Milestone's of Milestone: Project Details | OSF Saint Francis Medical Center

Milestones of the Milestone Project

July 9, 2009 - $1 Million John Bearce Family Gift to Benefit New Pediatric Surgery Center

The John Bearce Family of Washington has generously pledged a gift of one million dollars to support the Milestone Project.

John Bearce Family

Their names will be recognized in the pediatric surgery waiting area located on the second floor of the Milestone building when it opens in the summer of 2010.

The new Children's Hospital of Illinois surgery suites will be stocked with equipment and instruments that are solely designed for pediatric patients. The child-friendly pre and post-op areas and pediatric operating rooms will provide expanded capacity for pediatric surgery services. Currently, the Pediatric Surgery Center brings together 10 surgical specialties, including the only pediatric neurosurgeon and the only pediatric ophthalmologist outside Chicago. Last year, more than 5,000 surgeries were performed at Children's Hospital of Illinois.

John and Nancy Bearce, along with their daughters Suzie, Jodi, and Amy have been long supporters of OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and Children's Hospital of Illinois. John has served as a Foundation Council and OSF Saint Francis Community Advisory board member since 1997. In addition, his daughter Suzie serves on the Children's Hospital of Illinois Community Advisory Board.

"OSF is an incredible organization, no one gets turned away," said John Bearce in announcing his family's gift. "The Mission of the Sisters is alive in all of the employees who work here - they are serving to be a seamless continuation of the Sisters' plan, from generation to generation. I'll never have a better return on my investment!"

John Bearce Family pictured with (from left) Sister Judith Ann, O.S.F; Sister Rose Therese, O.S.F.;
Sister M. Canisia and Sister Mary John, O.S.F

"Mr. and Mrs. Bearce are ‘family' to our Sisters and OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and we treasure that wonderful bond and friendship," said Sister Judith Ann, O.S.F. "God has blessed them with loving and compassionate hearts and their generous gifts over the years have helped our Sisters receive every person God sends to us for care with open arms. How special is that?! God bless them abundantly."

October 29, 2008 - Topping Off the Milestone Project

Children's Hospital of Illinois has reached another milestone in the Milestone Project, with the placement of the final steel beam atop the structure.

A crowd of employees, construction trades people, volunteers and others were on hand Wednesday, October 29 as the final beam, which had been signed by the above mentioned groups, was placed atop the structure.

Following the remarks and a blessing ceremony, the beam was hoisted by crane into place along with an American flag and evergreen tree attached to the beam. The flag and evergreen are traditions in the construction industry when the final steel beam is placed on a structure, symbolizing the completion of the first phase of the project.

Click to view small video (Windows Media File)
Click to view large video (Windows Media File)

October 29, 2008 - Caterpillar Foundation Announces Major Gift

James Owens
Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Inc.

James Owens, Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Inc., was on hand to announce a significant gift from the Caterpillar Foundation. The Cat Foundation is making a direct grant of $5 million, with up to an additional $5 million match of Cat employees and retirees’ gifts. Overall, the total given to Children’s Hospital could reach $15 million.

The dollars will be allocated to ongoing research and training of medical professional , as well as special equipment for pediatric patients.

“Caterpillar is a strong supporter of the Children’s Hospital of Illinois for three primary reasons: It’s a one-of a kind facility, it’s committed to the disadvantaged and underserved, and it’s preparing the next generation to address children’s healthcare needs,” said Owens in his remarks.

July 12, 2007 - Groundbreaking Ceremony

=Images= | Groundbreaking Program Groundbreaking ceremonies were held Thursday, July 12, 2007, for the Milestone Project. More than 500 guests attended the ceremony, held on the south side of the OSF System Laboratory and new North Parking Deck. Speakers included Bishop Daniel Jenky, Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis, Sister Judith Ann, OSF, Dr. Gary Zwicky, Dr. Kay Saving and Keith Steffen. As Sister Judith Ann stated, "It is this wonderful combination of bricks, mortar, technology and PEOPLE that makes us who we are. Our Sisters are excited about this project. The OSF Healthcare System Board is actively engaged and supportive of this largest undertaking in our OSF History!"

Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis added his thoughts, "My congratulations to OSF Saint Francis and Children's Hospital for having the vision and determination to move forward with this Milestone Project."

When completed, the Milestone project will be the new home for Children's Hospital of Illinois, bringing all services for children under one roof. The new building will also feature a new Emergency Department, surgery and procedures rooms, cardiac floor for adults, and a new main entrance for patients and visitors. You can view details of the ceremony below:

Groundbreaking Program (PDF)