KALAMAZOO MI–He teaches and is on the board of the Episcopal University of Haiti, a four-year baccalaureate School of Nursing, and repeatedly visits Haiti to serve the poor and vulnerable. He has been a champion of nurses at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital for the past four decades. He started the Cass County Free Health Clinic to help the area’s 6,000 uninsured residents. After “retiring” in 2011, he now serves as hospitalist, as well as Chief of Staff and Chief of Medicine at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital.

James L. Wierman, DO, FACP, will be recognized with the 2012 Borgess Lamplighter Award at the Sixth-Annual Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund Awards Dinner, May 9 at Western Michigan University’s Fetzer Center.

Living the Borgess reputation locally and internationally.

“Dr. Wierman extends his professional light to nursing, the community and around the globe,” said Joy Strand, Administrator and Chief Operating Officer, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital. “He lives the Borgess reputation and the world is a better place because of his devotion.”

Dr. Wierman has partnered with our nursing staff to improve patient care, according to Katie Brick, Chief Nursing Officer, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital.

“Partnerships resulted in the development of nursing-driven protocols and evidence-based practice policies and procedures,” said Brick. “He is a patient, respectful, supportive teacher to nurses. He takes time to explain concepts.

“For instance, Dr. Wierman shows nurses how to look-up evidenced-based practice information,” Brick said. “He views all communication as an educational opportunity, volunteering to provide in-services to nurses on many concepts and topics. This passion for teaching and working with nurses takes place at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, as well as at his adopted school of nursing in Haiti, where he teaches and served on their board.”

On his honeymoon, Dr. Wierman went to Haiti for the first time, according to Sue McCormick, Director, Administrative Services, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital & Foundation. “They ended up living there for a year helping those in need.”

When the earthquake hit Haiti in 2010, Dr. Wierman and a team of medical providers immediately mobilized to offer medical assistance, according to McCormick.

“He even helped nine young Haitians receive advanced care in America as ‘humanitarian parolees.’”

“Dr. Wierman’s caring, thoughtful assistance to others is a wonderful example of our mission and values,” said Paul Spaude, President and Chief Executive Officer, Borgess Health. “We are honored to recognize his many, many contributions.”

About The Sixth-Annual Friends of Borgess Nursing Celebration

The Sixth-Annual Friends of Borgess Nursing (FOBN) celebration will again recognize and honor outstanding Borgess nurses and continue to enhance their healing mission through a special endowment fund.

Silent Auction, April 25 and Awards Dinner, May 9

The FOBN celebration actually consists of two major events. The first event is a silent auction held from 8 am to 5 pm, Wednesday, April 25, 2012 in the Borgess Medical Center cafeteria and at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital. At this auction, bidding will take place on more than 20 gift baskets containing several valuable gifts and gift certificates from area businesses.

The second and main event is the awards dinner to be held Wednesday, May 9, at the Fetzer Center, Western Michigan University. The awards dinner begins at 5 pm with refreshments, followed by dinner at 6 pm. Beginning at 7 pm, the awards ceremony will pay tribute to Dr. James Wierman with the Lamplighter Award. Tickets for the awards dinner, which includes entertainment, are $75 per person.

Funds raised through both of these events will go to the FOBN Endowment Fund. The funds will be used to continue to recognize nursing excellence at Borgess and to support future nursing education and scholarship. It is a wonderful way to help Borgess Healers continue to provide outstanding care.

“The Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund was established in 2006 to support nursing education, research and certification,” said Tony McDonnell, Chief Development Officer, Borgess Foundation. “Every year, our nurses enhance and redefine their critical role within the medical profession. We salute this year’s recipients, and wish them continued success in all of their professional and personal endeavors.”

Along with awards, the fund also distributes grants to assist with specialty nursing certification or certification renewal.

Proceeds from last year’s sponsorships, silent auction and dinner reservations exceeded $41,000. So far, $157,000 has been raised toward the overall endowment goal of $250,000.

For reservations, call (269) 226.8100 or go to foundation.borgess.com.

About Borgess Health

Borgess Health is a health system that offers high quality care in such areas as cardiovascular, neurosciences, orthopedics, vascular surgery, women’s health, primary care, emergency medicine, bariatrics, imaging, and long-term acute care. Borgess Health includes Borgess Medical Center, Borgess-Pipp Hospital, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, Borgess at Woodbridge Hills, Borgess VNA Home Care and Borgess Hospice, the Borgess Health & Fitness Center, Borgess Gardens and many additional owned or affiliated services. The 122-year-old health ministry serves residents of 10 counties. It is one of the area’s largest health care providers and is also one of the largest employers. Borgess Health is a member of Ascension Health, the largest nonprofit health system in America. For more information, visit www.borgess.com.

• Borgess Lamplighter Award – James L. Wierman, DO, FACP
• Excellence in Clinical Practice I Award – Margaret Woollet, ADN, RN

The Borgess Lamplighter Award pays tribute to an individual (or organization) that has exhibited stellar support of the Borgess Health mission and Borgess nurses, as well as contributed to quality of life within southwest Michigan. “Dr. Wierman has been a longstanding mentor to our nurses, as well as an advocate for our patients and those in need around the world,” said Joy Strand, administrator and chief operating officer, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital. “We congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.”

Woollet’s award recognizes excellence in clinical practice by a direct-care nurse. “Margaret is the perfect choice for this award for many reasons,” said Katie Brick, chief nursing officer, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital. “She inspires others to embrace and advance excellence in the practice of Borgess nursing; she promotes and implements evidence-based approaches that contribute to quality care; she develops genuine, relationship-centered connections with patients and families—just to name a few.”

About the FOBN
“The Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund was established in 2006 to support nursing education, research and certification,” said Tony McDonnell, chief development officer, Borgess Foundation. “Every year, our nurses enhance and redefine their critical role within the medical profession. We salute this year’s winners, and wish them continued success in all of their professional and personal endeavors.”

Along with awards, the fund also distributes grants to assist with specialty nursing certification or certification renewal. This year, the following Borgess-Lee RNs have been awarded grants:

• Danyell Burrus, ADN, RN – obtaining Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification
• Caroline Kusa, ADN, RN – obtaining Certified Emergency Nurse Certification
• Holly McDonald, ADN, RN – obtaining Medical/Surgical Nurse Certification
• Mary Tumbleson, ADN, RN – obtaining Medical/Surgical Nurse Certification
• Margaret Woollet, ADN, RN – obtaining Critical Care Registered Nurse Certification

Dinner Pays Tribute to Nursing Excellence
The Sixth-Annual Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund Awards Dinner will be held on Wednesday, May 9 at the Fetzer Center on the campus of Western Michigan University. The event will begin with light hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the awards program at 7 p.m. Proceeds from last year’s sponsorships, silent auction and dinner reservations exceeded $41,000. So far, $157,000 has been raised toward the overall endowment goal of $250,000, and 58 Borgess nurses have received awards and grants.

For reservations or more information about the awards dinner, call (269) 226.8100, or (269) 783.3026. More information can also be found at foundation.borgess.com.

2012 Borgess Friends of Nursing Award Recipients
Borgess Lamplighter Award – James L. Wierman, DO, FACP – Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital

Rising Star Award – Erica Danov, BSN, RN – Borgess Medical Center

Excellence in Clinical Practice I Award
Judy Cooper, BSN, RN – Borgess Medical Center
Margaret Woollet, ADN, RN – Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital
Doreen Hilton, BSN, RN – Borgess-Pipp Hospital
Mary J. Smith, RN – Borgess VNA Home Health & Hospice
Shannon Wixson, BSN, RN, CDE – Borgess Medical Group

Excellence in Clinical Practice II Award (tie) – Nan Meyers, MSN, RN, CNRN – Borgess Medical Center and Susan Kay Ryan, MS, RNC-NIC – Borgess Medical Center

Nursing Leadership Award – Janet Bierlein, BSN, CPHQ, CSHA, CHC, CCEP – Borgess Medical Center

“The Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund was established in 2006 to support nursing education, research and certification,” said Tony McDonnell, chief development officer, Borgess Foundation. “Every year, our nurses enhance and redefine their critical role within the medical profession. We salute this year’s winners, and wish them continued success in all of their professional and personal endeavors.”

Along with awards, the fund also distributes grants to assist with specialty nursing certification or certification renewal. This year, the following RNs will receive grants:

2012 Friends of Borgess Nursing Certification Grants
Danyell Burrus, ADN, RN – Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital
Caroline Kusa, ADN, RN – Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital
Holly McDonald, ADN, RN – Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital
Mary Tumbleson, ADN, RN – Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital
Margaret Woollet, ADN, RN – Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital
Desiree Cortes, BSN, RN – Borgess Medical Center
Brook Mishler, BSN, RN – Borgess Medical Center
Maggie Paynich, MSN, RN – Borgess Medical Center

Dinner Pays Tribute to Nursing Excellence
The Sixth-Annual Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund Awards Dinner will be held on Wednesday, May 9 at the Fetzer Center on the campus of Western Michigan University. The event will begin with light hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and the awards program at 7 p.m. Proceeds from last year’s sponsorships, silent auction and dinner reservations exceeded $41,000. So far, $157,000 has been raised toward the overall endowment goal of $250,000.

“Regardless of how donors decide to support the Friends of Borgess Nursing Endowment Fund, they can rest assured their contribution will not only advance professional nursing practice, but also make a difference in the lives of patients and families across our community,” McDonnell added.

For reservations or more information about the awards dinner, call (269) 226.8100, or go to foundation.borgess.com.

KALAMAZOO, MI – Thanks to the community support for the 2011 Borgess Tree of Love campaign, hundreds of low-income women without health insurance will receive potentially lifesaving gifts in the New Year—free mammography services.

“Because of the generosity of area residents, we exceeded our goal of $50,000 ($51,001),” said Kim Loftus, CFRE, development officer, Borgess Foundation. “While more women than we expected will be helped by this extraordinary kindness, we encourage those who still wish to contribute to do so. The holidays may be officially behind us, but the need for support of these vital services continues to grow.”

The actual goal was “topped” through a generous donation from Dr. Dean J. Copely, who also served as one of the campaign’s physician champions.

Major sponsors of this year’s campaign included Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; Cole Buick-GMC-Cadillac; Hall Render Killian Heath &Lyman; Kalamazoo Amusement; Miller Johnson, Attorneys and Counselors; Sanford Tolchin, MD; The Surgical Group of Southwest Michigan; The Tyler Little Family Foundation; and Julia and William Van Domelen.

Since 1985, the Borgess Tree of Love campaign has helped countless women receive free mammography services to identify breast cancer. The campaign also provides an opportunity for donors to honor employees, colleagues, family and friends. The names of donors and those receiving this special tribute are listed on the Web site, and honorees receive an acknowledgement card in the mail.

The Borgess Foundation still welcomes tax-deductible donations at treeoflove.borgess.com. Donor forms are also available for mail-in contributions by calling (269) 226.8100. CJ’s Pub (1027 Schuster, Kalamazoo) will also hold its annual breast cancer dart tournament on Saturday, January 28, beginning at 4 p.m. Proceeds will again benefit the Borgess Tree of Love. To learn more, call (269) 343.4577.

Every $8 donation to the Tree of Love campaign helps a woman receive a mammogram, while allowing the donor to honor or remember someone special. Every $80 donation sponsors a mammogram for a woman and allows the donor to honor or remember up to 10 people.

It’s estimated that one in every five women does not have insurance that covers breast cancer detection services, such as mammography. Several studies have shown that mammograms can reduce a woman’s risk of dying of breast cancer.

Community donations to the Borgess Tree of Love will help low-income, uninsured women receive mammography services at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital. Mammograms are crucial in detecting breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

Breast cancer claims the life of one American woman every 69 seconds. According to national data, it’s estimated that about one out of every five women in Cass County does not have insurance to cover breast cancer detection services like mammography.

In 2011, the Lee Memorial Foundation plans to raise $5,000 to support the Tree of Love campaign. “Through the generosity of our community, we hope to see our tree (located in Farr Park near the hospital) truly shine with thousands of pink lights,” said Karen Judd, chair, Lee Memorial Foundation Board of Trustees. “Every contribution counts. Your donation could provide a mammogram to an area woman—a relative, a friend, a neighbor—who can’t afford one, and that could save her life.”

Every $8 donation to the campaign will help a woman receive a mammogram, as well as allow donors to honor or remember someone important in their lives. (Each honoree will be mailed a special “tribute” card.) Every $80 donation will sponsor a mammogram for a woman and allow donors to honor or remember up to 10 people. To make a donation or learn more, call the Lee Memorial Foundation at (269) 783.3083.

The lighting of the Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital Tree of Love will take place on Wednesday, December 7 at 5:30 p.m. Separate lighting events will also take place in December at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo and Borgess-Pipp Hospital in Plainwell.

In 1985, the Borgess Service League launched the first Borgess Tree of Love to raise money for early detection and treatment of breast cancer, a disease that claims the life of one American woman every 69 seconds. It is estimated that one out of every five women does not have insurance to cover breast cancer detection services, such as mammography.

Community donations to the Tree of Love campaign fund mammograms at Borgess for low-income women without health insurance. By contributing to the campaign, donors also have the opportunity to recognize someone important in their lives. Each honoree is represented by a light on a tree and mailed an acknowledgement card.

This year, the Borgess Foundation plans to raise $45,000 to help area women receive vital mammography services. “After 25 years of success, we were thrilled to finally plant a permanent ‘Tree of Love’ outside Borgess Medical Center this past summer,” said Kim Loftus, CFRE, development officer, Borgess Foundation. “Through the generosity of our community, we hope to see this new tree, along with our other area fundraising trees, shine with thousands of pink lights.”

Every $8 donation helps a woman receive a mammogram at Borgess Medical Center, as well as allows donors to honor or remember someone special. Every $80 donation sponsors a mammogram for a woman and allows donors to honor or remember up to 10 people. Secure, tax-deductible donations may be made online at treeoflove.borgess.com. Those who wish to contribute by mail may contact the Borgess Foundation at (269) 226.8100 for a donor form.

The lighting of the 18-foot Norwegian Spruce at Borgess Medical Center will take place on Tuesday, December 6, 6 p.m. Separate lighting events will also take place on Wednesday, December 7, 5:30 p.m. at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac, and Thursday, December 8, 6 p.m. at Borgess-Pipp Hospital in Plainwell.

On Tuesday, August 16, the Borgess Foundation planted an 18-foot Norwegian Spruce outside Borgess Medical Center to kick off its annual Tree of Love campaign. The tree will become the permanent site for the Kalamazoo lighting ceremony that takes place in December. “After 25 years of success, we are thrilled to give our campaign some lasting roots by planting this beautiful tree,” said Tony McDonnell, executive director, Borgess Foundation. “Through the generosity of our community, we hope to see our new tree truly shine with thousands of pink lights this holiday season.” Funding Better Breast Health

In 1985, the Borgess Service League launched the first Borgess Tree of Love to raise money for early detection and treatment of breast cancer, a disease that claims the life of one American woman every 69 seconds. It is estimated that one out of every five women does not have insurance to cover breast cancer detection services, such as mammography.

Community donations to the Tree of Love campaign fund mammograms at Borgess for low-income women without health insurance. By contributing to the campaign, donors also have an opportunity to recognize someone important in their lives. Each honoree is represented by a light on a tree and mailed a special acknowledgement card.

The 18-foot Norwegian Spruce was locally grown and purchased from E-Z Tree in Plainwell. In addition to the permanent tree and ceremony at Borgess Medical Center, separate lighting events will again take place in December at Borgess-Pipp Hospital in Plainwell and Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac.

This year, the Borgess Foundation plans to raise $45,000 to help area women receive vital mammography services. For more information, including how to contribute to the 2011 Borgess Tree of Love campaign, call (269) 226.8100 or visit treeoflove.borgess.com.

“After 25 years of success, we are thrilled to give our campaign some lasting roots by planting this beautiful tree,” said Tony McDonnell, executive director, Borgess Foundation. “Through the generosity of our community, we hope to see our new tree truly shine with thousands of pink lights this holiday season.”

Funding Better Breast Health
In 1985, the Borgess Service League launched the first Borgess Tree of Love to raise money for early detection and treatment of breast cancer, a disease that claims the life of one American woman every 69 seconds. It is estimated that one out of every five women does not have insurance to cover breast cancer detection services, such as mammography.

Community donations to the Tree of Love campaign fund mammograms at Borgess for low-income women without health insurance. By contributing to the campaign, donors also have an opportunity to recognize someone important in their lives. Each honoree is represented by a light on a tree and mailed a special acknowledgement card.

The 18-foot Norwegian Spruce was locally grown and purchased from E-Z Tree in Plainwell. In addition to the permanent tree and ceremony at Borgess Medical Center, separate lighting events will again take place in December at Borgess-Pipp Hospital in Plainwell and Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac.

This year, the Borgess Foundation plans to raise $45,000 to help area women receive vital mammography services. For more information, including how to contribute to the 2011 Borgess Tree of Love campaign, call (269) 226.8100 or visit treeoflove.borgess.com.

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The 2011 outing was successful due to support from many businesses and individuals, along with sponsors and players. “Thank you to our hostess, Kate Tillotson, as well as the professionals of Gull Lake Country Club for their expertise. We sincerely appreciate the generosity of sponsors, special contributors, golfers, and everyone at Borgess and within the community who supported our efforts,” said Tony McDonnell, executive director, Borgess Foundation. “It was a beautiful day of golf and a wonderful opportunity to help ensure the health of southwest Michigan for years to come .”

“I’d like to congratulate the Borgess Foundation and Borgess Volunteers for hosting another top-notch golf outing. Every year, they find innovative ways to make this the best outing in our community,” added Joe Brogger, trustee of the Borgess Foundation and director, private sector employee benefits, Burnham & Flower Insurance Group.

Brogger, who has played in the outing for 19 years, continued, “Even with the extreme heat, all participants were given extra water and ice towels, underscoring how Borgess and the Gull Lake Country Club put our safety first. I look forward to seeing everyone again next year.”

2011 Sponsors

• Major Sponsors
  • AVB Construction
  • Crothall Healthcare
  • Neurosurgery of Kalamazoo, P
  • Premier Radiology
• Corporate Sponsors
  • Accretive Health
  • Caron Precision
  • Kalamazoo Emergency Associates, PLC
  • Life EMS Ambulance, Inc.
  • Lillibridge Healthcare Services
  • Mall City Mechanical, Inc.
  • Michigan Blood
  • Miller Johnson Attorneys & Counselors
  • Polsinelli Shughart, P
  • The Surgical Group of Southwest Michigan
• Golf Ball Sponsor
  • Sodexo Health Care Services
• Pro-Clinic Sponsor
  • Bouma Corporation
• Betting Hole Sponsor
  • Knight Watch
• 50/50 Ball Drop Sponsor
  • Gordon and Gloria Lentz
• Tee Sponsors
  • American Metal Fab, Inc.
  • Approved Fire Protection
  • B.L. Harroun & Sons, Inc.
  • Burnham & Flower Agency, Inc.
  • Cerner Corporation
  • Custer HealthWorks
  • ELC Leasing Corp.
  • Esper Electric
  • Green Bay Packaging
  • Handorn Cabinetry
  • Huffmaster Crisis Management
  • Ingenix Consulting
  • KNI-Southwest Michigan Imaging Center
  • Michigan-Kal Electronic, Inc.
  • Midwest Mobile Diagnosis Imaging
  • Miller-Davis Company
  • MOSS Telecommunications Services
  • Office Depot
  • Office One
  • Drs. Nicoara and Alexandra Oprescu
  • Priority Health
  • Dr. Thomas and Mrs. Debra Ryan
  • Simplex-Grinnell
  • Thomas E. Rossi Insurance Agency, Inc.
  • Treystar
  • Trinity Health Group

2011 Key Results

First Place Team: Dr. Michael Hardiman, Albert Little, Eric Nelsen and Dr. James Babel

• Longest Drive, Men: Joe Brogger; Women: Michelle Braymer
• Closest to Line, Men: David Buday; Women: Laura Lentenbrink
• Closest to Pin, Men: Peter Loftus; Women: Linda Lawton
• Whiffle Ball Challenge, Men: Rob Hunt; Women: Michelle Braymer

For information on next year’s golf outing, or to make a donation, call (269) 226.8100 or visit foundation.borgess.com.

Proceeds from this year’s outing, presented by the Borgess Foundation and Borgess Volunteers, will help fund acquisition of new equipment and technology for Borgess Medical Center’s surgical services department. Major sponsors of the event include Premier Radiology, AVB Construction and Neurosurgery of Kalamazoo, P.C.

“We sincerely appreciate the generosity of our major sponsors, donors and players, and encourage anyone who is interested to support a very worthy cause by signing up today for this premier golf event,” said Tony McDonnell, executive director, Borgess Foundation. “Participants will have the opportunity to mingle with Borgess physicians and staff, learn about lifesaving activities at Borgess, and most importantly, benefit the health of southwest Michigan families for years to come.”

Borgess Golf For Health: At A Glance

New events this year include the Whiffle Ball Challenge ($5 per golfer), where golfers will drive a whiffle ball as far as they can while using a child’s plastic club, and the Borgess Ball ($20 per foursome), where team members must play and retain a bright-colored ball throughout the 18-hole outing. Prizes will also be awarded for both of these events.

In 2010, more than 50 sponsors and 108 golfers raised over $29,000 to help fund the enhancement and expansion of the Borgess Level I Emergency & Trauma Center. Joe Brogger, Jr., trustee of the Borgess Foundation and director, private sector employee benefits, Burnham & Flower Insurance Group, added last year: “There are many reasons why golfers like me participate in the Borgess Golf for Health outing every year. The event runs like clockwork. The pro-clinic, onsite physical therapist and emergency personnel give the event a professional feel. Every detail is handled perfectly, and everyone is so friendly and genuinely pleased to have the support of all participants.”

Borgess still seeks golfers and sponsors for the 2011 Golf for Health outing. To sign up, become a sponsor or make a donation, call (269) 226.8100. More information can also be found at foundation.borgess.com.