Children’s stays at Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer are likely to be more comforting and less apprehensive, thanks to a recently delivery of Buddy Bears by Gustavo Galante, MD (foreground-right), a member of B’nai B’rith America Unit 901in Northwest Indiana, sponsor of the program. Dr. Galante, who has been involved with the effort for about two years, called it a “nice way of giving back and meeting community needs.” Fundraising efforts through local businesses and community members supply the $10 cost of each stuffed animal, which then are distributed to hospitals, shelters for abused women and their dependents and other organizations.
“The bears help bring comfort and solace to the children and their families,” Dr. Galante added. Young patients Anthony Chism of Hammond (left) and Austin Davis of Lynwood cuddle their new friends. Also shown (from left) are Suzanne Davidson, RN, hospital director of medical-surgery and women and children’s health; Mary Linaris, RN, unit manager of medical-surgery and pediatrics; Sherese Enright, RN, medical-surgery; Janet Opinker, RN, medical-surgery; Deanna Nowakowski, RN-medical surgery; and Marla Hoyer-Lareau, RN, hospital chief nursing officer and vice president of patient services.