee since 2000

Patient Thankful for Excellent Care - Steve Herschleb

Steve suffered a heart attack in 2003 while exercising on the UW campus. He's here today thanks to Johnny-on-the-spot assistance provided by first responders and the skilled care and treatment he received from Meriter ER and cardiovascular physicians and staff.

"I remember how helpless I felt and how grateful I was for the care given to me. I wanted to help others who depend on the many vital community service programs that the Meriter Foundation funds." Steve contacted the foundation and his attorney to find how he could leave a legacy gift through his IRA account.

Inspiration: "My heart attack motivated me to get things in order. I was so grateful to have an opportunity to give back to Meriter for the care I received. It's nice to know that my gift can have an impact our community for many years to come."

Steve Herschleb, Grateful Patient

Gazebo Creates Wonderful Outdoor Space and is an Apt Remembrance - Heusinger Family

Psychiatric problems are the leading cause of hospitalization for children in Wisconsin and the second leading cause of death for those ages 15 to 24. Meriter's Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital serves as a safety net at such crisis points for more than 450 patients each year.

While most patients improve their mental health, it's not always the case.

Steven Heusinger was diagnosed with severe clinical depression in 2000, and subsequently cared for at Meriter's Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital. His family called the hospital a "godsend" and treasured the extra time they "received" with Steven and the bonds they formed with people such as Michael Witkovsky, MD, and the rest of the caring staff.

Steven's suicide in August 2005 left a significant void in their lives, yet the Heusinger family was so appreciative of the Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital's efforts that they asked that people consider memorial gifts to the hospital's program and services fund.

The generosity of people who knew Steven and his family led to the construction of a gazebo in the summer of 2006 at the hospital. It's a place where families can enjoy fresh air and sunshine with their children - something that was especially important to Steven, who looked forward to his outside visits with Westley, his very special dog.

Giving to a Need That Doesn't Get a Lot of Attention - Marilyn Holt-Smith

Marilyn Holt-Smith, of Holt-Smith & Yates Advisors, is a strong advocate for the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program and serves on the SANE advisory board.

Making a Difference
Marilyn's most recent gift led to the purchase of forensic equipment used by SANE staff, which is based in Meriter's Emergency Services Department. The SANE program is available 24/7 to provide crucial services to sexual assault survivors. Her past gifts have helped fund seminars and specialized training, as well as many items used by SANE registered nurses in their day-to-day care.

Inspiration
"Meriter has done much to ensure SANE's ongoing existence in this community, but it must divide its staff, dollars and attention among many community programs and services. I am pleased to be in a situation where I can specifically help SANE. I believe we must make sure these very special nurses have the appropriate training and tools needed to do their job as effectively as possible."

Proud To Be Employees and Donors - 7 Employee Donors

Judy Gehin Casler, Todd McChesney, Barb Peterson and Karen Raymond, Judy (Meriter Laboratories), Todd (Biomedical Services), Barb (Meriter Health Center) and Karen (Patient Business Service), combined, have served the community at Meriter for nearly 100 years.

Making a Difference
These employees have been long-time supporters of Meriter, giving small gifts through payroll deduction each pay period. Together they have made nearly 2,000 gifts over the years, and the impact of this giving has enhanced the quality of life and care at Meriter. They are part of the record number of Meriter employee donors achieved in 2006.

Inspiration
"I think it's important that employees help however they can…even small contributions can help."
Judy

"I find being a part of the Meriter organization a blessing, and I think that our giving brings hope to others."
Todd

"I am proud to work here and want to show whatever support I can."
Barb

"I know that Meriter has worthy causes I just have to share in."
Karen

               (From Left) Barb Peterson,
                Karen Raymond, Todd
                McChesney, and Judy Casler

Supporting Meriter's Mission - Joan and Dale Burke

Joan is President of First Business Trust and Investments. A lifelong Madisonian, she currently chairs the Meriter Foundation Board of Directors.

Making a Difference
Joan and Dale offer unrestricted gifts to Meriter Foundation, which means their giving supports areas of greatest need in the organization.

Inspiration
"Since being asked to serve on the Meriter Foundation board, I have had an opportunity to see how a really good community hospital works.

The 'teach' and 'serve' aspects of the Meriter mission will open up many exciting areas — we know that Meriter is making a difference. We are at a place where we can share some of the fruits of our labor, and want to support the good work being done here."

You Saved Our Son's Life - The "Jones" Family

The "Jones" family (not their real name - family requested anonymity) has three children born at Meriter. Their son was treated at NewStart, Meriter's comprehensive chemical dependency rehabilitation program.

Making a Difference
The Jones family gift will help families in need who do not have the financial resources necessary to access some of the programs available through Meriter's NewStart.

Inspiration
"The drug scene in Madison is scary - there are a lot of good kids being affected by it. We brought our son to Meriter to see Dr. Mike Miller…it was a night-and-day difference from our previous counseling. Mike zeroed in on the problem with a bull's-eye within 20 minutes. If people don't help others, how will our society ever get out of this mess?"

This Lecture Series Is More Than Skin Deep - Hubert Moss, MD

Dr. Moss is a dermatologist who was associated with Meriter for 31 years through his practice with Jackson Clinic, Physicians Plus and UW Health.

Making a Difference
The Dr. Hubert and Mary Moss Dermatology Lectureship brings experts to Meriter to address topics such as "Pediatric Dermatology" or "Lessons from Genodermatoses." Dr. Moss created an endowment fund at Meriter Foundation upon his retirement to continue this valuable annual conference.

Inspiration
"I started this out more than 15 years ago because I wanted to do something that reflects my lifelong commitment to continuing medical education in this community. I feel that the visiting lectureship is valued by dermatologists, other physicians and medical students from this region. I've enjoyed having an opportunity to give back to an area of medicine that is so important to me."

Helping Tireless Advocates Fulfill An Important Need - Karen Larson, RN

Karen Larson, RN, is an Assistant Nurse Manager with Meriter's Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital.

Making a Difference
Karen's gift supports the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital's service to children and families from our community who need this important care.

Inspiration
"This special hospital provides care for one of society's most underserved and sometimes invisible populations. I feel fortunate to be part of Meriter's Child and Adolescent Psychiatry team, and I admire and respect the work done by our team to be advocates and caregivers for these important children."

Giving Makes Them Smile - Jeanne and Joe Silverberg

Jeanne, who began volunteering at Meriter in 1978, has served on the Meriter Retirement Services Board and is actively involved in Friends of Meriter and the Gift Shop.

Making a Difference
Jeanne and Joe give to many organizations, with Meriter one of their top charities. They support Meriter Hospital and are members of Meriter Foundation's Legacy Society, having included Meriter in their estate plans.

Inspiration
"Meriter does a phenomenal job of identifying and meeting the needs of our community. It is very rewarding to invest our gifts in significant programs and see the great things that are accomplished. The emotional reward of giving inspires us. No one can tell you what 'giving' brings to your life; you must experience it yourself. We believe that the most special gift you give can turn out to be the one you think you can't possibly make."

A Legacy of Giving to Meriter - The Westervelts

Bob chaired the former Meriter Retirement Services board, and was co-chair for its Grow Among Friends campaign. Lu is a Madison General Hospital School of Nursing graduate.

Making a Difference
The Westervelts are Meriter Foundation Legacy Society Members, having included Meriter in their estate plans. They contributed generously to the Grow Among Friends campaign which helped realize Meriter Retirement Community's dream to become an environment with a focus on health and well-being for older adults.

Inspiration
"Madison has been very good to us and we are pleased to be able to give back to this wonderful community. We are inspired by the dedicated people who work at Meriter helping people of all ages with their health and wellness. We plan to continue our support for this outstanding organization."

Nursing Gets Alumnae Support - Wilna Tygum

Wilna Tygum "Back in the day," many hospitals had their deep roots in Madison: her husband Eldred "Al" Tygum was a long-time vice president at Rennebohm's Drug Stores before they were acquired by Walgreen's in 1980.

Now living in Arizona, Wilna is a perfect example of the thousands of hospital-based nursing school graduates whose influence is felt today in the caring legacy they established.

Physicians' Committee for the NICU Campaign Exceeds Fundraising Goal - Dan Arndt, MD

Meriter Radiologist Dan Arndt, MD was recruited to head the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Campaign Physicians Division by Meriter Foundation board member Rich Lepping.

Although Dr. Arndt had no previous fundraising experience, he felt this was something he could do to "give back to Meriter" for the care his family has received here. He asked colleagues to join him on the committee, and together they obtained gifts from various University of Wisconsin medical departments and individual physicians. Through their efforts, they were able to exceed their original goal.

Dr. Arndt believes that the new NICU makes a world of difference to both families and staff members. He adds, "If you have good physicians, you want them to be able to work in a good environment."

8/17/2009

Meriter Foundation Faces of Philanthropy