[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 77 (Wednesday, June 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHILDREN'S FREE WARD 
                              ASSOCIATION

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 1, 2011

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Children's 
Free Ward Association for 100 years of caring for the needs of poor, 
sick children in the Saginaw Michigan area. The Association will 
celebrate this milestone at St. Mary's of Michigan Hospital on June 2 
in Saginaw.
  The Children's Free Ward Association was started in 1911 by a group 
of women dedicated to assisting the poor in the Saginaw community. It 
grew out of the women's sewing circle, hospital volunteers that devoted 
hours to sewing and repairing patient garments and linens. In the 
beginning the Association rented one bed from St. Mary's Hospital for 
$12 a week. The physicians and surgeons donated their services to care 
for the children and the Association was soon able to increase their 
commitment to more beds and cribs. Upon discharge from the hospital 
every sponsored child was given a new outfit made by the volunteers. 
Over the years they have advocated and worked to improve pediatric 
healthcare in the Saginaw area. They purchased the first incubator and 
oxygen therapy unit in Saginaw for premature babies. The members of the 
Association also volunteered their time to entertain and comfort the 
children.
  In the last year the Association has supported new medical equipment 
benefitting 17,000 children in the Saginaw Valley region including: 
pediatric crash carts, pediatric attachments for glidescopes, medical 
trays for emergency care, educational and entertainment items for the 
patients' use. They funded a grief camp for children, Asthma Camp, and 
the GreenHouse Center for HOPE expansion project.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
applauding the work of the Children's Free Ward Association. Through 
their efforts countless children have been given the gifts of health 
and life. Conceived with the idea of helping the smallest and poorest 
in our midst receive quality healthcare, the Children's Free Ward 
Association has proven over the last century that with charity, 
determination and a willingness to work, we can accomplish great 
things. I commend the volunteers, healthcare providers and supporters 
for their vision, commitment and enthusiasm to provide hope and health 
to the children and families of Saginaw and I wish them continued 
success through the next 100 years.

                          ____________________