The Associate Board is committed to making a difference. Since 2003, members have raised more than $500,000 to benefit leading-edge, neo-natal projects in Evanston Hospital's Infant Special Care Unit (ISCU) with a goal of raising an additional $250,000 by 2012.
Over the years, Associate Board funds have enabled clinical research trials, special equipment purchases and a scrapbooking program. In 2009, a new Associate Board Emergency Family Fund will begin at the Perinatal Family Support Center. This Fund will provide concrete assistance to families with children in the ISCU who are struggling to actively parent their hospitalized infant due to severe economic difficulties.
This new Fund is particularly impactful as ISCU families already struggle with the emotional stressors of having their newborn in the intensive care unit. Depending on their specific need, families in an economic crisis may receive travel and food vouchers, rental assistance, baby goods, medication and other basic requirements during the hospitalization of their critically ill infant without red tape or waiting. This Fund will help facilitate a safe, timely and successful transition from the ISCU to home or by supporting the family at a time of loss with funeral assistance. Additionally, the Emergency Family Fund will be established to provide these critical services in perpetuity.
Funds raised through 2010 supported leading-edge research studies working to find a cure for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which is one of the most severe, life threatening complications of premature birth, affecting approximately 10 percent of premature newborns weighing less than 1,500 grams. Support has also enable professional development opportunities for ISCU nurses.
The Associate Board’s mission in 2011 is to raise $250,000 to support research to find a cure for Cerebral Palsy in newborns at our Research Institute. Last year, the ISCU admitted more than 600 infants. Many families from across Illinois and our neighboring states benefit tremendously from the generous support of our donors. Michael Caplan, MD, Chairman Department of Pediatrics, recently stated that:
“The support our Pediatric Department has received from the Associate Board has been invaluable on multiple important projects designed to improve the outcomes of babies from our infant special care unit. Perhaps the most exciting project which was recently funded for 2011, supports studies by Sidhartha Tan, MD, PhD, and his group that are looking at stem cell therapy to prevent or treat cerebral palsy. This work may revolutionize the way we care for these most challenging patients, and would not be possible without the support of the Associate Board.”
Most of the Associate Board's philanthropic efforts are provided through the annual benefit. Members are encouraged to participate on the benefit committees to help continue growing the event's success. Friends and sponsors are most welcome to participate in the evening's festivities.
Additional events and programs throughout the year benefit the ISCU financially or through services, such as the annual ISCU Family Reunion where Associate Board members serve as volunteers for the day.
Donations big and small make a tremendous difference for infants born in the ISCU. Make a contribution today.