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The Impact of Philanthropy

Grants and donations make it possible for Rush-Copley to live its promise of providing extraordinary patient care each and every time.  This promise is one that cannot be achieved without the involvement of numerous stakeholders who share in a common ideology that “together, we can make a difference.”

Rush-Copley Foundation gratefully acknowledges the many different partners who have intentionally chosen to invest in projects, programs, and initiatives that are elevating, enhancing, and transforming the health and wellness of the communities Rush-Copley is privileged to serve.  What follows are recent examples of the wonderful way in which, “together, we can make a difference,” is being realized.

Simulation Lab

Copley Nursing Alumnae Making a Difference

Between1893 and 1980, the Copley School of Nursing in Aurora graduated thousands of nurses, eager to serve those in need and make a mark on their profession.  Copley Nursing Alumnae gather annually and maintain an active interest in Rush-Copley Medical Center. 

One such alumna, Ollie Bradshaw, passed away in June, 2011 and honored Rush-Copley with a $100,000 bequest in her will.  Mrs. Bradshaw, an alumna of the Class of 1939, was 93 when she died.  Ms. Bradshaw enjoyed her career as a registered nurse at Dreyer Clinic and Copley Hospital, and continued her involvement as an active nurse alumna and volunteer in her community. 

This testamentary gift will support nursing education at Rush-Copley Medical Center, including the cost of training and specialty certification for Emergency Department nurses, and the creation of a Simulation Learning Lab.  This Sim Lab will include state-of the art electronic mannequins where nurses and resident interns can think through and practice complex medical procedures in a variety of clinical situations and conditions.  The balance of costs associated with the Simulation Lab is being underwritten by a $75,000 grant from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation.  The Lab is anticipated to be ready for use beginning in the summer of 2013.

Radiant Hope Sculpture

“Radiant Hope” – Cancer Care Center Sculpture

Jim and Marlene Pearson, longtime friends of Rush-Copley, have made a generous gift of a beautiful stainless steel and glass sculpture, “Radiant Hope,” to the medical center.  The greater Fox Valley community is fortunate to have members like Jim and Marlene who lead by example and inspire philanthropy in all of us. Jim’s involvement with Rush-Copley spans more than 30 years.  He is a past Chairman of our Board, having volunteered and served in that role for five years.  The Pearsons made this gift to the Cancer Care Center in honor of patients, their loved ones and the doctors, nurses and clinicians that care for them.  They hope that its beautiful reflection of light will aid healing by bringing comfort and hope.

Movement Disorders Class at the Healthplex

Movement Disorders Program

An anonymous benefactor enabled Rush-Copley to launch a new Movement Disorders Program thanks to a charitable gift of $800,000.  The donation has enabled Rush-Copley to offer two Parkinson’s support groups, a quarterly Parkinson’s caregiver support group, exercise classes three times a week (water and land), and several additional special educational programs.  Now more than 40 individuals benefit physically, socially, and psychologically from this program every year.  Participants have provided ongoing input to the planning process, and the program continues to be tailored to their needs and preferences.  The program has evolved into the premiere resource of its kind in the Fox River Valley.

Rush-Copley Employees Give Back

At the end of 2012, Rush-Copley employees gave more than $75,000 in charitable donations to support the continued excellence of our medical center’s programs and services.  The surge in donations and pledges represented a 172% increase over the previous year’s employee giving campaign.  Donations supported Rush-Copley’s five Institutes (Cancer Care, Heart & Vascular, Emergency, Neuroscience and Women’s Health), the Family Medicine Residency Program, Movement Disorders Program, a new Charity Care Fund for indigent patients, and the Promise Fund which benefits Rush-Copley employees experiencing a financial hardship.