Couple's Gift Provides Momentum for Change
John and Kay Polzin have been long-time supporters of Bronson, and in particular, the wonderful care provided by the Children's Hospital. Recently, they approached the Bronson Health Foundation with an idea to help improve the pediatric patient and family experience.
“We just felt like there was an opportunity to demonstrate our appreciation to Bronson for continuing to provide our community with such an important asset. And at the same time, we felt strongly about trying to provide some additional healing comforts for hospitalized children and their families while they’re away from home.”
The Polzins, in partnership with the Bronson Health Foundation, launched the “Restful Rooms’” campaign during the summer of 2012, and asked the community to join their efforts. Through John and Kay’s generosity, and that of 33 individuals and organizations from around southwest Michigan, more than $113,000 was raised for the project.
Gifts to the campaign helped to purchase comfortable sleeper sofas for family members spending the night with pediatric patients, new modern televisions, and the commission of whimsical wall paintings aimed to soothe and enchant children undergoing medical procedures.
Just before the new year all 36 general pediatric patient rooms and an additional 8 pediatric intensive care units underwent their dramatic improvements. The Bronson Health Foundation, on behalf of countless children and families that will benefit from their generosity, thanks the Polzins and other individuals and families who stepped forward to partner in Bronson’s commitment to pediatric care.
The Bronson Health Foundation thanks all of generous organizations and donors who stepped forward to make this campaign a success!
A big thank you to our Restful Room Sponsors:
Asthma Allergy Center of S.W. Michigan
Grace and John T. Harrington Foundation
Barbara and Jerry James
Judy Jolliffe in honor of Robert Doud
Dr. Allan and Rita La Reau in memory of Gretchen La Reau
Carl and Winifred Lee
Martha Parfet in memory of Uriah Upjohn 1808-1896
Frank Sardone and Susan Fall
John and Jan Shedd in honor of Dyce, Dylan, Avery, Ashley, & Trevor Shedd
Employees of Kushner and Company
Additional thanks to our Restful Room Supporters:
Dr. Matt Ciesielski and Dr. Kellie Sweet Ciesielski
Dr. James and Carol Carter
Robert and Mary Doud
Dr. Martin and Tacie Draznin
First National Bank of Michigan
James and Sally Gunderson
John and Linda Hayden
Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Shashichand Kapoor in memory of Kushalia and Fatehchand Kapoor
Dr. Mahesh and Shoshan Karamchandani in memory of Julie Karamchandani
Lake Michigan Credit Union
Dr. Bill Mayer and Anne Fainsinger
John and Margaret Merrion
Michael and Jennifer Odar
Sue Birch Reinoehl
Ken and Susan Taft
John and Linda VanDyke
Jeff and Susan Watts
Central Tile & Terrazzo Co.
Dr. Joseph and Cheryl Riethman
