WHEATON, Ill., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The McCormick Tribune Foundation has awarded a $1,000,000 grant to the Marianjoy Foundation to help fund the 14,318 square foot McCormick Tribune Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, which will annually provide state-of-the-art rehabilitation services to more than 13,000 individuals recovering from strokes, accidents, surgeries and other conditions.
The construction of a new 120-bed, private room, Marianjoy replacement hospital, opening next year as a state-of-the-art healing sanctuary, makes possible the renovation of the existing hospital into a modern outpatient center.
“This generous support from the McCormick Tribune Foundation will help us modernize and enlarge our outpatient rehabilitation center to accommodate the increased demand for rehabilitation indicated by local and national trends,” said Kathleen C. Yosko, president and chief executive officer of Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital. “We are delighted that our renovated center will bear Colonel McCormick’s name since he was such a philanthropic beacon in our community, which is a short distance from his former residence, the Cantigny estate.”
“The Colonel’s tradition is being carried on by McCormick Tribune Foundation president and chief executive officer Richard Behrenhausen, who has been a long-standing and visionary supporter of rehabilitation services,” continued Yosko. “The grant will provide an optimal rehabilitation environment and community for the inspiring accomplishments of our patients and our staff members.”
“The Foundation is proud to support Marianjoy’s campaign to expand its facility,” said Behrenhausen. “The new Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Center, along with the improved inpatient services, will allow Marianjoy to continue to provide the highest quality of care to its patients.”
Marianjoy’s outpatient rehabilitation program is dedicated to guiding patients through extensive activities to promote wellness and comfort for a lifetime. The holistic goals are the same for all patients: returning them to their families and communities, easing pain, promoting mobility and function, and advocating for a productive future. The unique needs of each patient are met through a broad choice of specialized programs including acupuncture, driver assessment and training, sports clinics, biofeedback, vestibular treatment (for balance), aquatic therapy, vocational rehabilitation and peer support. All of these services complement the core Marianjoy treatment program focusing on speech, physical and occupational therapies for patients who have experienced a stroke, amputation, neuromuscular disorder, spinal cord injury, brain injury and other conditions.
A few features of the newly renovated outpatient center will be: a modern welcome center; a spacious gym with new equipment; a secure, beautifully landscaped garden; new aquatic therapy facilities with skylights and new locker rooms; weather protected access from the new parking garage, and; a state-of-the-art active daily living center.
The newly renovated outpatient center will open in 2007. About the McCormick Tribune Foundation
The McCormick Tribune Foundation is one of the nation’s largest charitable organizations, with current combined assets of close to $2 billion. In 2004 the foundation gave more than $90 million in the form of grants designed to invest in communities, address human needs and promote the ideals of a democratic society through innovative partnerships. The foundation, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2005, was first established as a charitable trust upon the death of Col. Robert R. McCormick, longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune.
The foundation provides assistance in four program areas -- communities, education, journalism and citizenship -- and funds a special initiatives program. Through its grants, the foundation seeks to improve the social and economic environment; encourage a free and responsible discussion of issues affecting the nation; enhance the effectiveness of American education; and stimulate responsible citizenship. For more information, visit http://www.mccormicktribune.org/ .
About Marianjoy
Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital is a 120-bed hospital in Wheaton, Illinois that is dedicated to the delivery of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Founded in 1972 by the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters, the hospital is part of Marianjoy, Inc., a network of care that manages more than 400 rehabilitation beds within the greater Chicago area. For more information, please visit http://www.marianjoy.org/ .
Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital
CONTACT: Joe Skvara, +1-630-588-7884, jskvara@marianjoy.org , or TerrySoto, +1-312-474-1740, terry@markkarlin.com , both for MarianjoyRehabilitation Hospital