St. Joseph-Breese Friends donates blanket warmer

Patients undergoing a CT or MRI scan at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese are a little more comfortable thanks to generous donors who gave to the Friends Hope Chest project.

The Friends recently used Hope Chest donations so designated to cover the $2420 cost of a blanket warmer in Medical Imaging.

“CT and MRI equipment need a cool room to operate as efficiently as possible but that can be too chilly for some of our patients,” said Mary Foraker, Medical Imaging technical supervisor.

“Having a cozy blanket can be so comforting,” she said. “Our patients love it and our staff loves being able to provide that touch of warmth.”

The Friends began the Hope Chest project in 2008 to allow donors to contribute toward something personally meaningful, said Karyn Whitlatch, hospital Community Relations and Development Director. To date, over $2,700 has been donated toward approximately 25 items, representing nine hospital departments.

Hope Chest items are in all price ranges, from $8 halo sleep sacks for the Women and Infants Center to a $5,000 Laboratory centrifuge, Whitlatch said. Mid-range listings include a $900 battery-powered aspirator for the Emergency Room and portable pulse oximeters for inpatient care at $350.

Most recently, a “Caring Hearts” campaign was held to give employees the opportunity to donate to the Friends generally and to the Hope Chest, Whitlatch said.

Of the $8484 contributed by cash or check during the campaign, about 10 percent or $850 was for Hope Chest items while other employees utilized payroll deductions to fund a specific item, Whitlatch said. About half of those participating gave toward a specific item.

Founded in 1989, the Friends seek contributions to help meet ongoing needs and provide continued support for the hospital. Most recently, the Friends underwrote a $500,000 digital mammography system in Medical Imaging and completed a $75,000 pledge for an aquatic therapy pool in the HealthPlex.

Friends Board members include current Chairman Tom Broeckling and Craig Revermann, DC, of Albers; Jan Deiters, Michele Maue, Tim Schleper and Jean Vogt of Breese; Tom Frerker and Nancy Zieren of Carlyle; Ann Schroeder of Germantown; Stan Brandmeyer of New Baden; and Bryan Marsh of Trenton.

Hope Chest items are listed under Friends on the hospital website, www.stjoebreese.com. A Hope Chest booklet is available by contacting Whitlatch at 526-5439 or e-mail Karyn Whitlatch.