We recently experienced a milestone in the history of the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital—the groundbreaking ceremony for the new children’s hospital and women’s hospital. This issue of Michigan Cares captures some of the memorable moments from that day. We were honored to be joined by so many of our patients and their families, faculty and staff, volunteers and others who have contributed their support to the project.

We are grateful to all of the donors who are so committed to helping patients and their families. This magazine shares the story of Ernie and Kelly Sorini. The Sorinis are extremely passionate about children and the care they receive. Their $7 million gift will fund both an endowed professorship in the Medical School ($2 million) and the Sorini Family Children’s Emergency Medicine Center ($5 million).

Even though we are looking to the future, we are still focused on the daily needs of our patients. Patients like Seth Bergman and his family know the difference it makes to be surrounded and supported by a caring staff. Seth was flown to Ann Arbor by Survival Flight after an ATV accident. His remarkable recovery shows the importance of being a Level 1 Pediatric and Adult Trauma Center and serving as a resource to all hospitals in the region.

There are many moments to celebrate at Mott Children’s Hospital and Women’s Hospital. There are the daily joys of welcoming new babies into the world, seeing patients recover from accidents and witnessing children walk again after months of physical therapy. We celebrate all of the milestones, big and small. Whatever the achievement, we are honored to help patients and their families.

The new hospital gives us so much to look forward to as we think about all of the patients across the state, country and even the world, who will be welcomed to our new facility. If you want more details about the progress, please visit http://www.med.umich.edu/mott/touch/diff_new.html.

Sincerely,

Patricia A. Warner
Associate Hospital Director
Chief Administrative Officer, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital
The University of Michigan Hospitals and Health Centers