Marquette General Foundation

For You. For the U.P. For Life

Grateful Patients and Families

Traverse City couple “gives back” in honor of their granddaughter

On May 3, Tom and Connie O’Rourke of Traverse City were excited to join in the 2-year-old birthday celebration of their granddaughter, Malena Grace, who was born in the Family Birthing Center at Marquette General Hospital.

As a sign of their appreciation, Tom and Connie wanted to give back to Marquette General in a meaningful way that would benefit many mothers and children.

“We are very appreciative of the special care our daughter Meghan and granddaughter received when Malena was born,” said Tom, adding Meghan lives in Marquette. “The care and concern Meghan and Malena received in the Family Birthing Center was special.”

Family Birthing Center (FBC) and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) employees enjoy “Christmas in May.” Pictured, front row, from left, are Kathi Osuzik, Family Birthing Center Care Aide; Kristen Smith, FBC/NICU Clinical Manager; Mae Ohman, RN, FBC; Cara Zanetti, Women & Children Social Worker; and Anne Loman, FBC/NICU Clinical Manager. Back row is Bobbi Carpenter, RN, NICU.

Working closely with the Marquette General Foundation, the O’Rourkes were given the opportunity to choose items from a “wish list” identified by Cindy Ampe, interim director of the Women’s and Children’s Center.

Within two weeks, 13 new DVD players and a Nintendo Wii bundle system arrived at the Marquette General Foundation, ready for delivery to the Family Birthing Center (DVDs) and Pediatric Unit (Wii). There, NICU, Family Birthing Center and Pediatrics staff enthusiastically opened the gifts.

It was “Christmas in May.”

“We are blessed to share our good fortune with the Women’s and Children’s Center,” Tom O’Rourke said.

Ampe raved about the thoughtfulness of the downstate couple.

“We are very thankful for the awesome gifts of the DVD players and the Wii system,” Ampe said. “These are items that will help make our patients’ stays in the hospital so much easier. This kindness is very much appreciated.”

The O’Rourkes are examples of grateful patients and families who have benefited from the quality care exhibited by Marquette General physicians and caregivers.

To learn more about the Grateful Patients and Families Program or for more information about giving opportunities, call the Marquette General Foundation at
1-866-906-6914.

Malena Grace