CARE KITS FOR CAREGIVERS - ALL SAINTS FOUNDATION - Ascension
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ALL SAINTS FOUNDATION
SPRING 2021
HELPING ASSOCIATES
IN NEED
IMPROVING THE
PATIENT EXPERIENCE
CARE KITS FOR
CAREGIVERS
SC JOHNSON GENEROUSLY
SUPPORTS THE HOSPITAL DURING
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
2
Provided with funds from longtime hospital
supporter SC Johnson, a global manufacturer of
household cleaning and professional disinfectant
products, the tents were key in Ascension All Saints’
early response to the outbreak—the hospital’s drive-
through testing site was up and running in three
days. Such fast action was a remarkable achievement,
said Janine Overeem, an administrative director at
Ascension All Saints.
“The tents allowed us to respond quickly to a
desperate need,” Overeem said. “We were able to
respond in a way that kept patients and healthcare
workers safe.”
Along with supporting the hospital’s Mount Pleasant
mobile testing site, SC Johnson provided a tent shelter
for a triage center to evaluate patients at the hospital’s
main campus on Spring Street. Johnson Outdoors also
donated a tent in response to the outbreak.
At the mobile testing site, healthcare workers served
Registered nurse Jessica Thrasher and other frontline Ascension All
Saints caregivers received a personal care package of SC Johnson a steady flow of patients each day. Patients remained in
cleaning and disinfectant products as part of the company’s global their vehicles as workers collected nasal swab samples.
efforts to fight the spread of the coronavirus and its concern for local
Patients then received information packets and follow-
healthcare workers.
up calls with lab results and additional instructions.
After six weeks, testing operations were moved from
Giving tent shelters to mobile trailers.
Deford said SC Johnson’s substantial gift was a
gloBBally,
visible sign of support during an extremely demanding,
stressful time.
“The tent was a large symbol of our incredibly
Acting locally supportive community,” she said. “To know that SC
Johnson acknowledges the importance of healthcare
roles and is willing to support us means a lot to everyone
RACINE’S SC JOHNSON RESPONDS TO in the Ascension family. It’s something we’ll remember.”
PANDEMIC NEEDS NEAR AND FAR
Supporting Its Hometown
As medical assistant Brooke Deford worked at Headquartered in Racine, SC Johnson’s pandemic aid
Ascension All Saints Hospital’s COVID-19 drive- to the area continues to address critical needs beyond
through testing site in March, the spring weather was its the direct medical response.
usual mixed bag of rain showers, sunshine, wind gusts, For food pantries and homeless shelters facing
and chilly temperatures. increased demands, SC Johnson donated funds to
But Deford and her co-workers didn’t have to contend The Salvation Army, Racine Food Pantry, Racine
with inclement weather as they prepared COVID-19 tests County Food Bank, Kingdom Manna Food Pantry,
and processed patient data. Instead, they worked inside a and the Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization
heated tent shelter, protected from the elements. (HALO). The company also provided books, snacks,
and meals to area students.
“The tents really helped us serve the community
better,” Deford said. “They were a huge resource.” Additionally, SC Johnson provides financial
support to Gateway Technical College to strengthen
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training for high-demand, rapid-response jobs such as Police, fire, emergency medical technicians, and
certified nursing assistants, web developers, and CNC other medical personnel working in critical-need areas
(computer numerical control) operators. around the United States received the products, as
These initiatives are part of the did frontline workers in the greater
company’s broader philanthropic Racine area. The company also
mission, and stem from a deep
"To know that SC partnered with the Racine Unified
commitment to give back to the Johnson acknowledges School District to distribute the care
community as well as a great sense of the importance of packages to local families in need. At
responsibility to respond during times healthcare roles and Ascension All Saints, care packages
of crisis, company representatives said. were given to caregivers working
is willing to support us in the COVID-19 units and to
“Everyone in our SC Johnson family
is committed to supporting those on the
means a lot to everyone COVID-19 patients at discharge.
front lines of this pandemic and the most in the Ascension family. For registered nurse Jessica
vulnerable in our communities,” said It’s something we’ll Thrasher, the gift came at just the
Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC remember." right time—during the first wave of
Johnson. “From medical professionals the pandemic when cleaning products
Medical assistant Brooke Deford in stores were frequently sold out or
and first responders to school children, we
hope this commitment will help provide available in limited supply. Thrasher
some relief.” didn’t have time to make her own
cleaning products or to search for cleaning supplies at
Global Response Efforts area stores, she said.
As the pandemic grows, SC Johnson continues to “It was very kind of SC Johnson to think of us on
evaluate ways it can help in its own backyard and the front lines because we all do work very hard,” she
around the globe. To date, the company has donated said. “I’m definitely using all of the products, as I enjoy
$15 million in financial assistance and product deep cleaning my house—it’s kind of stress a reliever.”
donations to organizations and projects to support
public health, frontline workers, humanitarian relief
efforts, and educational programs.
For instance, its contribution to the Emergency
Response Fund at the CDC Foundation (an
independent nonprofit that supports the work of the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) supports
stronger public health infrastructures and responses,
while its donation to Save the Children helps students
worldwide cope with the ongoing pandemic. SC
Johnson has also established partnerships across
Europe, Asia, and Latin America that provide resources
to vulnerable communities and families in urgent need.
Caring for Frontline Workers
In the pandemic’s first months, SC Johnson’s
philanthropic efforts extended literally into the hands
of healthcare workers and first responders across the
country. Partnering with the CDC Foundation, SC
Johnson donated 80,000 care packages filled with the
company’s cleaning and disinfectant products, such as SC Johnson has donated $15 million to organizations and projects
hand sanitizer, all-purpose cleaner, and soap products. close to home and around the world to help alleviate the impact of
the pandemic.
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But that all changed in March of 2020 when
COVID-19 swept the country. The Immediate
Care Clinic suddenly saw a significant decrease in
patients seeking care. Corrigan subsequently lost her
evening shifts. With the loss of those overtime hours,
Corrigan, a single mom, struggled to pay her rent and
other bills. She wondered how she was going to pay for
groceries. She worried about falling further behind on
her electric bill.
“It was scary,” Corrigan recalled. “Not knowing
how you are going to feed your child or pay your
bills is not a good thing. It’s not good for your mental
situation. It definitely makes you nervous, anxious and
panicky.”
"It made a huge difference…
It’s nice to know that the
organization you work for cares."
Medical assistant Amy Corrigan
Hope arrived in June, when she heard about the
Associate Hardship Fund, offered through Ascension’s
foundations. Thanks to an outpouring of community
support, the fund helped associates struggling with
financial hardships resulting from the pandemic.
The Associate Hardship Fund paid one month of Amy Corrigan’s rent
when her hours were reduced because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Expenses such as rent, utilities and grocery bills could
be covered by the fund. For Corrigan, help came in the
form of a July rent payment.
Aiding “It’s great Ascension was able to help employees
who were in need. It made a huge difference for me
and for others,” she said. “It’s nice to know that the
Associates organization you work for cares.”
The fund’s purpose spoke to the heart of
Ascension’s mission of serving all people—in this case,
DURING THE PANDEMIC, THE the associates themselves.
ASSOCIATE HARDSHIP FUND “It’s incredibly important that we support our
associates during this time of emergency,” said Devon
HELPED STAFF IN NEED
Borst, Director of Philanthropy at Ascension All Saints
Hospital Foundation.
Amy Corrigan is no stranger to working long hours. For
more than 15 years, she’s worked two to three jobs to “They are on the front lines, delivering the kind of
make ends meet and to provide for her son. care we all want for our loved ones. If we can respond
in kind, we should. It’s simply the right thing to do.”
On most work days, Corrigan finishes her eight-
hour shift as a medical assistant in the Ascension All For associates who struggled with lost income
Saints Orthopedics Surgery Department, then works an as Corrigan had, or increased bills from child care
additional three hours at the hospital’s Immediate Care or elder care, the fund provided much-needed relief
Clinic. during an already stressful time.
“I really appreciate the help we received,” Corrigan
said. “It definitely made an impact.”
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Taking a Pause
SIDELINED BY THE PANDEMIC,
VOLUNTEERS REFLECT ON THEIR
EXPERIENCES
When Rolene Gaede retired from her job as a grocery
store baker in 2009, she wanted to keep her active lifestyle.
Her daughter-in-law, who works at the hospital, offered a
helpful solution—become a hospital volunteer.
Gaede took the advice and was soon filing patient
charts, ringing up sales at fundraisers, and assisting with
Volunteer Rolene Gaede Volunteer Marilyn Kulig
mass mailings. The varied work and flexible schedule was
just what Gaede wanted.
“It got me out of the house, and I met lots of people,”
she said. “Otherwise, I would have been sitting at home all who participated, three were women. Posters, balloons,
the time.” patriotic music, and family members greeting their return
highlighted the day-long event. Both women rank the
Making Memories experience as one of the best of their lives, after the birth of
With the volunteer program on hold because of the their children and grandchildren.
pandemic, the 73-year-old has had extra time to reflect on “It was wonderful to be recognized for our service,”
her experiences at the hospital. Her first volunteer shift was Kulig said. “We were in awe the entire day.”
particularly special, she said, because it involved working
side-by-side with her grandson, who served as a volunteen A Patient’s Perspective
(teenage volunteer). Gaede’s volunteering also introduced In 2018, Gaede expanded her volunteer role by becoming
her to the inner workings of the foundation office, where a greeter in the hospital’s Cardiovascular Institute. Two
she frequently stuffed envelopes during busy fundraising years earlier, she had suffered a heart attack after rationing
campaigns. her prescription medication to save money. She received
“I don’t think I’ve had that much fun anywhere else,” care at All Saints, where she underwent open-heart surgery.
she said. As a former cardiac patient, Gaede was uniquely suited to
Gaede logged more than 2,000 hours in 11 years, welcome cardiac patients and their families as they arrived
and found volunteering so fulfilling that she recruited her for appointments and procedures. She put their minds at
longtime friend Marilyn Kulig to join the ranks. It proved ease, she said, by offering reassuring words from a patient’s
a good fit for Kulig, a self-described people person. point of view.
“Volunteering puts you in a position where you’re “I let them know they’re receiving the best care and
going to meet different people, and I find that exciting,” that the doctors here are wonderful,” she said. “Patients
Kulig said. were encouraged by my story, and it seemed to relax them.”
A Commitment to Serve Looking Ahead
Gaede and Kulig’s commitment to serving others extends Gaede and Kulig are eager to return to their volunteer roles
well beyond the hospital. Both women are veterans— after the pandemic, and they encourage others to share
they served together in the army for three years in clerk/ their time and talents in the same way.
typist positions. As such, they share an appreciation of “Once people get their feet wet, they’ll be surprised
the hospital’s care of area veterans. Veterans who need how enjoyable volunteering is,” Kulig said.
emergency care routinely receive it at Ascension All Saints As of February 2021, the hospital’s volunteer program
Hospital. remains on hold because of the pandemic, and is not accepting
In October 2019, Gaede and Kulig participated in new volunteer applications. The volunteer program looks
the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight—an all-expenses-paid forward to returning in full force later in 2021. For more
trip to Washington, D.C. to visit memorials and receive information, please contact Cindy Clemens, Director of
thanks for their military service. Of the 277 veterans Volunteer and Guest Services, at 262-687-8083.
5
The program allows associates to share their ideas
while knowing a funding source is in place that can
make those ideas a reality, Weyers said.
“That in and of itself can improve an associate’s own
experience,” she said.
A six-member committee reviews grant applications
monthly, which allows for prompt funding of approved
projects—a significant benefit for projects that might
otherwise have to wait several months for consideration
in the next departmental fiscal-year budget, according to
grant committee member Melissa Norin.
“This gives associates an avenue to bridge that gap,”
she said.
The innovative program also flips conventional
financial decision-making on its head by involving
associates instead of department leaders, Norin said.
“We’re engaging and challenging associates to look
at the work they do in a different way, and giving them
ownership and power to make some changes,” she said.
A wide array of projects have already received
funding, including educational materials for the
Behavioral Health Department, stress balls and lapel pins
Suzanne Batcher, lead radiation therapist in radiation oncology, prepares
for community outreach education for stroke awareness,
a thermoplastic mask using a rapid-heat oven funded by the foundation. and a blanket warmer to provide warm blankets for
patients receiving care in the Emergency Department.
A pediatric vision screening device for early diagnosis
Ideas and
of vision impairments and an aerobic exercise machine
designed for patients with mobility limitations have also
received funding.
Action Sit-to-Stand Transfer Aid
Recent funded projects include a sit-to-stand transfer aid
that provides safety, support, and stability for patients
ASSOCIATES IMPROVE ON PATIENT in the Intensive Care Unit. Long periods of bedrest can
CARE THROUGH NEW FOUNDATION cause muscle weakness, making it difficult for patients
PROGRAM to safely and easily get out of bed. Transferring to a
standing position can be challenging for patients as well
From blanket warmers to wheelchair equipment, a as the caregivers who assist them.
range of improvements in patient care have come about Only one caregiver is needed to use the transfer aid
through a program seeking—and funding—ideas from device. The easy-to-use equipment allows patients to feel
associates. more secure and less fearful of falling, while allowing
The foundation’s Patient-Associate Experience grant them to take a safe, active role in the transfer process.
program is a way for improvements to be made across the Patients can also use the transfer aid during therapy
hospital’s departments and clinics by funding project ideas sessions, according to physical therapist Ellen Guerin,
submitted by associates. Though geared toward patients who spearheaded the grant request.
and associates, the vast majority of applications thus
far focus on making life easier for patients, said Debbie Rapid-Heat Oven
Weyers, a grant committee member. A rapid-heat oven purchased through the grant program
“That really says a lot about our employees, and it truly has made a significant impact on patient comfort and
speaks to the heart of Ascension All Saints,” she said. care in radiation oncology. The oven efficiently prepares
6
thermoplastic masks for patients who receive radiation
therapy to their head, neck, or brain. The masks keep
patients still so they remain in the proper position, "We’re engaging and challenging
which ensures that the radiation beam targets the
intended area and bypasses healthy tissue. associates to look at the work
Masks are safely heated in the oven, becoming soft they do in a different way, and
and stretchy, and then are molded to perfectly fit each
patient. The mask hardens and is used throughout a giving them ownership and
patient's course of treatment. Masks were previously power to make some changes."
heated in a water bath, which was a time-consuming
and labor-intensive process, according to lead radiation Melissa Norin, Cancer Care Center manager
therapist Suzanne Batcher. The oven’s dry-heat
technology saves significant time by heating masks
much more quickly. It also heats masks more evenly
and to a lower temperature that’s more comfortable for
patients’ skin. Additionally, the oven is self-sanitizing individual’s needs, said physical therapist Megan Kramp.
and easier to maintain. Kramp and her colleagues saw this as an opportunity
The result is a win-win for patients and associates, to increase patient comfort and safety with specialized
Batcher said. wheelchair equipment. The answer—contoured back
“We’re all very pleased with the benefits of this new supports that can be adjusted for each patient’s needs as
equipment,” she said. “Now we can schedule and treat they work on their recovery.
additional patients in a very prompt manner.” Funded by the Patient-Associate Experience grant
program, the equipment has provided numerous benefits,
Specialized Wheelchair Equipment Kramp said. The back supports promote optimal posture
The patients who receive care in the hospital’s inpatient and help decrease the risk of falls for patients who slouch
rehabilitation unit have specific and complex needs or lack muscle strength, for instance.
all their own. Some are survivors of strokes or other Staff have appreciated the extra safety and support the
neurologic illnesses. Many rely on wheelchairs—often equipment provides, and they value the chance to voice
for up to 12 hours a day—for recovery, transport to the their ideas for improvements.
therapy gym, and for general movement throughout their “Working on the floor, we’re able to see the needs
extended stay. The wheelchairs are reliable, but because firsthand,” Kramp said. “So this was a great opportunity to
they’re basic models, they don’t offer adjustments for an take the next step.”
Attention Associates!
Do you have an idea to
improve the patient or
associate experience?
Scan below to access the
grant application.
7
Creating and donating handmade blankets is a tangible way for Glenna Kisner to honor the exceptional care her four great-grandchildren received in the
hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Photo by Mark Albertini.
Cozy
in Wilmot. The group creates and donates simple,
handmade blankets for adults and children who find
themselves in need of a blanket’s most popular benefits:
Donations warmth and security.
The outreach project aims to comfort people in
stressful situations and give them something to call
BLANKET PROJECT BRINGS WARMTH their own, said Pastor Judith Wang.
AND COMFORT TO HOSPITAL’S “Blankets are practical, and we believe they provide
YOUNGEST PATIENTS a little bit of hope, too,” she said.
The group meets twice a month for “blanket bees,”
The hospital’s youngest patients are getting some where numerous participants knit, crochet, tie, quilt,
extra warmth and coziness through the generosity of a and decorate blankets. Participants who are unable to
blanket-making project at two area churches. join the group still create blankets at home.
Angels’ Blankets for the Community (The ABC In less than seven years, the two small congregations
Project) is a joint effort from the United Church of have made a big impact, creating more than 1,000
Christ in Twin Lakes and the United Methodist Church blankets in their effort to help people feel safe, secure
8and cared for, Wang said. The blankets are donated Receiving a handmade blanket, she added, made
to various organizations including a women’s shelter, a her smile during a challenging time.
homeless shelter, and the neonatal intensive care unit “It’ll definitely be a keepsake for us,” James said. “It
(NICU) at Ascension All Saints Hospital. will remind us of the caring nurses and also of the story
behind these special blankets.”
Honoring Exceptional Care
The project is especially meaningful for Glenna Kisner, Team Effort
who helped organize the initiative. Kisner is a big The time, care, and effort each blanket-maker gives
reason why bags of blankets make their to the project helps make it a widespread
way to the hospital every year—a history- "Blankets are success, Glenna Kisner said. The group
making set of quadruplets born at All plans to continue its donation efforts far
practical, and
Saints in 2013 are her great-grandchildren. into the future to make a positive impact in
“I have a special spot in my heart for
we believe they area communities.
All Saints,” she said. “The babies received provide a little bit “It warms my heart,” she said, “to know
outstanding care there.” of hope, too." that someone out there who was in such
The blankets serve as big, fluffy thank- Pastor Judith Wang need of love and care, not only has a blanket
yous to the large team of nurses, physicians, to keep them warm, but knows there are
and assistants who cared for the quads people who care and are thinking of them.”
born to parents Charity McCulloch and Michael
Kisner. The quadruplets were conceived naturally, an
incredibly rare occurrence. More than 20 nurses and
physicians worked in the operating room to assist with
the babies’ premature birth. Dr. Gregory Pae delivered
the babies, and Dr. Nagendram Paidisetty and Dr.
Duane Stich were among the care providers during the
babies’ long stay in the NICU. A dedicated team of
nurses provided round-the-clock care.
McCulloch and Kisner said the care the babies
received was exceptional.
“Our experience in the NICU was amazing,”
Michael Kisner said. “The staff aimed to have the same
nurses care for the boys. That consistency made the
process a lot easier.”
The blanket project began here, with Glenna
Kisner making each baby his own blanket, which the
family still treasures, McCullouch said.
“A blanket can be a little piece of comfort during
an uncertain time,” she said. “I think it’s important
for other families to have these handmade blankets as
reminder of their special memories in the hospital.”
Spreading Joy
The project’s mission of providing comfort, joy, and a
sense of security reached mother Tiara James during
her son’s brief stay in the NICU. Born at 34 weeks, five
days and weighing 4 pounds, 3.1 ounces, the newborn A donated handmade blanket serves a thoughtful memento for Tiara
James and her son, Prince. Photo by Nancy Kinkade.
needed to gain weight before going home, James said.
9A Cool
hours. Then the body is slowly rewarmed to a normal
temperature over several hours.
The new equipment replaces older models used in
Investment
the ER and the Intensive Care Unit. It offers greater
precision and ease in achieving, maintaining, and
monitoring the desired body temperature, according
to Emergency Medicine Director Dr. Beth Griffin.
NEW TEMP-LOWERING TECH
“It’s truly saving lives,” Griffin said. “And it’s
SAVES LIVES helping patients regain as much function as possible.”
Griffin said the new equipment is an important
New body temperature-lowering equipment in the resource for the busy and efficient ER, which cares for
hospital’s emergency room is the latest example of how more than 60,000 patients each year and posts some
donating to the foundation not only improves lives, but of the best metrics in the country. Its “door to Doc”
saves them. time—the median wait time before patients are seen
Used on unconscious cardiac arrest patients after by a healthcare provider—is now just 12 minutes.
resuscitation, the Arctic Sun temperature management That top level of care is what patients deserve and
system lowers core body temperature to a range that can expect when visiting the ER, says Griffin, who is
promotes healing. This therapeutic approach helps organs among the clinicians leading the hospital’s pandemic
heal and aims to protect the brain to reduce permanent response.
brain damage.
“We remain focused on safety,” she said. “Patients
The innovative cooling device is noninvasive— can feel confident accessing our emergency care. We
chilled water is circulated throughout cooling pads that have great practices in place and our facilities are very
are placed directly on a patient’s skin to rapidly lower safe.”
core body temperature. Patients are cooled for 12 to 24
Dr. Jessica Rezmer uses the new Arctic Sun
temperature management system funded by
the foundation.
10FOUNDATION BOARD
Devon Borst Rebecca Mason
Torben Christensen Kristin McManmon,
Dr. Paul Durbin President
Jennifer Eastman, Chairperson Dimple Navratil
Eugene Gasiorkiewicz Debbie Petersen,
Matt Horton Vice Chairperson
Jean Kumosz Dr. Daniel Ross
Shelly Kuroski Austin Schultz
Jim Ladwig Cory Sebastian
Dr. Janice Litza Dr. Brian Zafonte
Tom Marini, Treasurer
gifts of STAFF
Devon Borst, Director of Philanthropy
gratitude
Amanda Meier, Philanthropy Coordinator
Katie Matteson, Philanthropy Development Specialist
Carolyn Hutchinson, Philanthropy Assistant
MISSION
DR. JOHN AND AMY BRENNAN
The mission of All Saints Foundation is to actively
When COVID-19 hit the Racine area, Dr. John Brennan build and sustain philanthropic support for the
saw associates across the hospital rise to the challenge— advancement of healthcare in the community.
working tirelessly to keep patients and the community
safe. MAKE A GIFT TODAY
“I’m inspired by the nurses in the COVID units,” said
Dr. Brennan, who provides kidney care at Ascension All Use the attached envelope to give via check
Saints. “I don’t know if people realize how hard everyone or credit card. Thank you!
has worked this entire time. You have to see it firsthand. Make your gift online at
It’s very impressive.” http://ascension.org/giveAllSaints
When Dr. Brennan and his wife, Amy, learned of the Call us at 262-687-8652 to learn more
Associate Hardship Fund and its goal of helping associates about giving opportunities.
in need during the pandemic, they chose to support it. Scan this code with your smartphone:
The new fund is one of many these longtime
benefactors of the foundation have supported during the
24 years Dr. Brennan has worked at the hospital. From the
Cancer Center’s Hope Fund to the hospital’s endowment
fund to the foundation’s annual Kentucky Derby Gala,
the Brennans have generously given. They are motivated,
they said, by the generosity and dedication of others.
“I have a lot of gratitude toward the hospital and its
clinics,” Dr. Brennan said. “I wholeheartedly support the
mission, and I’ve always enjoyed working with the people
here. The staff is great.” Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare
All Saints Foundation
“It’s a wonderful organization to be a part of, and 3805-B Spring Street, Suite 220
we’re proud to support it.” Racine, WI 53405
262-687-8654
Photos by Mark Albertini.
11Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare
All Saints Foundation
3805-B Spring Street, Suite 220
Racine, WI 53405
Ann Wendorf, Nurse Practitioner Brandon Hunter, Supply Chain Nicole White, Nurse
Supporting
our healthcare
workers
Throughout the COVID-19 emergency,
frontline caregivers at Ascension All
Saints Hospital continue to answer
the call to serve. Along with dedicated
workers behind the scenes, our caregivers
continue to work day and night to keep
our community safe and well. To all
healthcare workers who are called to
Adonnis Wohlers, Environmental Services serve, we thank you. Dr. Farooq Ghouri
Melissa Fisher,
Dr. Reeja John Director of Operations, Incident Command Jenny Workman, NurseYou can also read
