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