The solid foundation I received at UW has opened many doors for me. I think it is important to give while you are ‘alive and taking nourishment,’ and it will be such a joy to see the new building on its completion.

Mary Behrens (’64 BS Nurs)

American Family Children's Hospital

On March 4, 2003, American Family Insurance announced a $10 million gift launching the campaign to create the American Family Children’s Hospital at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics.

The construction of this new hospital will transform the current UW Children’s Hospital, a “hospital within and hospital,” from and excellent pediatric care facility into a truly extraordinary one. This transformation will come with the creation of a new hospital dedicated solely to the care of children—one that is fitting for the high-level pediatric treatment and research available at the UW.

UW Children’s Hospital has a long history of exceptional care for children, including among many programs, a life-saving pediatric intensive care unit, an internationally recognized transplant surgery program, a children’s cancer center and a pediatric asthma center. UW Children’s Hospital also offers special activities such as a Child Life program, a pet therapy program, a hospital school run by the Madison Metropolitan School District and family lodging at the nearby Ronald McDonald House.

Children are not little adults

They have unique psychological, physical and medical needs. They deserve special care that can only be provided in child-focused facilities that simultaneously address their families’ needs. Most of all children need the love and support that only their families can give, right in their room, and with them throughout their stay.

Children, especially sick children, deserve an environment designed for them—a complete hospital for children and families providing fore their special care and supporting family togetherness in a pleasing and nurturing environment. In addition, our world-class physicians need a state-of-the-art facility to deliver the best care efficiently and with the aid of the latest technology.

Partners will make this dream a reality. On October 18, 2004, ground was broken for the $78 million American Family Children’s Hospital adjacent to the current UW Hospital and Clinics. In addition to the $10 million from American Family Insurance, Hospital bonding will provide $37 million of the funds necessary for completion. Additional public and private partnerships are sought to enable the hospital to open its doors in 2007.