Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals

Getting by with a little help from our friends

April 16, 2020

Even before the first case of COVID-19 in Nebraska broke, the Madonna team had prepared and watched carefully, knowing that as a critical member of the medical community in our state, Madonna would be called upon to help. Now a month later, we have implemented many changes to our standard operating procedures and made some difficult decisions with regards to access to our campus locations in the interest of keeping our patients and families safe. The mission of Madonna remains unchanged and we’re prouder than ever to offer world class rehabilitation to patients from around the state and around the country. We’re also incredibly proud and humbled by the response of our community. So many individuals, businesses and educational institutions have reached out with offers of support and encouragement for our teams.

When news stories emerged about limited supply of personal protective equipment for medical professionals across the nation, our long-time friends at Sampson Construction donated N95 masks and hand sanitizer. Kiewit Building Group, who has given Madonna a great deal of support throughout the years, also offered masks. Ameritas, another generous donor also furnished N95 masks, as did the Lincoln Chinese Cultural Association and Madonna nurse Ginger Geise and her husband Dave. The College of Saint Mary Department of Nursing included donuts for staff with their mask donation after classes were suspended for the semester. An organization called PPE for NE provided 400 face shields created via 3-D printing. Karyl Terryberry, whose daughter Lori leads programming at Madonna, enlisted the help of her friends to sew more than 50 cloth masks for non-clinical staff.

Our local restaurants showed their love for Madonna staff by making sure there were treats and caffeine available. Runza restaurants delivered cinnamon rolls, which paired perfectly with iced coffee from Scooters. Nothing Bundt Cakes supplied more sweet treats, as did Girl Scout Troop #42675, a group of 6th graders at Elkhorn Valley Middle School. Midwest Medical supplied meals and cookies for staff as well.

Many in our community responded by offering their support for our patients, including Southeast Community College’s Child Development Center, who created beautiful art for patient rooms. Belinda and Chuck Craig also enlisted the help of several volunteers to send artwork and well wishes. Cards and letters and Zoom calls have been an amazing way for families and loved ones to stay in touch, and one anonymous donor sent a rose to every patient at Madonna’s Omaha Campus.

The response has been overwhelming and we simply can’t thank our community enough for the ways they have supported and will continue to support the mission of Madonna during unprecedented times. Our deepest gratitude goes out to each of you, as do our prayers for health and safety.