You provide hope

Because of you, kids facing life-altering medical conditions have the chance to grow up healthy and happy.

You made it possible for UW School of Medicine and Public Health physicians and surgeons to save Ellie with a liver transplant and to stop Gloria’s seizures with complex brain surgery—performed with breathtaking skill and compassion. You created a place where nurses feel like family to Alaina, and where Child Life specialists helped turn Mason’s fear into play.

We’re so grateful for your generosity—thank you.

Bright days ahead for Ellie after transplant

Sean and Steve Eiles finally realized their dream when they brought their newborn daughter Ellie home after a long adoption journey. Just months later, they were blindsided: Ellie’s liver was failing; only a transplant could save her. With generous support from philanthropy, we built upon the UW Health Transplant Center’s long-standing history to develop UW Health Kids transplant programs dedicated to caring for children so Ellie could receive the gift of life.

“Dr. Furuya gave us hope. She’s been our champion since day one.” — Sean Eiles, Ellie’s dad

Big smiles from Gloria after brain surgery

Gloria began having terrifying seizures just weeks after coming home from the NICU. They grew more frequent—and more dangerous. When medications failed, surgery was her only hope. UW Health Kids is one of just two Level IV Epilepsy Centers in Wisconsin. Because of you, we have the highest level of care and technology available to empower Dr. Raheel Ahmed to perform lifesaving brain surgery—and give Gloria the freedom to smile.

“I’ll never forget the first time Gloria gave me a big toothy grin with scrunchy eyes. I just cried—There’s my baby girl.” — Laura Katter, Gloria’s mom

A happy childhood for Alaina despite uncertainty

Seven-year-old Alaina lives with an incurable heart condition—but with nurse navigator Eden Jackson at her side, she also lives with joy. Generous support from people like you allowed us to recruit nurse navigators to guide families like Alaina’s through surgeries, tough decisions and daily uncertainties with compassion and strength. Eden reminds Alaina’s parents that they’re not alone, and Alaina can focus on just being a kid.

“For the time that she does have, we want Alaina to be as much of a child as she can be without holding her back.”
— Allie Evans, Alaina’s mom

Because of child life, Mason isn’t afraid

The first time Brittany and Tyler Tomjanovich rushed to the emergency department with their 5-month-old son, Mason, a child life specialist met them at the door—with water, a sandwich and compassion. That small act, made possible only because of your support, began a journey child life would walk with their family every step of the way. Mason has had six surgeries, over 100 appointments and countless blood draws — but because of child life, he isn’t afraid.

“Child life is simply amazing!” — Brittany Tomjanovich, Mason’s mom

You made first steps and big smiles possible – we are so grateful for your support

Because of you, love and healing surround every child who walks through the doors of American Family Children’s Hospital. From Abraham’s first birthday celebration at the Power of Love Gala to the toys that bring comfort and joy through our child life program, your generosity shows up in moments big and small. Together, we’re creating a hospital experience where kids feel safe, celebrated, and deeply cared for—every single day.

You surrounded Abraham with love at the Friends of UW Health Gala

Gala emcee Amber Noggle with Sarah, Lee and Abraham Townsend.

Nearly 1,000 guests gathered at Monona Terrace on Saturday, March 8, for the Power of Love Gala, an unforgettable evening hosted by Friends of UW Health. For more than 20 years, this cherished event has raised nearly $10 million to advance life-saving care and programs for children like Abraham Townsend—who underwent heart surgery at just 4 days old. This year, guests helped Abraham celebrate a major milestone: his first birthday. The room erupted in cheers as he took proud steps across the stage, a living reminder of the impact made possible by generous hearts.

“We’ll tell him that this was a gift, just the love we received from the team was incredible.” — Sarah Townsend, Abraham’s mom

Thanks to you, our virtual toy drive is helping child life bring therapeutic play to kids all year long

Child life specialist Katrina with Angel Portillo Racinos

Thanks to overwhelming community support—and our generous partners at American Family Insurance—our virtual toy drive raised an incredible $100,349 to support child life at American Family Children’s Hospital. Child life specialists help kids cope with the challenges of illness and hospitalization through therapeutic play, age-appropriate education and compassionate, family-centered care. Because of your kindness, we can now provide the tools and toys kids need most—when they need them—to comfort, empower and heal throughout their hospital stay.

“Working with kids of all ages and developmental levels, donations allow me to pick out toys that fit each unique child. Toys are familiar to them and help promote normalization of the hospital, a vital role of child life specialists.” — Katrina, Child Life Specialist

Thank you

On behalf of all our patients and their families, our providers and staff — we thank you for your support. Because of you, kids have a place built just for them—a modern, world-class hospital where hope begins the moment they walk through the doors. It’s our privilege to share their inspiring stories with you—a powerful reminder of the lives you’ve touched through your generosity.