New Women’s Board Helping To Enhance Pediatric Services
A major component in the Alexian Brothers Hospital Network’s plan for providing Northwest suburban families unsurpassed world-class health care for generations to come are the enhanced pediatric services being offered on the campus of St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates.
St. Alexius Medical Center will centralize and expand the wide range of top quality pediatric services the Alexian Brothers Hospital Network has been providing for some time, offering pediatricians and pediatric specialists state-of-the-art technology in which to practice and signaling to the community the Alexian Brothers’ long-standing commitment to the well-being of its children. With an optimum healing environment, our sub-specialists will have the capability of handling virtually all pediatric cases, including the only Level III nursery/neonatal intensive care unit in the area.
Funding for the Alexian Brothers' enhanced pediatric services is the priority of the first phase of a $100 million dollar capital campaign spearheaded by entrepreneur and businessman Robert H. Lorsch. “This is a great opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and their families in need of exceptional pediatric services,” he says. “I have worked with other leading medical centers around the country, and I see something special here at the Alexian Brothers Hospital Network. By making advanced care for children available close to home, I believe ABHN can be a model for the future of children’s health care, and the moment to create this system of the future is now.”
Pivotal to the ultimate success of this campaign will be the efforts of an energetic new Women’s Board chaired by community leader Connie Jacobs, who has already recruited 40 dynamic and motivated members. Connie has never had to drive any of her three young sons to a hospital outside of the area for health care services. “I feel very thankful for this,” she says, “but I’d like to help others in our community who I know may not be as fortunate.”
According to Jacobs, the Women’s Board has a two-fold purpose – to spread the word about the new pediatric services and to secure the necessary funds to continue these world class services right in our backyards. Four committees will be helping achieve these endeavors.
“Our Community Awareness Committee is spearheading plans to go out into local school PTOs, churches, health clubs and other community groups throughout the Northwest suburbs and raise the awareness about the pediatric services that are right in our own back yards that offers premier care for children and adolescents,” says Jacobs. At the same time, committee members can talk about the many other services the Alexian Brothers Hospital Network already offers that neighbors may not be aware of, including all of the programs designed to help local families stay healthy and happy.
The Women’s Board Fundraising and Event Committees will be working hand-in-hand to raise critical dollars, the former through solicitation of gifts from family, friends, neighbors and coworkers, the latter through a series of fundraising events. The group’s first event, a successful Oktoberfest celebration, was held on September 20 in a large tent on the campus of St. Alexius Medical Center. Future activities may include a benefit concert, a 5K walk/run and a jazz festival.
A Special Initiatives Committee will be forming a Youth Board, composed of children and teens who will help build awareness among their peers and hold youth-oriented fundraising events. The Youth Board will also focus on encouraging young people in the community to volunteer their time and talents. “We feel it’s important to get children involved with helping other children,” Jacobs says.
“It’s very exciting to be able to do something like this for the children and families in our community,” says Jacobs. “All of us on the Women’s Board are so enthusiastic and passionate and we want to spread the word about our world class pediatric services and really get the community involved.”
For more information on the activities of the Women’s Board or to join, please contact Kari Dwyer, Manager, Special Events and Volunteers for the Alexian Brothers Foundation at 847-385-7304.