Peter received an award at a ballroom dancing competition in 2019. Jeannine Cleary and Frank ten Brink have three children. Peter, who’s now 29, has Down syndrome. “Peter has always been aware he has Down syndrome, which wasn’t a problem until he reached adolescence,” shared his mother, Jeannine Cleary. “Around…...
Making the Rounds
Welcome to Making the Rounds, Advocate Charitable Foundation’s blog focused on how philanthropy makes a difference across Advocate for our patients and their grateful families, our physicians and caregivers, hospitals and communities - and the donors themselves. Here you will also find news and stories of gifts at work made possible by the generous support of our donors and partners.
If you are a patient, donor or partner who would like to share your story to be possibly featured on our blog, please email us at giving@aah.org.
Fighting back from a 1% chance of survival
Breanna at graduation, one month before her accident At first, Victoria Kozlowski didn’t realize how seriously her 17-year-old daughter, Breanna, had been injured. It was July 1, 2020, and her daughter’s friend had called while she was on her way home from work. “Mrs. K., where are you? Breanna fell…...
Preserving a legacy of caring for those in need
Carmenia (left) received financial assistance through the Antoinette’s Kids Fund while her daughter, Olivia (right), was hospitalized. “I wasn’t expecting to be offered financial assistance, but it truly was a godsend.” Carmenia is a single mother supporting herself and her daughter, Olivia, who has special needs. When Olivia was admitted…...
Small acts of kindness bring big smiles
Team members were grateful to receive blessing bags from Lakeland Community Church. Over the last year, communities have rallied around frontline health care heroes across the country and close to home. In cities and towns close to Aurora Lakeland Medical Center, people and local businesses have shown their appreciation in…...
Making the end of chemotherapy special during a pandemic
Angela recently celebrated the end of her two-and-a-half-year cancer journey. The celebration was virtual and included her family in Mexico. The end of chemotherapy can be a very exciting milestone, especially for children. Angela, who’s 8 years old, was diagnosed with leukemia in September 2019. She endured chemotherapy for two…...
Each individual adds beauty to the whole: Chomedy’s story
Chomedy Recently, Advocate Medical Group’s Adult Down Syndrome Center launched a $5.5 million fundraising campaign: At the Center of it all. As part of our campaign, we’re sharing stories of patients who directly benefit from the generosity of donors like you. This is Chomedy’s story as told by her mother,…...
Caring for the caregivers
Chris Wojnar, critical care nurse at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee Chris Wojnar is passionate about helping people. He’s a critical care nurse at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee who often treats patients after a traumatic event or illness. He brings patience and passion to his…...
Making sure patients don’t go hungry at home
Wheelie bags are purchased thanks to charitable gifts and make it easier for patients to transport food from the hospital to their homes. “No one should have to choose between buying their medication and feeding their children,” shared Aisha Achesah, MPH, the program coordinator of the hospital-based food pantry at…...
