THANK YOU FOR
GIVING COMPASSION & KINDNESS
As we approach the end of another year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible impact our Foundation community has made. Because of your generosity, we are providing hope, healing, compassion and so much more to the people who need it most. Our collective efforts are transforming lives every day. Your support is not only addressing immediate healthcare needs, but we are also fostering long-term health for the people who rely on Ascension Illinois for their care. Together, we are cultivating a stronger, healthier community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Thank you for your compassion and kindness. I am grateful for your partnership in this important work, and I look forward to what we can accomplish together next year.
Gratefully yours,
Melanie Furlan Chief Philanthropy Officer Ascension Illinois Foundation
More than $19.5M raised in gifts and grants from generous donors to the Ascension Illinois Foundation.
Because of your support:
Over 13,000 people received communitybased mental health services from our teams in Arlington Heights and Proviso Township.
Over $15.7M distributed across Ascension Illinois to support and enhance philanthropicdependent programs, equipment and innovations to better care for our communities.
Essential supplies, appliances and furniture have been provided for Transitional Living Program apartments.
$281,000 in scholarships were awarded to Ascension Illinois caregivers pursuing academic healthcare degrees.
Integrative programs, therapies and resources have been made possible to support patients and families through end-of-life care at Ascension Alexian Brothers Hospice and Ascension Rainbow Hospice.
Pregnant and postpartum women experiencing anxiety and depression received vital mental health care and medication management through the Perinatal Intensive Outpatient Program
Dietary counseling services were provided at Ascension Alexian Brothers for advanced heart failure and at-risk hypertension patients improving diet and overall health and helping reduce hospital readmissions.
Pediatric patients at Ascension Saint Alexius Women and Children’s Hospital have participated in special closed circuit/live stream programming including bingo, culinary medicine and special events.
5,308 students, parents and education staff received individual/group counseling services, community referrals or education through the School Mental Health program during the 2023/2024 school year.
Residents living in a “food desert” on Chicago’s south side have access to a micro pantry that provides healthy food including lean, high-protein meats, fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and yogurt through The Bettendorf Bridge Program
Child abuse victims and their families are able to receive free forensic interviews, advocacy services and trauma-informed group and individual therapy at the Proviso Children’s Advocacy Center.
GIVING HOPE & HEALING
Providing hope for children and families with autism
Ascension Alexian Brothers Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders Resource Center
Thanks to the generosity of two anonymous donors, the Ascension Alexian Brothers Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders Resource Center in Hoffman Estates received $4.1 million to benefit patients and families in need of services. Since 2010, the Resource Center has helped more than 10,000 families navigate the complex world of services and treatments. This year, thanks to the support of the Ascension Illinois Foundation, the Resource Center was able to provide free diagnostic evaluations, screenings, group therapy, caregiver skills training, support groups and more to over 1,600 families that could not otherwise afford them. This remarkable gift will help ensure timely screenings, assessments, therapy services and referrals to community resources are provided for even more families in need.
“This is the best thing that could happen to us.”
— Grateful parent, Ascension Alexian Brothers Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders Resource Center
Bringing strength and healing to patients with eating disorders
Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago / Ascension Illinois Behavioral Health Services
In September 2024, the new Inpatient Eating Disorders unit at Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago, the only of its kind in Chicago, opened and began accepting patients. The fully-renovated 12-bed unit, funded entirely by philanthropy, provides highly-specialized medical and psychiatric care for all adults — women, men and non-binary — struggling with complex eating disorders. The care team has already treated several male patients in the unit, typically an underserved population for eating disorders. “Our team is providing a healing space for meaningful
work,” said Lacey Lemke, PsyD, Service Line Director, Eating Disorders at Ascension Illinois. “It is inspiring to see so many patients improving their physical and mental health while in our care.”
“I can’t think of a more holistic place for people to begin their journey.”
— Clay Ciha, CEO, Behavioral Health Services, Ascension Illinois
GIVING DIGNITY & PURPOSE
Restoring dignity for breast cancer patients
Ascension Alexian Brothers Cancer Institute
After being diagnosed with cancer, Mary Faraci, spent her remaining years dedicated to helping women in her community who were undergoing cancer treatment. Named in her honor, the Mary R. Faraci Boutique at the Ascension Alexian Brothers Cancer Institute continues Mary’s dream of helping breast cancer patients feel beautiful. This year, the Faraci family has partnered with Inspyr Studios, Arlington Heights Youth Athletic Association Cowboys football program and the Schaumburg Women’s Golf League raising $10,880 dollars to support breast cancer patients at Ascension Alexian Brothers.
Patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer received free consultations, wigs and post-surgical camisoles at the Mary R. Faraci Boutique at the Ascension Alexian Brothers Cancer Institute
Discovering lifechanging stability and spiritual fulfillment through sobriety
Ascension Illinois Housing and Health Alliance
“I want to help someone else after so many people helped me.”
— Ernest, grateful patient
“The fundraising impact the Faraci family has created for the boutique has provided our cancer patients with the much needed assistance and support at a most difficult time in their lives.”
— Lucy Ziccardi,
BA, RN, OCN, Breast Cancer Nurse Navigator, Ascension Alexian Brothers Cancer Institute
After many tumultuous years of drug use and homelessness, 56-yearold Ernest has found sobriety, stability and spirituality at Ascension Illinois Housing and Health Alliance’s Bonaventure House. The spiritual care program at Bonaventure has been a lifeline for Ernest. “I’ve learned how to pray and meditate, and how to live through my spiritual practices,” said Ernest. Now, after nearly two years of sobriety, Ernest is studying to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, a career goal unimaginable before arriving at Bonaventure.
GIVING COMMUNITY & LIFE
Supporting the community’s unmet needs
Physicians Council
This September, the Physicians Council organized a donation drive to benefit the Ascension Illinois Housing and Health Alliance. Essential personal care items, cleaning supplies and bedding were generously donated by members of the Physicians Council and Ascension Illinois associates. Since 2013, the Physicians Council has been addressing the unmet healthcare needs of patients and community members through personal contributions. The group of physicians has grown to 122 members and has awarded over $911,000 to various Ascension Illinois programs.
“It was an overwhelming show of unity, compassion and love.”
— Dr. Rema Johnson, Physicians Council Co-Chair
More than 300 homeless adults living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic health conditions receive supportive housing through the Ascension Illinois Housing and Health Alliance.
Getting life back on track for an Army Veteran
Ascension Illinois Foglia Family Foundation Residential Treatment Center
Jeff struggled with his mental health for years and rarely left his apartment. After serving as a military police officer in the U.S. Army, Jeff was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Encouraged by his therapist, Jeff sought help from the Ascension Illinois Foglia Family Foundation Residential Treatment Center in June 2024. Through exposure therapy and education, Jeff learned how to cope with his OCD in a healthy way. “From the bottom of my heart, I can say that these 50 days at Foglia were some of the best ones of my life.”
“I was hurting badly, Foglia has given me that ‘want to live life again’ confidence.”
—
Jeff, grateful patient
SUPPORT & SNUGGLES
Ascension Saint Alexius
In 2023, philanthropy helped bring a hospital dog, Link, to Ascension Saint Alexius. Now in his second year at the hospital, Link continues to bring joy, comfort and, of course, snuggles to over 973 patients and countless caregivers and staff.
For one patient, a 17-year-old who was struggling with an eating disorder, Link was her sole source of comfort. During a visit with Link, she was able to have more open and meaningful conversations about her illness. Upon discharge from the hospital, she gave the staff a thank you note with a beautiful drawing she made of Link.
Give Hope & Healing
A small act of generosity has the power to transform lives. Your support can help change the story for someone in need. Help give hope and healing to those who need it most by donating today. AscensionIllinoisFoundation.org/givehope
COMFORT & RESPECT
Ascension Alexian Brothers Hospice Residence
“You took such good care of her and provided all of us peace of mind.”
— Grateful son and daughter
“She told me that ‘This is a nice place. The people take good care of me.’ She wanted to let you know how wonderful you all were to her. It gave me such comfort.”
— Grateful family
“The respect and dignity you gave to my father will always be remembered.”
— Grateful family
“Thank you for making Mom’s journey so beautiful for all of us! We are forever grateful!”
— Grateful family