Spring 2013
Presidents Message
A mix of milestones, achievements and successes are much in my mind as I reflect on Board activities over the very busy past few months. For starters, the Madigan Foundation completed its 18th year of formal existence this April, 2013. Our charter program of car seats and strollers for needy military families with newborns or very young children is still doing its good work – now, with the able assistance of Army Community Service. Most programs have expanded, and some new ones have been added, notably the Lehman Scholarship. This award is in memory of Janice Lehman, a senior military nurse leader who inspired professional growth in colleagues. It is intended to help promising young nurses continue their professional development. Another is the patient-directed, Comfort (Palliative) Care capability at Madigan – recognized as especially outstanding by appreciative, grateful families. The Board continues to keep close attention to all needs identified within our very challenging economic environment.
Prior commitments of funds have in time brought the leveraged benefit intended. Examples include: Operation Purple (a healing opportunity for seriously wounded soldiers and their families) is now the model used across the country; Traumatic Brain Injury – “best practice screening” - has led the way and become accepted throughout the military medical community; and, the Behavioral Health Program for grade school children on JBLM is now the DoD model. We look to expand our collaborative activities and are pursuing a specific augmentation of dental screening with the Lindquist Dental Clinic of Tacoma, WA. We are in active dialogue identifying needs with the Clover Park School District (several schools have 60- 75% DoD beneficiaries) and the forum provided by the South Sound Military and Communities Partnership – consisting of 13 JBLM entities and various offices within Pierce and Thurston county offices and cities. Hopefully, productive projects consistent with our mission can be identified.
More recently we have completed and activated our revised web site at www.madiganfoundation.org representing several months of intense work on the part of a Board committee. Following, we have witnessed
another outstanding Madigan Research Day (we continue to provide the prize for best paper by a fellow). The Foundation again sponsored the Young Heroes Recognition and Award Ceremony wherein 12 medically challenged youths and their families were recognized and encouraged. For the third year, scholarships in memory of Sandra Green were provided – this year to two challenged young individuals to attend undergraduate schools where they have been accepted and will attend.
Our recent fund raiser – our first in 18 years of formal existence - was a complete success, thanks to many of you. Several thousands of dollars were received to enhance Pediatric Services for needy military families – specifically, Strollers and Car Seats, Vision Support (free glasses for children with special needs), Young Heroes Awards and Scholarships, Behavioral Health Program to assist worried children in grade schools (e.g., 6 on JBLM plus two child development centers), expanded dental screening for grade school children of military families, and child care vouchers (so parents can receive needed counseling on post).
Above all, we have sustained our reputation as a trusted recipient and provider of funds – gifts, memorials, and bequeathals. You – our friends and members – have every reason to be as proud of and grateful for our Madigan Foundation, as I am. Thank you!
Respectfully submitted,
Al Buck