At our February 19th meeting, the Marshfield Rotary Club was honored to host Teri Wilczek, Chief Development Officer for the Marshfield Sanford Health Foundation. In addition to her vital work at the hospital, Teri is a dedicated leader within our own ranks, having served as a Rotary member for 26 years. During her presentation, she shared an inspiring vision for the future of neonatal care in our region.
For over 50 years, the Marshfield Children’s Hospital NICU has been a lifeline for high-risk infants across rural Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. While its lifesaving mission remains steadfast, the needs of its tiniest patients and their families have evolved significantly.
The current NICU utilizes a "pod model," where multiple infants share the same space. While functional, this environment can increase stress for babies, families, and caregivers alike. Currently, families face limited privacy and no overnight stays with their infants. There is also a rising demand for the NICU and admission from the region is increasing.
To meet these challenges, the Foundation is spearheading a major redesign and expansion planned for 2027. This project aims to transform the NICU into a world-class, family-centered environment featuring:
- Private Rooms: Individual spaces to reduce stress and promote bonding.
- Family Overnight Suites: Dedicated rooms for parents to stay by their baby's side.
- Transition Spaces: Areas where parents can learn to care for their infants independently before heading home.
- Caregiver Support: Dedicated spaces for the medical team to collaborate and rest, ensuring they can provide the highest level of care.
Everyone in attendance was moved by the dedication of Teri and her team. Their work to raise the funds necessary for this improvement ensures that Marshfield Children’s Hospital remains a beacon of hope for the next 50 years and beyond.