Block by Block Miracles Happen

BLOCK BY BLOCK – MIRACLES ARE HAPPENING! Newly expanded TMC for Children now serving children and families Individuals and families joined businesses large and small to build a beautiful, well-equipped place of healing for children of all ages.

TMC for Children is larger and brighter now, with completion of the first phase of the unit’s redevelopment.

“I’m deeply moved by the generosity of our Southern Arizona community members and Tucson visitors and their commitment to the hospital and our community’s children,” said Kim Bourn, chair of the Pediatric Capital Campaign Block by Block Miracles Happen! “I became involved because all three of our children were born at TMC, and during times of emergency visits or hospitalizations our children always have had outstanding care at TMC; care that all children deserve if and when they need it.”

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Closing in on $12.5 million of support from community donations, TMC has created a 16,000-square-foot expansion to add 26 new all-private patient rooms, family gathering spaces and clinical support areas – including redesigned patios, a teen room, and a big indoor tree that doubles as a patient library and story-telling venue. In the next phase, the existing pediatric rooms will be rebuilt, so that all 44 rooms will be modern, private suites that can accommodate entire families.

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Across the hall from TMC for Children, TMC’s Mother & Baby postpartum unit also opened additional space.

The redevelopment project has created a warm, comforting area where newborns and their families recover after the baby’s birth in beautiful home-like, all-private rooms.

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COURTYARD & TRICYCLE PATH – HELPING KIDS HEAL THROUGH FRESH AIR AND FUN It’s no fun being in the hospital, especially for children. So when the plans were being drawn up for the TMC for Children expansion, a courtyard was added to create an outdoor play area.

The idea of supporting a play area struck a chord with two local couples, who share both a commitment to their community and a belief in the healing power of play.

The Willingham Family Courtyard Harold and Nancy Willingham arrived in Southern Arizona in 1962 during Harold’s service in the U.S. Army. Soon after, the orthopedic surgeon opened his office across the street from TMC. “TMC’s been good to us, and this is a way to give back,” said Dr. Willingham, one of the three original partners with Tucson Orthopaedic Institute.

During his 35 year practice, he cared for orthopedic needs of thousands of Southern Arizonans while she focused on family and community.

“They’re able to see the courtyard from their rooms – ON CENTER

it will motivate and encourage them.”

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“We raised our kids with the idea of giving back,” said Nancy Willingham, explaining why they named the courtyard to honor the entire family.

As predominantly a single-story hospital, TMC makes it easy for pediatric patients to get outside.

“Most children are on the fourth floor of a hospital,” Nancy Willingham said, but not at TMC, where the courtyard, which is only accessible through the secure unit, beckons patients to come out and play! “They’re able to see the courtyard from their rooms – it will motivate and encourage them.”

The Sethi Tricycle Path Dr. Gulshan Sethi and his wife, Neelam knew they wanted to support the new expansion. They considered naming opportunities still available for patient rooms or procedure areas. Then the Tricycle Path was presented to them.

“And that was it,” said the cardiothoracic surgeon. “We knew we wanted to support the Tricycle Path.”

Play does a couple of things, Dr. Sethi explained. It helps keep the heart strong, and it promotes healing.

“Healthy hearts start young,” said Dr. Sethi, explaining that the playground will motivate children, and give them exercise and fresh air. “It’s going to help them get better faster.”

A spongy pathway cushions any falls; plenty of rails help kids move along, and helmets protect their heads when riding the tricycles. All four agree that playing outside is an important part of childhood.

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“The kids are our future and they bring out the best in people,” Neelam Sethi said. “We want all kids to be happy and healthy. But if they get sick, they deserve the best.”

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