When you’re dealing with a chronic illness or hospitalization, sometimes you really need a Friend to help ease the financial hardship, emotional impact and disruption to daily life.

Since 1973, dedicated volunteers of Friends of UW Health have raised funds to support programs and services that improve the quality of life for patients and their families including…

Free wigs for more than 450 Carbone Cancer center patients to make coping with a cancer diagnosis a little easier.

Hotel rooms for patients and families who travel for our care and lack financial resources to cover the additional expenses.

Financial assistance to under-served and underinsured patients dealing with housing insecurity.

A bridge supply of food for the first 3-5 days after discharge to food insecure or malnourished patients through the Critical Access Food Pantry.

We raise this money with help from YOU!

All sales from the University Hospital, American Family Children’s Hospital and UW Health at The American Center gift shops support patient and family programs through Friends of UW Health. Friends of UW Health members receive 25% off in the gift shops. Become a member today to receive your discount card.

We also hold many Vendor Sales throughout the year, including a Spring and Fall flower sale with proceeds going directly to help those in need.

Our community volunteers are a huge part of our success story. We thank our Board Members for their tireless energy.

Amy Matsumura, President

Tara Swalve, President Emeritis

Teri Keeler, Co-Treasurer

Carrie Noonan, Co-Treasurer

Jenny Carl, Secretary

Mich Arora, Executive Board Member At Large

Dena Carreyn, Executive Board Member At Large

Debbie Oswald, Executive Board Member At Large

Susan Kalin, Historian

Kristi Austin, Board Member

Mary Baliker, Board Member

Kim Bentz, Board Member – Grants Co-Chair

PJ Decamp, Board Member

Rahel Desalegne, Board Member

Kristin Determan, Board Member

Kira Dott, Board Member

June Franklin, Board Member – Love Lights Chair

Chris Giroux, Board Member

Lynn Jaeger, Board Member

Joanna Janus, New Board Member

Valerie Kazamias, Board Member

Lena Kelly, Board Member – Flower Sale Chair

Michele Keuler, New Board Member

Ilektra Kolokouri, Board Member

Jill Mack, Board Member

Heather Pellino, Board Member

Shon Ransom, New Board Member

Michelle Ripp, Board Member

Sarah Salzwedel              , Board Member

Rachel Jacobson, Sustaining Member

Michelle Oster, Sustaining Member

Helen Price, Sustaining Member

Kathy Trace, Sustaining Member

Beth Blum, Director of Events

Linda Handel, Gift Shop Ambassador (TAC)

Liz Hill   Events Strategist

Meggen Heuss, Gift Shop Manager (UWHC and AFCH)

Beth Pinkerton, Events Strategist