Gifts were distributed to children in Wisconsin hospitals last month following the Marian University Student Nurses Association’s (MUSNA) 17th annual Presents for Pediatrics campaign.
Each holiday season MUSNA collects toys, DVDs, books, games, activity sets and other gifts and delivers them to St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and Neenah. The gifts, either donated or purchased through monetary donations, were given to the hospitals’ pediatric units. Various businesses throughout Fond du Lac and the Fox Valley contributed money for the project.
“It’s always stressful for a child when they are hospitalized, but it’s especially difficult on them and their families when it occurs around and during the holiday season,” said Marian University professor and MUSNA advisor Breana Sutfin. “It’s always great to see our students witness firsthand the positive impact they and this project can make on children and their families, especially at this time of year.”
The project focuses on children who are suffering from an acute or chronic illness during the holidays and seeks to be a positive distraction from hospital life for patients and their families.
“We can’t thank those who donated enough for their generous support,” Sutfin said. “I’ve personally seen the smiles on the children when they receive the gifts we collected and it is truly heartwarming and is a real reminder of what the holiday season is all about. The students did a good job on this project and it was another great year of sharing love and joy.”
Pictured (Left to Right) – Marian University professor and MUSNA advisor Breana Sutfin holding baby Jace Sutfin, Waupun; Claudia Johnston, Westfield; Greta Horneck, Kiel; Ashley Bauer, Mayville; Calli Malter, Fond du Lac; Shawn Fisher, Executive Director at Agnesian HealthCare Foundation.
